Spiders are one of the most common household pests, with around 3,700 species found in the United States. The vast majority are harmless, but a handful of species can pose real risks to people and pets.
Spiders are arachnids, which means they're more closely related to scorpions and ticks than to insects.
Almost all spiders produce silk, which they use for webs, egg sacs, and shelter. They consume hundreds of millions of metric tons of insects each year, making them one of nature's most effective pest controllers.
Most spiders you'll find indoors are harmless. They tend to show up where insects are plentiful, which is why kitchens, basements, and garages are common hotspots.
Most spiders you'll encounter at home are harmless. But two species found in the United States are worth knowing; both carry venom that can cause a potentially serious reaction in some people.
The black widow is one of the most recognizable spiders in the U.S. Females are shiny black with a distinctive red hourglass marking on the underside of the abdomen. They're typically about 1/2" in body length and prefer dark, sheltered spots like garages, woodpiles, and crawl spaces. Their venom is a neurotoxin that can cause muscle pain, cramping, and nausea. If you suspect a bite, seek medical attention right away.
The brown recluse is light to medium brown with a violin-shaped marking on its back and six eyes arranged in three pairs, rather than the usual eight. It's found mainly in the central and southern US and prefers undisturbed areas like attics, storage boxes, and wall voids. Its venom can cause tissue damage in some cases. If bitten, consult a healthcare professional promptly.
Want to know more about the full range of spider species found across the West? Our spider species guide covers identification, habits, and regional distribution in detail.
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Spotting a spider now and then is normal. But if you're seeing these signs of a spider infestation regularly, it may point to a larger issue:
The best way to keep spiders out is to make your home less inviting. Seal gaps around windows, doors, pipes, and foundations, since spiders can squeeze through surprisingly small openings.
Reduce clutter in garages, attics, and storage areas where spiders like to hide, and clear webs regularly to discourage them from settling in. Keeping other insects under control also helps, because spiders go where the food is.
For persistent or widespread issues, professional spider treatment is the more reliable route.
If spiders keep coming back, or if you've spotted a venomous species like a black widow or brown recluse, it's time to call in the professionals. Western Exterminator has been helping homeowners and businesses across the West deal with spider problems since 1921.
There are around 3,700 spider species in the United States alone, and over 45,000 known species worldwide. The good news is that the vast majority are harmless to humans.
In the U.S., the two groups considered most dangerous are widow spiders (including the black widow) and recluse spiders (including the brown recluse). If you think you've been bitten by either, seek medical attention right away.
Spiders typically enter through gaps around doors, windows, pipes, and foundations. They can also hitch a ride indoors on boxes, firewood, or secondhand furniture.
Female spiders lay eggs in silken sacs. Depending on the species, a single sac can contain dozens to hundreds of eggs. Spiderlings hatch and disperse, often by releasing a strand of silk to catch the wind.
What’s the difference between these two pests?
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