Seeing a spider skitter across your floor makes almost anyone pause, but not all spiders are dangerous. In fact, most of the spiders you’ll encounter inside your home in Washington or Idaho are harmless. They could even be helpful, when they’re feeding on smaller insects and pests.
If you’re wondering which spiders are showing up in your home, here’s how to recognize the most frequently spotted species in our region.
Spiders You’re Most Likely to See in Your Home:
- Common House Spider: These small, grayish-brown spiders build messy cobwebs in corners or window frames. They’re docile and not a threat to people, but they are natural insect hunters.
- Hobo Spider: Identifiable by their medium size and subtle chevron patterns on their back, hobo spiders often appear in basements or garages. Despite past concerns, research now shows their bites are not a significant medical risk. However, their venom could still affect those with sensitivities or allergies, so it’s important to stay cautious.
- Giant House Spider: True to their name, these large spiders can span several inches when their legs are extended. While they may look frightening, they’re shy by nature and prefer to escape rather than confront humans.
- Wolf Spider: Thicker-bodied and fast-moving, wolf spiders don’t build webs. Instead, they roam open spaces in search of prey. Their speed and size can be startling, but they’re not considered dangerous.
- Cellar Spider (Daddy Longlegs): Recognized by their tiny torsos and very long, thin legs, cellar spiders are common in damp or dark areas like basements. They’re completely harmless and often feed on other pests, including other spiders.
- Orb-Weaver Spiders: Colorful and often spotted outdoors, orb-weavers construct large, circular webs near windows, lights, and in gardens. These beneficial spiders rarely venture inside and play a key role in outdoor insect control.
- Jumping Spider: Compact, curious, and easily identified by their large front eyes and jerky movements, jumping spiders are found along windowsills and walls. Though they may seem bold, they’re not aggressive and are harmless to people.
Should You Be Concerned About a Brown Spider Indoors?
It’s common to worry when you see a brown spider, as many people fear it could be a brown recluse. However, brown recluse spiders do not live in Washington or Idaho. Their range does not extend to the Pacific Northwest, and verified sightings here are nearly unheard of.
Instead, you’re likely seeing one of these harmless brown spiders:
- Hobo Spider
- Giant House Spider
- Wolf Spider
While their appearance can be intimidating, none of these are considered medically dangerous, and they typically avoid humans.
How About Black Widow Spiders?
If you’ve seen a spider with a glossy black body and a distinct red hourglass shape, it might be a black widow. These are the only venomous spiders in our area with a bite that can cause serious symptoms in some people, especially children, the elderly, or those with health conditions. Although they’re unlikely to be fatal, black widow bites can cause extreme pain, nausea, fever, increased heart rate, and more. If you’re seeing black widows around your property and you have an unknown bug bite, seek medical attention immediately.
Trusted Spider Control Services in Washington and Idaho
Even harmless spiders can be unwelcome guests. Whether it’s the occasional web or more frequent sightings, Eden Advanced Pest Technologies is here to help you reclaim your space.
With over 30 years of pest control experience in the Spokane, WA and Coeur d'Alene, ID area, our team specializes in effective and efficient spider control. With professional pest control, you can feel assured that the spiders in your home are properly identified, instead of having to guess what you’re dealing with. After a thorough inspection of your property, we’ll create a personalized plan to exterminate any pesky spiders and prevent future issues.
Don’t wait, contact us today for your free inspection and specialized spider prevention plan.
Back to Spider Exterminators & Control