What we recognize as a common household spider is not one particular spider, but several different identifiable and unidentifiable spiders. These spiders are usually tan or light brown with dark markings on the underside of their abdomens. They usually measure in around 3/8 of an inch, and are generally not dangerous, but can be a nuisance and cause skin irritation, especially those with sensitive skin, when they bite.  These are the most common spiders that we see inside the structure.  The webbing of these spiders are almost non-existent, not the webbing you would typically see in the upper corners of the room.

Wolf Spiders

There are 125 species of Wolf Spider, and that’s here in the United States alone. The native North Carolina Wolf arthropods (Hogna carolinensis) are the largest spiders in the state, that can measure up to 1½ inches in length.  They come in a variety of colors, including brown, black, gray, white, and sometimes yellow or green. These hairy Lycosidae family members are creepy spiders with three rows of eyes, totaling 8 eyes.  These spiders are usually seen scurrying across the floor in the home or business.

Black Widow Spiders

In the United States, there are three species of Black Widows. The southern black widow is known as Latrodectus mactans. There is one important difference between the shiny, large bellied female black widows and the smaller dull male widows: venom. Male widows are not poisonous, nor do they have the red hourglass shape on the underside of the abdomen. They are twice as small as the 8 to 13mm sized female, making distinction very simple. These venomous spiders are dangerous, particularly to the elderly and young children, and should be removed by a professional.  We see these spiders in Raleigh and Durham in garages, around the edges of homes, and around and under decks.  We get a lot of these spiders in new construction when products (shingles, lumber, siding, etc.) are brought in from large warehouses.

Brown Recluse Spiders

The most common Brown Recluse species found in Raleigh/Durham and the eastern part of the country, is the Loxosceles reclusa. Their signature look is the violin-shaped mark on top of the neck (cephalothorax). The Brown Recluse, like the Wolf Spider, has three rows of eyes, but only totaling 6. These spiders are on average about ¼ to ½ inch in length.  Although we talk about this spider a lot, it is not commonly found in homes in the Raleigh/Durham area.  Most sightings of this spider are misidentified house spiders.  These spiders are found in these areas usually around undisturbed debris, hence the name, Recluse.

Innovative Pest Solutions can control spiders in and around your home.  As part of our service we de-web the eaves and other areas around the exterior of your home.  Our quarterly pest control service is the best way to keep spiders and other household pests out of your home year round.