What You Need to Know About Spiders in North America

Spiders are a common sight in homes across North America. While many species are harmless and even beneficial, others—like the Black Widow or Brown Recluse—can pose serious health risks. Knowing how to identify different spiders, where they typically hide, and how to keep them out is essential for maintaining a safe and comfortable home.

This guide will help you identify key spider species, understand their behavior, and take steps to prevent infestations in and around your home.

Common Spider Species Found in North America

Black Widow Spider

• Identification: Glossy black body with a red, hourglass-shaped marking on the underside of the abdomen.
• Habitat: Found in dark, dry, and undisturbed places such as garages, basements, woodpiles, and sheds.
• Risk: High. Bites can cause severe pain, muscle cramps, and other symptoms, especially in children or the elderly.
• Action: If bitten, seek immediate medical attention.

Learn more about how to protect your property with our residential pest control services.

Brown Recluse Spider

• Identification: Light to dark brown body with a violin-shaped marking on the back.
• Habitat: Prefers warm, dry areas like closets, attics, and crawl spaces. Often hides in shoes, boxes, and under furniture.
• Risk: High. Bites can lead to necrotic wounds and other serious symptoms. Immediate treatment is essential.
• Action: Clean the wound and get medical help right away.

Our team offers discreet, effective spider control solutions to target venomous species like the Brown Recluse.

Wolf Spider

• Identification: Large, hairy spider with brown or gray coloring and a distinctive eye arrangement.
• Habitat: Typically found outdoors in grass, leaf litter, and around foundations. May come indoors seeking warmth during colder months.
• Risk: Low. Not aggressive or venomous to humans, but their size can be alarming.
• Behavior: Hunts prey rather than building webs.

If you're seeing large spiders indoors, our general pest control program can help prevent their entry.

Jumping Spider

• Identification: Small, compact spider with large front-facing eyes and often colorful bodies.
• Habitat: Found on windowsills, plants, and outdoor surfaces. Does not spin webs but jumps to catch prey.
• Risk: None. Harmless to humans and helpful in controlling insects.

Keep insects in check by learning about our mosquito control services, which can reduce the food source for spiders.

House Spider

• Identification: Brown or tan spider with long legs. Known for messy cobwebs in corners and unused spaces.
• Habitat: Commonly found in basements, attics, closets, and under furniture.
• Risk: None. These spiders are not dangerous and rarely bite.

Regular maintenance and proactive measures through our year-round pest protection can help prevent recurring spider activity.

How to Prevent Spider Infestations

Preventing spider problems starts with limiting their access to your home and reducing their food sources:

• Seal cracks and gaps around doors, windows, vents, and the foundation.
• Declutter storage areas like basements, garages, and attics.
• Reduce outdoor lighting, which attracts insects and, in turn, spiders.
• Vacuum regularly and remove webs as soon as you spot them.
• Control other pests such as ants, flies, and mosquitoes to remove spider prey.

For a more complete solution, consider scheduling a home pest inspection with our licensed technicians.

Call Pest & Termite Consultants for Expert Spider Control

If you’ve spotted venomous spiders or are tired of recurring cobwebs and spider sightings, don’t go it alone. At Pest & Termite Consultants, we offer expert spider removal and pest prevention strategies tailored to North Carolina homes.

• Customized treatment plans
• Safe, family- and pet-friendly solutions
• Trusted local pest control professionals

Call us today at (919) 246-8831 or schedule your inspection online to reclaim your space from unwanted pests.

Stay Protected Year-Round

Understanding common spider species and where they hide is the first step toward a pest-free home. Whether you're dealing with dangerous spiders or simply want to stay ahead of the problem, Pest & Termite Consultants is here to help with proven, affordable solutions.