Spider
Spider Facts and Identification
Some common colors include black, brown and gray.
Spider size varies from 3mm to 35mm.
Spiders have a unique anatomy which includes two main body parts: the cephalothorax (head and thorax fused together) and the abdomen. The head part contains eyes, mouthparts, and pedipalps, while the abdomen contains silk glands.
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Spiders are eight-legged arachnids that play an important role in the natural environment. They belong to the class Arachnida, which also includes scorpions, ticks, and mites. Although spiders are often mistaken for insects, they are different in several important ways. Most spiders have eight legs, two main body sections, and no antennae or wings.
Spiders can be found in gardens, forests, basements, garages, sheds, and homes. Many species help control other pests by feeding on flies, mosquitoes, moths, and other small invertebrates. However, finding spiders inside your home can be uncomfortable, especially when they appear in bedrooms, bathrooms, storage areas, or other frequently used spaces.
Understanding what spiders are, how they behave, and why they enter buildings can help you manage their presence more effectively. It also makes it easier to recognize when a few harmless spiders are simply passing through and when recurring activity may require further investigation.
In this guide, we explain the different types of spiders, their life cycle, common hiding places, potential risks, and practical ways to reduce spider activity around your property.
What Are Spiders?
Spiders are predatory arachnids that feed mainly on insects and other small animals. Most species catch their prey using webs, while others actively hunt by chasing, stalking, or ambushing it.
Unlike insects, which have six legs and three main body sections, spiders have eight legs and two main body sections: the cephalothorax and abdomen. Their bodies are adapted for hunting, producing silk, sensing movement, and surviving in a wide range of environments.
There are thousands of spider species around the world. They vary considerably in size, colour, behaviour, habitat, and hunting methods. Some build intricate webs, while others live in burrows or hide beneath rocks, bark, and other materials.
Most spiders are not aggressive towards people. They generally avoid human contact and may bite only when they feel threatened, are accidentally pressed against the skin, or cannot escape.
Are Spiders Insects?
No. Spiders are arachnids, not insects.
Although both groups belong to the broader animal kingdom of arthropods, their physical structures differ.
The main differences include:
- Legs: Spiders have eight legs, while insects have six.
- Body sections: Spiders have two main body sections, while insects typically have three.
- Antennae: Spiders do not have antennae, but insects do.
- Wings: Spiders do not have wings, although some can travel through the air using silk.
- Silk production: Many spiders produce silk for webs, egg sacs, and other purposes.
These differences are useful when identifying an unfamiliar creature in your home. For example, a small spider on a wall may resemble an insect at first glance, but its eight legs and two-part body help distinguish it.
What Do Spiders Look Like?
Spiders have several physical features that help them hunt, move, and respond to their surroundings.
Eight Legs
A spider’s eight legs allow it to walk across different surfaces, climb, and position itself while hunting. Some species can move quickly, while others rely on slow, careful movements to approach prey.
Certain spiders can also detect vibrations through their legs. These vibrations may come from struggling prey, movement across a web, or nearby environmental changes.
Two Main Body Sections
A spider’s body consists of two principal sections. The cephalothorax contains the eyes, mouthparts, and legs. The abdomen contains many of the internal organs and, in most species, the structures associated with silk production. A narrow connection joins these two sections.
Multiple Eyes
Most spiders have eight simple eyes, although some species have six or fewer. Their eyesight varies widely. Jumping spiders generally have excellent vision compared with many web-building species. Other spiders depend more heavily on vibrations and touch to detect prey or respond to potential threats.
Silk-Producing Structures
Many spiders produce silk through specialised organs called spinnerets. Spider silk is used for more than making webs.
Depending on the species, spiders may use silk to:
- Capture insects.
- Build shelters and retreats.
- Protect eggs inside egg sacs.
- Create draglines that help prevent falls.
- Move between locations by ballooning.
The presence of silk around windows, ceiling corners, basements, or storage boxes may indicate spider activity, although the web alone does not identify the species.
What Are the Different Types of Spiders?
