7 Facts About House Spiders That Will Make You Fall In Love

• Thomas Nelson
• October 6, 2023
• Nature, Sustainable Living
• 0 Comments

In the quiet corners of our homes, often unnoticed and sometimes even unwelcome, house spiders quietly go about their lives. These humble arachnids, with their delicate webs and unassuming presence, have long been the subject of myths and misconceptions that cast them in a less-than-favorable light. Yet, it’s time to shed new light on these remarkable creatures and discover the many reasons why you should not just tolerate but genuinely love house spiders.

Facts about house spiders

What’s the deal with house spiders? Are they dangerous? Do they serve a purpose? And how do they get into our houses? We’ll cover that and more here.

House spiders are good pest control

House spiders, those unassuming arachnids that often make themselves at home in the corners and crevices of our houses, serve as highly effective pest controllers. Their role in pest management is both subtle and remarkable. These arachnids excel at capturing and consuming a wide array of common household pests, making them essential allies in the ongoing battle against unwanted insects.

One of the most significant advantages of house spiders is their insatiable appetite for insects. They are natural hunters, targeting pests like flies, mosquitoes, moths, and gnats that can be a persistent nuisance to humans. House spiders actively patrol their webs, awaiting the telltale vibrations signaling the arrival of a hapless insect that has unwittingly stumbled into their trap.

Their webs, intricate and sticky marvels of design, are specifically tailored to intercept flying insects. These webs are strategically placed in locations where pests are most likely to be active, such as near windows, light sources, or in dark corners. Once an insect becomes ensnared, the house spider swiftly moves in to dispatch its prey.

House spiders are unsung heroes when it comes to pest control. Their innate hunting skills, specialized webs, and nocturnal habits make them effective and environmentally friendly allies in the battle against household pests. By allowing these arachnids to coexist peacefully in our homes, we can benefit from their natural and sustainable pest management services while reducing our reliance on chemical interventions. House spiders remind us that sometimes, the best solutions to common problems can be found in the intricate web of nature itself.

Your house spider was likely born in your house

The common house spider that you encounter within the walls of your home was most likely born right there, in the very place where it now resides. House spiders have adapted to human environments and have evolved strategies that allow them to thrive in the cozy corners and undisturbed spaces of our houses. It’s said that only about 5% of spiders you see in your home came from outside. Which brings us to our next point.

House spiders don’t have a good chance at life outside

House spiders that have spent their entire lives inside a human dwelling may face significant challenges if they are put outside, as they are not well-equipped to survive in an outdoor environment. These spiders have adapted to the stable and controlled conditions indoors, which differ significantly from the unpredictability of the natural world.

One of the most immediate challenges they would encounter is the variability in temperature and weather conditions outdoors. House spiders are accustomed to the relatively consistent indoor climate, and sudden exposure to extreme heat, cold, or moisture can be detrimental to their well-being.

Furthermore, outdoor environments are teeming with predators and competitors that house spiders may not have encountered before. Birds, insects, and other spiders could view them as easy prey. House spiders may also have to compete for resources, such as food and shelter, with native outdoor spider species that have adapted to these conditions over time.

The types of insects available outdoors may differ from those found indoors, posing another obstacle for house spiders. Their hunting skills may not be well-suited to capturing outdoor prey, potentially leading to hunger and malnutrition.

There are thousands of species of house spider

The world of house spiders is a diverse and intricate one, with thousands of species found across the globe. These arachnids have adapted to a wide range of environments, making them incredibly diverse in terms of their appearance, behavior, and habits. These are some of the more common ones:

