Common Spiders Found in Your Home and How To Keep Them Out

As the weather worsens, many pests seek shelter indoors for warmth, food, and water. Along with these unwanted guests come the predators that hunt them—spiders. While spiders may help reduce other pest populations, they shouldn’t be welcome inside.

But how do you identify the type of spider you’re dealing with, know where to find them, and assess the level of risk they pose to your family and pets? Brooks Pest Solutions is here to help you understand the most common types of spiders you might encounter and how to keep them out before they can settle in.

Types of Spiders in Texas

Let’s start with the basics. What do spiders eat? Of the many varieties of spiders found in America, most are carnivorous, preying on insects such as flies, ants, and other small bugs.

But just how many types of spiders are there? Texas is home to hundreds of spider species we treat, though only a handful are commonly found in homes:

• House spider. Perhaps the most common spider species in Texas homes, the house spider is a small, harmless arachnid commonly found in corners, windowsills, or ceilings. These spiders spin messy cobwebs and feed on household pests like gnats and ants. They are not dangerous to humans or pets, but their bites can cause itching and irritation.
• Wolf spider. Unlike web-spinning spiders, wolf spiders actively hunt their prey, often hiding in cracks or under furniture during the day. These hairy spiders can appear intimidating but pose little risk to humans. Their diet consists of flies, crickets, and other crawling insects, only biting mammals when frightened or in self-defense.
• Black widow spider. Famously venomous, black widows are small, glossy black spiders with a red hourglass marking on their abdomen. They spin irregular, sticky webs in dark, secluded areas such as basements, garages, and woodpiles. Though their venom is potent and can cause severe reactions in humans and pets, black widow bites are rare despite their deadly reputation.
• Brown recluse spider. Brown recluses are light to dark brown with a distinct violin-shaped marking on their back. They are nocturnal hunters and prefer undisturbed areas like closets, attics, and behind furniture. While they don’t spin traditional webs, their bites can cause painful necrotic lesions, making them a serious concern. Luckily, they prefer to stay away from people whenever possible.

Professional Spider Pest Control From Brooks Pest Solutions

While at-home methods can temporarily mitigate spider problems, they rarely address the root cause. At Brooks Pest Solutions, we understand that spiders thrive when other pests are present. That’s why our professional services target both spiders and the insects they rely on for food.

Half measures simply won’t cut it for effective spider control. Trust Brooks Pest Solutions to solve your spider problem and deter future invasions. Contact us today for a free pest control quote to keep your home secured with a little help from Brooks Pest Solutions.