Spiders come in many shapes and sizes. Their appearance and behaviour depend on their species, habitat, and hunting strategy. The following groups illustrate some common spider types and the characteristics that make them distinctive.
1. House Spiders
House spiders are commonly associated with buildings, including homes, garages, basements, and sheds. The term can refer to several species rather than one specific spider.
Some house spiders construct irregular webs in corners and undisturbed spaces. Others may wander indoors while searching for food, shelter, or a mate. You may find them behind furniture, near windows, around ceiling corners, or in storage areas that receive little disturbance.
A small number of spiders indoors does not necessarily indicate a serious infestation. However, repeated sightings may suggest that suitable hiding places and a reliable food supply are available.
2. Jumping Spiders
Jumping spiders belong to the family Salticidae. They are often small, compact, and active during the day. Instead of relying on a web to catch insects, they usually stalk prey and jump to capture it. Their strong vision helps them judge distances and detect movement.
Jumping spiders may occasionally enter houses through open windows, doors, or small gaps. They can also be found on exterior walls, garden plants, and other sunny surfaces. Most jumping spiders avoid people and are not considered a major household pest.
3. Wolf Spiders
Wolf spiders are active hunters that generally do not use capture webs to catch prey. They often move across the ground, vegetation, or other surfaces while searching for food.
Many wolf spiders are brown, grey, or patterned in colours that help them blend into their surroundings. Their relatively robust bodies can make them appear intimidating.
They may enter buildings through gaps beneath doors, foundation openings, or other access points. Basements, garages, and ground-level rooms can occasionally provide suitable shelter.
Wolf spiders generally prefer to escape rather than confront people. If one is found indoors, a container and stiff card can sometimes be used to move it outside safely, provided it can be handled without direct contact.
4. Orb-Weaver Spiders
Orb-weaver spiders are known for their circular, wheel-shaped webs. These webs are often found in gardens, shrubs, between branches, and around outdoor lights. Orb-weavers help control flying insects by trapping them in their webs. Their colours and sizes vary by species, and some have distinctive markings.
They are more commonly encountered outdoors than deep inside occupied rooms. Webs near porches, decks, and exterior doorways can sometimes be mistaken for signs of an indoor spider problem.
5. Cellar Spiders
Cellar spiders have long, thin legs and relatively small bodies. They are often found in basements, crawl spaces, garages, and other sheltered areas. Many build loose webs in quiet corners, where they can remain undisturbed for extended periods.
Their presence may be more noticeable in buildings with cluttered storage areas or spaces that are rarely cleaned. Removing abandoned webs and reducing suitable hiding places can help manage their numbers.
6. Funnel-Weaver Spiders
Funnel-weaver spiders construct webs with a funnel-shaped retreat. They may wait inside the retreat and move quickly when prey comes close. Some species build webs in grass, around shrubs, or in sheltered outdoor areas. Others may be found in garages, sheds, and building corners. A funnel-shaped web can help identify the spider’s general behaviour, but it is not enough to determine the exact species.
7. Crab Spiders
Crab spiders are often found on flowers, leaves, and other vegetation. Many can move sideways, which gives them a crab-like appearance. Rather than building large webs to capture prey, they frequently wait in concealed positions and ambush insects that come within reach. Crab spiders are generally associated with outdoor habitats. Finding one inside may simply mean it entered accidentally.
8. Black Widow Spiders
Black widow spiders belong to the genus Latrodectus. Some species have dark bodies and distinctive markings, including a red or orange hourglass-shaped marking on the underside of the abdomen. Their appearance varies by species and life stage, so identification should not rely on colour alone.
Black widow bites can cause significant symptoms and require appropriate medical attention. If you suspect that a potentially medically significant spider is present, avoid touching or attempting to handle it.
Do not assume that every black spider is a black widow. Many harmless species are dark in colour, and reliable identification may require a clear photograph or examination by a knowledgeable professional.
9. Brown Recluse Spiders
Brown recluse spiders are associated primarily with certain regions of the United States and are not generally established throughout Canada. They are sometimes incorrectly identified in online discussions and photographs. Brown colouring alone is not sufficient to identify a brown recluse.
