Most California residents will come across a spider in their homes at some point. While many species are harmless, some are dangerous and require professional spider control to remove them. Familiarizing yourself with the most common varieties will ensure you know how to approach the insect and what kind of pest solution they require.

5 Common House Spiders

1. Domestic House Spider

These dark brown insects are non-aggressive, posing little risk to humans. You have little to fear if you find house spiders and shouldn’t bother disturbing them. They spin a funnel-shaped web to capture their prey and feed on mosquitoes, wasps, and other household pests, providing an unconventional form of pest control.

2. Tarantula

While tarantula bites aren’t poisonous to humans, their intimidating appearance may cause a scare. These spiders are bigger and thicker than other arachnids and can range between 4.5 to 11 inches from the front right leg to the back rear leg. They prefer dark, secluded areas and spin messy nests in corners, like in the back of closets.

3. Brown Recluse

The brown recluse can deliver a dangerous amount of venom, and its bite usually requires a trip to the emergency room. These spiders have long, thin, brown legs with a black violin-shaped symbol on their abdomens. They have six eyes rather than eight and build asymmetrical webs in woodpiles, sheds, and garages.

4. Wolf Spider

Wolf spiders are large and intimidating, and they burrow underground to pounce on their prey. Their legs can be over an inch long, and their big eyes give them better vision than many other insects.

These spiders deliver a painful bite. While the bites aren’t fatal, they can be extremely painful and require a trip to the hospital. Since these insects are aggressive, you’ll need the help of a professional spider control team to remove them.

5. Black Widow

These spiders are one of the most dangerous North American species, and they can deliver potentially fatal bites. They’re black and feature a red hourglass-shaped marking on their abdomen. Black widows typically spin messy nests with large silk sacs in shaded areas. If you discover these insects in or around your home, leave removal to the professionals to avoid their dangerous bites.

If you’ve noticed an abundance of these insects on your property, turn to the exterminators at Safeguard Pest Control in Sutter Creek, CA. These professionals have provided homeowners throughout the Mother Lode area with reliable spider control solutions since 1979. Get more information about their services online, or call (209) 267-1200 to schedule a free on-site estimate.