SPIDERS

What Are Spiders?

Spiders are arachnids. They have two main body parts, eight legs, and jaws that are designed to pierce and tear their prey. Spiders usually have six to eight eyes, but they don’t often have good eyesight. The silk spinning organs in their abdomens allow spiders to weave the signature webs that you will find with most species.

Spiders play an important role in controlling other pests, though they’ve often considered pests themselves. Although many people are afraid of spiders, most species will not bite humans, preferring instead to run away when threatened. Almost all spiders are venomous, but few are dangerous.

What Do Spiders Look Like?

Spiders come in many shapes, but all have the characteristic features described above. Most notable are the two body parts and eight legs. Spider species are typically identified by their color and shape. Their abdomen shape, size, and markings can also help you identify what type of spider you’re dealing with. Some of the most common American spiders include the following:

• American House Spider: Tan, gray, or brown, this spider is about the size of a nickel including the legs. It has a rounded abdomen and likes to live in dark spaces like closets and basements. These spiders create messy webs, known as cobwebs.
• Jumping Spider: Easily identified by the jumping movement, this spider is about an inch long. Its front legs are longer than the back legs. The coloring can range from black to brown, tan, or gray.
• Sac Spider: About 1/2-inch long, the sac spider is a light yellow or beige color. These spiders are usually found near the ceiling, but they don’t spin webs.
• Wolf Spider: These large spiders are usually more than an inch long. They have an elongated body and legs with a hairy appearance. Wolf spiders are brown, black, or tan. They live in tunnels or burrows in the earth and are often found hiding under rocks or in cracks in the home.
• Brown Recluse: One of a few dangerously venomous spiders in the United States, the brown recluse is brown or gray with a violin-shaped mark on the on body. This spider is about 1/3-inch long. You can find them in many places including inside walls, furniture, and clothing.
• Black Widow: The black widow is another venomous spider you should be aware of. They’re about 1/2-inch long and glossy black. Females have an hourglass-shaped red marking on the underside of the abdomen while males have red or pink spots on the back. Only mature females are dangerous.

Where Do Spiders Live?

Spiders can live nearly anywhere. The species determines the spider’s preferred habitat. Spiders can dwell in trees, in the ground, under rocks, and along the eaves of your home. Many species look for dark areas where they can enjoy seclusion. Some are attracted to damp places in the home.

Spiders will typically make a home where they can find an ample supply of food. In your home, you’ll often find spiders in or near windows, where other insects are more likely to enter and get trapped in their webs. A spider infestation may occur as a byproduct of another type of infestation. If you have an ample supply of flies in your home, for example, hungry spiders may follow this food source.