If you find an unfamiliar brown spider, avoid making assumptions based on colour or a single marking. Consider the geographic range, physical characteristics, and expert identification before drawing conclusions.
10. Fishing Spiders
Fishing spiders are relatively large spiders that are commonly associated with water, damp vegetation, and wooded environments. Some species can move across the water’s surface and capture aquatic prey. They may occasionally be found near cottages, sheds, or buildings close to suitable outdoor habitats.
Although their size can be surprising, they generally avoid people and are not typically associated with persistent indoor infestations. For more information about other common household pests, explore the Acme Pest Solutions pest library.
Where Do Spiders Live?
Spiders occupy a wide range of habitats. Their preferred locations depend on the species, available prey, temperature, moisture, and shelter.
Outdoor Habitats
Common outdoor spider habitats include:
- Gardens and lawns.
- Trees and shrubs.
- Leaf litter and compost areas.
- Rocks and fallen branches.
- Woodpiles and sheds.
- Exterior walls and window frames.
- Fences, decks, and porch structures.
Outdoor spiders often help control insect populations. Removing every spider from a garden is rarely necessary and may reduce the presence of beneficial predators.
Indoor Habitats
Spiders may enter buildings through open doors, windows, damaged screens, and small gaps around foundations or utility lines. Once indoors, they often settle in quiet areas where prey is available.
Common indoor hiding places include:
- Basements and crawl spaces.
- Attics and storage rooms.
- Behind cupboards and furniture.
- Around windows and door frames.
- Garages and utility rooms.
- Cardboard boxes and stored belongings.
- Ceiling corners and undisturbed shelving.
Not every spider found indoors has established a permanent population. Some enter accidentally, while others may remain because the building offers suitable shelter and food. If you regularly discover webs in the same areas, inspect those spaces for clutter, gaps, and other conditions that may support spider activity.
What Do Spiders Eat?
Most spiders are predators. Their diets consist mainly of insects and other small invertebrates, although some larger species can capture more substantial prey.
Depending on the species and habitat, spiders may feed on:
- Flies.
- Mosquitoes.
- Moths.
- Small beetles.
- Aphids.
- Other spiders.
- Various small arthropods.
Web-building spiders capture prey that becomes trapped in their silk. Hunting spiders actively search for suitable prey and use their speed, vision, or ambush behaviour to catch it. This feeding behaviour makes spiders useful predators in many ecosystems.
However, spiders are not a reliable substitute for a structured pest management approach. If a building contains many flies, moths, or other insects, removing spiders without addressing the underlying insect activity may leave the original problem unresolved.
The better approach is to identify why the insects are present and reduce the conditions attracting them.
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What Is the Life Cycle of a Spider?
Most spiders develop through several stages: egg, immature spiderling, and adult. Their exact development varies according to species, temperature, food availability, and environmental conditions.
1. Egg Stage
Female spiders produce eggs and may protect them inside silk egg sacs. The number of eggs depends on the species. Some spiders carry their egg sacs, while others attach them to webs or conceal them in sheltered locations.
Egg sacs may be found in quiet corners, behind stored objects, or within outdoor vegetation. Their appearance varies, and not every small silk bundle is necessarily a spider egg sac.
2. Spiderling Stage
After hatching, young spiders are called spiderlings. They are generally much smaller than adults and may disperse from the original hatching location.
Some spiderlings remain close to the egg sac for a period, while others move away relatively quickly. Certain species use a process called ballooning, in which young spiders release silk that can carry them through the air on moving currents. This behaviour helps explain why spiders sometimes appear in places where there seems to be no obvious nearby source.
3. Juvenile Growth
Immature spiders grow by moulting, which means shedding their outer exoskeleton. They may moult several times before reaching adulthood.
During this stage, spiders continue developing their hunting abilities and physical characteristics.
Food availability and environmental conditions can influence how quickly they grow.
4. Adult Stage
Adult spiders reproduce, and females of many species produce one or more egg sacs. Lifespans vary considerably. Some small spiders live for a relatively short period, while other species can survive much longer under suitable conditions. Because the life cycle differs between species, it is not possible to give one universal timeline for spider development or population growth.
