House Spiders in Virginia
The common house spider is the most frequently encountered spider in North America, often being seen indoors. Its sticky, crisscrossed webs, known as cobwebs, can be a nuisance. These webs typically gather in corners and ceilings, trapping insects that wander in. If a web doesn’t catch prey, the spider will abandon it and relocate. These spiders are skilled hunters, using their webs to capture various insects, from flies to ants.
House Spider Habitat
Common house spiders thrive in quiet, undisturbed spots where moisture and food are abundant. They are often found in places like gardens, backyards, basements, attics, barns, and sheds. When left undisturbed, these spiders can live up to seven years in the same web, particularly in areas like attics and garages. Outdoors, however, females typically die in the cold, and males rarely survive beyond a year. Their ability to adapt to various environments makes them one of the most common household pests.
House Spider Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers
House spiders are swift but non-aggressive creatures that typically avoid confrontation. While bites are uncommon, they can happen if the spider feels cornered. If bitten, mild pain, swelling, and itching may occur. Despite their appearance, house spiders offer a benefit by eating harmful pests such as termites, carpenter ants, and moths, without damaging property. They play an important role in controlling the populations of these pests indoors.
For common house spider infestations, it’s best to contact your local pest control professionals.