1. Common House Spider (Parasteatoda tepidariorum): This is one of the most widespread house spider species, found in North America and many other parts of the world. They are typically brown or gray with a bulbous abdomen and build messy, cobweb-like webs in corners, crevices, and windowsills.
2. Domestic House Spider (Tegenaria domestica): Also known as the barn funnel weaver, these spiders are common in Europe and North America. They have long legs and build funnel-shaped webs in dark, secluded areas. They are usually brown with light stripes on their cephalothorax.
3. Giant House Spider (Eratigena atrica): This species is primarily found in Europe, including the United Kingdom. As the name suggests, they are one of the largest house spiders, with a leg span of up to 4 inches. They are brown and build sheet-like webs in basements and crawlspaces.
4. Southern House Spider (Kukulcania hibernalis): These spiders are often found in the southern United States. They are large and dark brown, with long legs and a cylindrical body. They are not true web builders and instead create silken retreats in dark corners or under eaves.
5. Sac Spider (Clubiona spp.): Sac spiders are a diverse group with many species worldwide. They are typically pale yellow to light brown and have elongated bodies. They build silken sacs in hidden places and are known for their swift movements.
6. Black House Spider (Badumna insignis): Native to Australia, these spiders are often found in dark, sheltered areas of homes. They are black or dark brown with a bulbous abdomen and build messy cobwebs. They are known for their long-lasting silk.
7. American House Spider (Achaearanea tepidariorum): These small, brownish spiders are commonly found in North America. They create messy cobwebs in various indoor locations, including basements, garages, and crawlspaces.

Please note that the appearance and behavior of house spider species can vary even within a single species due to factors like location and environmental conditions. These are just a few examples, and many more house spider species exist worldwide, each with its own unique characteristics and adaptations to its specific habitat.

No, spiders don’t sneak in through your plumbing

The idea of spiders sneaking into homes through plumbing or water pipes is a common misconception that has persisted for years. However, it’s important to clarify that spiders do not enter homes through plumbing, and there are several reasons why this notion is implausible.

Spiders, even the smallest ones, are relatively large compared to the openings in plumbing systems. The openings in pipes are typically too small for spiders to pass through. In many cases, the diameter of plumbing pipes is less than half an inch, which is far too narrow for most spiders to navigate.

Spiders are air-breathing arachnids, which means they require a constant supply of air to survive. Venturing into water-filled pipes would not only be physically challenging but also life-threatening for them. Spiders are not adapted to survive underwater or in waterlogged environments.

Even if a spider somehow managed to enter a plumbing system, it would face the challenge of gravity. Plumbing pipes are designed to allow water to flow downward, which means any spider attempting to move against the flow of water would face significant resistance.

Spiders are more likely to enter homes through gaps, cracks, open windows, doors, or vents. These entry points provide easier access for them, and they are more in line with their natural habitats and behaviors.

House spiders aren’t dangerous

House spiders do possess venom, as all spiders do, but their venom is typically weak and not designed to harm humans. Their fangs are too small to puncture human skin effectively. Even if a house spider were to bite a person, the bite would generally result in mild, localized discomfort, similar to a mosquito bite. Severe allergic reactions to house spider bites are exceptionally rare.

House spiders are not aggressive toward humans. They prefer to avoid contact and will typically retreat or hide when approached. Bites usually occur only when a spider feels threatened or cornered. Even in such cases, they are more likely to flee than to engage in a defensive bite.

Bites from house spiders are infrequent occurrences. Most encounters with these spiders do not lead to bites. They are not inclined to attack humans as their primary source of food is insects.

What should you do with a house spider?

If you encounter a house spider in your home and you’re wondering what to do with it, there are several options to consider depending on your preferences and the circumstances. Here are some common approaches:

1. Leave it Be: In many cases, the best course of action is to simply leave the house spider alone. House spiders are generally harmless and play a valuable role in controlling insect populations. If the spider is in a less intrusive location, such as a corner or behind furniture, you may choose to coexist with it.
2. Capture and Release: If you’re uncomfortable with the presence of a house spider or if it’s in a location where it may pose a nuisance (e.g., near a sleeping area), you can capture it gently and release it outdoors. Use a glass or container to trap the spider and carefully slide a piece of paper or cardboard underneath to lift it. Then, take it outside and release it away from your home.
3. Create a Spider-Friendly Space: If you appreciate the pest control services that house spiders provide, you can create a more spider-friendly environment. Avoid using pesticides that may harm them and leave undisturbed areas where they can build their webs and catch prey.
4. Reduce Attractants: To prevent future spider infestations, take steps to reduce the attractants for insects in your home. Keep doors and windows screened, repair cracks and gaps in walls, and maintain good sanitation practices to reduce the availability of food sources for spiders.

It’s important to remember that house spiders are generally harmless and beneficial in controlling common household pests. Most of the time, they are not a cause for alarm, and coexisting with them can be a simple and effective approach to pest management. However, if you have specific concerns or phobias related to spiders, you can choose one of the non-lethal methods mentioned above to address the situation.