Are Spiders Dangerous to Humans?
Most spiders are not dangerous to people. They generally prefer to avoid contact, and many species have little reason to approach humans. Nevertheless, some spiders can bite when threatened. The effects depend on the species, the amount of venom delivered, the person’s health, and other circumstances.
When Should You Be Concerned?
Use caution if:
- A spider has been reliably identified as a medically significant species.
- You find a spider in footwear, bedding, or clothing where it could be accidentally pressed against the skin.
- You encounter multiple unfamiliar spiders in a location where people or pets may disturb them.
- Someone develops concerning symptoms after a suspected bite.
Do not pick up an unidentified spider with bare hands or try to provoke it to determine whether it is dangerous.
What Should You Do After a Suspected Spider Bite?
Wash the area gently with soap and water. A wrapped cold pack may help reduce discomfort and swelling. Seek medical advice if symptoms worsen or the bite causes significant pain, spreading redness, or other concerning changes.
Call emergency services for severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, fainting, or signs of a serious allergic reaction. Do not delay medical care while trying to identify the spider.
A skin mark or sore cannot reliably identify a spider bite on its own. Other conditions can produce similar symptoms, so a healthcare professional should assess concerning reactions.
Why Do Spiders Enter Houses?
Spiders may enter houses for several reasons. Understanding these factors can help you reduce recurring activity instead of relying only on removing individual spiders.
1. Food Availability
Spiders are predators, so buildings that contain flies, moths, mosquitoes, or other small insects may provide a useful food source. For example, outdoor lighting can attract flying insects near entrances. Those insects may, in turn, attract spiders that build webs nearby. Reducing insect activity can make these locations less attractive to hunting and web-building spiders.
2. Shelter and Hiding Places
Spiders prefer locations where they can remain undisturbed. Cluttered basements, packed storage rooms, cardboard boxes, and unused corners can provide suitable hiding places. Organising stored items and regularly cleaning quiet areas can reduce the number of places where spiders settle.
3. Entry Points
Spiders can enter through small openings around doors, windows, vents, pipes, and foundations. Damaged screens and gaps beneath exterior doors may also provide access. Inspecting these areas and sealing appropriate openings can help limit indoor entry.
4. Seasonal Changes
Spider activity varies with species and local weather. Some spiders become more noticeable indoors during seasonal changes because outdoor conditions, prey availability, or mating behaviour influence their movements.
A rise in sightings does not automatically mean that the home has a severe infestation. Instead, consider where spiders are appearing, how often they are seen, and whether there are webs, egg sacs, or other signs of repeated activity.
5. Nearby Vegetation and Stored Materials
Dense vegetation close to exterior walls, woodpiles, and stored materials can provide shelter for spiders and insects. Keeping vegetation appropriately trimmed and moving unnecessary storage away from building entrances can reduce opportunities for pests to gather near the home.
What Are the Signs of Spider Activity in a Home?
A few spiders may be incidental visitors. Repeated activity in several rooms, however, can indicate that the property provides suitable shelter or food.
Look for the following signs.
Spider Webs
Webs are among the most noticeable signs of spider activity. They may appear in ceiling corners, around windows, behind furniture, or in storage spaces.
Different species build different types of webs, and some spiders do not build capture webs at all. Fresh webs that repeatedly appear in the same locations may suggest ongoing activity.
Egg Sacs
Some spiders produce silk egg sacs that protect developing eggs. If you find a suspected egg sac indoors, avoid crushing it or handling it directly. If identification is uncertain, take a photograph from a safe distance or ask a pest professional for guidance.
Live Spiders
Seeing a spider occasionally does not necessarily mean there is a widespread problem. However, repeated sightings in bedrooms, basements, or other indoor areas may justify a closer inspection of entry points and hiding places.
Insect Activity
A consistent supply of insects can support spider activity. If you notice many small flies or moths around windows, drains, food storage, or outdoor lights, investigate the insect source.
