Spotting a spider in your home can be nerve-wracking, especially if you aren’t sure what it is or whether it’s poisonous. Fortunately, by knowing how to identify common venomous species, you can call for spider control when needed and worry less about innocent pests. Here are a few tips for identifying some poisonous spiders you may find in Washington.

Poisonous House Spiders

1. Black Widow Spider

One of the most easily recognizable venomous spiders is the black widow, known for its shiny black body and bright red hourglass marking on its inner abdomen. Black widow spiders tend to make very messy, disorganized webs, and can attack if you disrupt their web or space. Keep in mind that male and juvenile black widows are brown and may not have visible markings, but their bites also aren’t venomous.

2. Hobo Spider

Hobo spiders have brown bodies with yellow markings and small, ball-shaped palpi that run past their heads. These spiders tend to be smaller than others, with a body size that's usually less than half an inch long. Since hobo spiders are commonly confused with other types of house spiders, consider taking a picture of the one in your home and running it through a reverse image search to determine if you should call for spider control.

3. Yellow Sac Spider

Another common venomous spider is the yellow sac spider. These tend to nest in corners of rooms in small angular webs. While they're technically poisonous, they don't usually inflict much damage, and may only leave behind a welt. However, you can still identify them by their light yellow bodies with a green, almost clear tints, and dark eyes.

If you have any questions about what kind of spiders you’re dealing with, turn to the experts at Extermination Services, Inc. in Port Orchard, WA. With a commitment to making homes safer and more comfortable, this trusted exterminator can help you to spot and resolve pest problems before they become dangerous. To learn more about how they can help with spider control, visit their website or call (360) 895-1890.