California is home to a variety of spiders - a fact you might know from a personal (and perhaps frightening) encounter with one of these arachnids. Spiders might scare you, but don’t worry - it’s our duty to instruct you on the ins and outs of some of these pests you might see.
The following creatures are examples of spiders in California:
Whether you live in Los Angeles or elsewhere in the Golden State, we will help you understand the basic facts about some commonly encountered California spiders. And don’t forget - if spiders have taken up residence in or around your property, you can book a free pest inspection today.
California is home to many spider species, from the common house spider and wolf spider to orb weavers and cellar spiders. Most are harmless and help keep insect populations in check. If you're unsure what you're dealing with, we're here to help.
The American house spider is one of the most common spiders you'll find indoors in California. Gray or brown with subtle markings, it's often spotted in basements, closets, and garages. While its tangled webs can be a nuisance, this spider is harmless and actually helps keep other insects in check.
The western black widow (Latrodectus hesperus) is one of California's most recognizable spiders. Females are dark black with a distinctive red or orange hourglass marking on the abdomen and measure up to ⅝ inch in length. If you spot one on your property, contact us. This is a spider best left to the professionals.
The long-bodied cellar spider (Pholcus phalangioides) is easy to identify by its pale coloring and distinctively long, thin legs. It's commonly found in damp, dark areas and is often mistaken for a harvestman. Despite its eerie look, it poses no real threat to people.
The brown widow spider has expanded its range into Southern California in recent years. It's brown or grayish-brown with a yellow-to-orange hourglass marking and three white spots on the abdomen. Although it’s venomous, its bite is generally considered less severe than that of the western black widow.
The false black widow (Steatoda spp.) is frequently mistaken for its more dangerous relative. It has a bulbous, dark brown or purplish body but lacks the red hourglass marking. It's commonly found in sheds, basements, and the corners of homes, and is more widespread than many people realize.
Wolf spiders are large, fast-moving spiders found throughout California. Brown or gray with hairy bodies and strong legs, they're often spotted on the ground rather than in webs. Their size can be alarming, but they're generally not a threat to people.
California is home to several tarantula species, particularly in dry, desert-like regions and grasslands. These large, hairy spiders are slow-moving and most active during warmer months or the fall mating season. Despite their intimidating size, they're generally docile.
The desert recluse is one of the more concerning spiders found in Southern California. Light brown with a violin-shaped marking on its back, it prefers undisturbed, cluttered spaces. Bites are uncommon, but if you think you've been bitten, see a healthcare professional right away.
The silver garden orb weaver is a striking spider commonly seen in California gardens and shrubs. Known for its bright silver or white markings, it builds large, circular webs to catch flying insects. It's a beneficial garden resident and poses no threat to people.
Yes, there are venomous spiders in California. Some of the most notable are the black widow and brown widow, both of which can be found in and around homes in the state. These spiders are known for their potent venom, though serious reactions to bites are rare. The yellow sac spider and the desert recluse also carry venom that may cause health issues in some people.
So, are there poisonous spiders in California? The term "poisonous" is often confused with "venomous." While technically incorrect for spiders, many people use "poisonous" to describe these species. What matters most is knowing how to spot and avoid them. If you're unsure whether the spider you've found is dangerous, it's best to leave it alone and call us to take a look.
Remember, spider bites can cause different reactions depending on the person. Always see a healthcare professional if you think you've been bitten by a spider and are having symptoms.
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Looking for the local authority in spider control for Riverside, CA? Count on Western Exterminator to eliminate the problem.
Our specialists live and operate in San Diego, available to help you with any spider problem you might encounter.
Western Exterminator can help do away with the spiders that are infesting your California property and help prevent them from returning. If you think (or know) that you’ve got a spider problem, get in touch with us today. Whether it’s a one-off inspection or as part of our pest control plan, PestFree365+, we can help.¹
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