For example, you can learn more about the signs and behaviour of common cockroaches if you suspect another household pest may be contributing to the problem.
Identifying the underlying issue is often more useful than treating spiders alone.
How to Prevent Spiders From Entering Your Home
Preventing spiders is generally more effective when several practical measures are combined. The aim is to reduce entry points, limit hiding places, and manage the insects that spiders feed on.
1. Seal Gaps Around Doors and Windows
Inspect exterior doors, window frames, foundation openings, and areas where utility lines enter the building. Repair damaged screens and use appropriate sealing materials around suitable gaps. For larger openings or structural damage, consult a qualified professional before attempting repairs.
2. Reduce Indoor Clutter
Store belongings in organised containers and avoid leaving unused items piled up in basements, garages, and closets. Where practical, use sturdy, sealed storage containers rather than leaving belongings exposed in cardboard boxes for long periods. When moving stored items, wear gloves if necessary and check for spiders before reaching into dark spaces.
3. Clean Corners and Storage Areas
Regularly vacuum ceiling corners, window frames, baseboards, and areas behind furniture. Remove abandoned webs when cleaning. If you find a spider, egg sac, or unfamiliar material, avoid direct contact. Use a vacuum safely and empty its contents according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
4. Manage Outdoor Lighting
Bright exterior lights may attract flying insects, which can create favourable hunting locations for spiders. Where appropriate, use lighting designed to reduce insect attraction, position lights away from frequently used entrances, or use motion-activated fixtures. Lighting changes will not eliminate all insects or spiders, but they may help reduce activity around doors and windows.
5. Maintain Your Yard
Keep grass maintained and avoid allowing dense vegetation to press directly against exterior walls. Store firewood and garden materials neatly, away from doors and other frequently used entrances where practical. When moving wood, leaves, or outdoor storage items, check for spiders and other small animals before handling them.
6. Control Other Household Pests
If spiders are repeatedly appearing indoors, consider whether other insects are also present. Addressing food waste, moisture, drainage issues, and insect entry points can help reduce the prey available to spiders.
Different insects require different management methods. For example, persistent fly activity may require identifying the breeding source rather than simply removing adult flies.
7. Inspect Items Before Bringing Them Indoors
Spiders may occasionally hide in garden furniture, stored equipment, boxes, and outdoor belongings. Check these items before carrying them into the home, especially if they have been stored in sheds, garages, or other sheltered areas. This simple habit can reduce the chance of unintentionally introducing spiders into indoor storage spaces.
How to Get Rid of Spiders in Your Home
The appropriate response depends on the number of spiders, the location, the suspected species, and the reasons they are present.
Remove Individual Spiders Carefully
If you encounter a spider that can be approached safely and is not suspected to be medically significant, you may be able to capture it with a container and stiff card. Avoid handling it directly. If you are unsure about its identity or behaviour, leave it undisturbed and seek appropriate assistance.
Remove Webs During Routine Cleaning
Cleaning abandoned webs can help reduce visible spider activity and make it easier to monitor whether new webs are appearing. Pay attention to corners, storage areas, and other places that are not cleaned frequently. Web removal alone may not solve a recurring problem if spiders continue entering through gaps or have a steady food supply.
Address the Underlying Conditions
Look for damaged screens, openings around pipes, clutter, and recurring insect activity. If spiders keep appearing in the same locations despite regular cleaning, inspect the surrounding areas for conditions that may be supporting them.
Avoid Indiscriminate Pesticide Use
Do not apply pesticides randomly around a home in an attempt to eliminate every spider. If a pesticide is considered necessary, it should be appropriate for the target pest and intended location. Always follow the product label, including application instructions, precautions, and any re-entry requirements.
Never mix pesticides or apply them to people, pets, food, or surfaces in ways not permitted by the label. For persistent or widespread activity, a professional inspection can help determine whether treatment is warranted and which management options are suitable.
When Should You Call a Professional Pest Control Company?
Professional assistance may be helpful when spider activity is persistent, difficult to identify, or concentrated in areas that are hard to inspect safely.
Consider requesting an assessment when:
- Spiders repeatedly appear in several rooms.
- Webs or suspected egg sacs keep returning.
- You find unfamiliar spiders and cannot identify them confidently.
- Spider activity appears connected to a broader insect problem.
- Spiders are present in difficult-to-access areas, such as crawl spaces or attics.
- You are concerned about safely managing the problem around children or pets.
A useful inspection considers more than the spiders themselves. It may involve examining common hiding places, identifying potential entry points, checking for prey insects, and reviewing conditions that support recurring activity.
The appropriate response depends on the findings. Not every spider sighting requires pesticide treatment, and no single approach is suitable for every species or building.
Acme Pest Solutions provides residential and commercial pest control services in its service areas. If recurring spider activity is affecting your property, you can explore our pest control services to learn more about professional assistance.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Dealing With Spiders
Small mistakes can make spider management less effective or create unnecessary risks.
Assuming Every Spider Is Dangerous
Many spiders are harmless to people and help control other pests. Avoid relying on colour, size, or general appearance alone to identify a dangerous species.
Ignoring Entry Points
Removing a spider without checking how it entered may provide only a temporary solution. Inspect doors, windows, screens, and other suitable openings when sightings recur.
Treating Only the Visible Webs
Web removal can improve cleanliness, but it does not necessarily address the conditions supporting spider activity. Combine cleaning with clutter reduction, entry-point management, and insect control.
Spraying Pesticides Without Reading the Label
Incorrect pesticide use can expose people, pets, and the environment to unnecessary risks. Always follow the label and seek professional guidance if you are uncertain about the appropriate product or application.
Disturbing an Unidentified Spider
Trying to catch, crush, or handle an unfamiliar spider can increase the chance of accidental contact. Keep a safe distance, avoid direct handling, and seek expert help if identification or removal presents a concern.
Frequently Asked Questions (Faqs)
Spiders are arachnids. They generally have eight legs and two main body sections, while insects typically have six legs and three main body sections.
Spiders have eight legs. Their legs help them move, climb, sense vibrations, and interact with their surroundings.
No. Many spiders build webs to capture prey, but others actively hunt insects or ambush them without using capture webs.
Recurring sightings may be related to entry points, suitable hiding places, outdoor conditions, or the availability of insects for food. Inspecting these factors can help identify practical prevention measures.
Yes. Most spiders are predators that feed on insects and other small invertebrates. They can help regulate insect populations outdoors and in some indoor environments.
Not necessarily. Many spiders are harmless and may be removed carefully if needed. If a spider is unfamiliar or potentially dangerous, avoid direct contact and seek appropriate assistance.
Yes. Depending on their size and the opening, spiders can enter through gaps around doors, windows, vents, utility lines, and foundations. Sealing suitable openings can help reduce access.
Not always. An occasional web may simply indicate that a spider has settled in a quiet corner. Repeated webs, frequent sightings, and other signs of ongoing activity may justify further inspection.
Many species use sheltered, undisturbed areas, which may include dark corners, basements, garages, and storage spaces. However, spider preferences vary by species, and some are active in bright outdoor environments.
Consider professional assistance if sightings are persistent, the species is uncertain, the spiders occupy difficult-to-access spaces, or the activity appears connected to other pests.
Conclusion
Spiders are arachnids that play an important role in controlling insects and maintaining ecological balance. Most species avoid people, but their presence indoors can be unsettling, especially when webs and repeated sightings occur in frequently used rooms.
Learning to recognise different spider types, understanding where they hide, and identifying why they enter buildings can make prevention more effective. Sealing appropriate gaps, reducing clutter, cleaning undisturbed areas, maintaining outdoor spaces, and managing other insects are practical starting points.
A few spiders do not automatically indicate a serious pest problem. However, recurring activity may deserve a closer look, particularly when the species is unfamiliar or the spiders are difficult to manage safely.
If spiders continue to appear despite preventive measures, consider a professional assessment to help identify the source of the activity and determine the most appropriate next steps.
For information about pest management options, visit Acme Pest Solutions and explore the services available for your property.