Common Types of Spiders: How to Identify & Prevent Them

If you see a spider in your home, your first instinct may be to squish it. But we say it’s important you identify it first! Some spiders are just lost and are best released outside. Other spiders may indicate you have a pest problem they’re feasting on. And a few may be venomous and fight back if you attempt to kill them. To best protect your home, health, and the local ecosystem, read our guide on the common types of spiders in North Carolina!

What Are the Common Types of Spiders in North Carolina?

North Carolina has a rich, thriving ecosystem, and spiders play an important role in it. While there are many types of common spiders in our state, we’ll go over the ones that you’re most likely to see in or around your home.

Orb Weavers

You’ve likely heard the story of Charlotte’s Web and know the classic imagery of her circular patterned web. What you may not know is that Charlotte, in this timeless children’s story, is actually an orb-weaver spider.

Orb weavers are a type of spider that’s very common across the country and in North Carolina. They can be easily identified by their spiral webs, and they often have a large, rounded abdomen. Luckily, these spiders are very docile and don’t bite unless provoked, which is typically the equivalent of a bee sting at worst.

If you find one in your home, you may want to relocate it outside as it’s likely just lost—having an orb weaver outside your home can actually act as a deterrent to other spiders and pests.

Common House Spiders

Did you know that some species of spiders have lived alongside humans for so long they’ve become accustomed to living inside, just like us? This is going to be the most common spider you’ll find in your home, and they’re aptly named the house spider.

These spiders are usually brown or gold in color with darker stripes along its body and legs. You can also figure out if you have house spiders based on the presence of cobwebs. Usually, these spiders are harmless and will stay in dark, hidden places.

These spiders can closely resemble more venomous spiders, so make sure you don’t see any violin-like shapes on its torso (a notable feature of the brown recluse spider), and never use your bare hands to relocate it or squish it. For this same reason, don’t let your dog or cat eat spiders to get rid of them.

Cellar Spiders

Cellar spiders, as their name suggests, like to be in dark, cool places such as your crawlspace. These spiders closely resemble house spiders, but they can be better identified by their extremely long, thin legs (earning them the nickname of “Daddy long-legs”).

While there is a myth that these spiders are extremely venomous, this is simply not true. This common type of house spider is actually quite docile and has no medical significance in terms of their bite. That being said, they can be a nuisance, so encapsulating your crawlspace can help prevent them from setting up a web in your home.

Wolf Spiders

If you have heard horror stories about people finding giant spiders in their homes, they’re likely referring to the wolf spider. This spider can be over an inch big and is often a light brown in appearance. While you may be alarmed by its large size, these spiders are not a threat to humans and likely wandered into your home by mistake.

With these spiders, it’s important to not try to smash them. If the spider recently had eggs, the mother carries her young on her back. So smashing her with a boot or book could cause the babies to scatter across your home and become a bigger problem. With wolf spiders, the best method is to prevent them by sealing your doors and windows thoroughly and releasing them back outside through the old cup and paper method.

Hobo Spiders

Hobo spiders are a common spider you’ll see in your backyard. You may recognize their presence when you see webs on top of your grass. Known for their funnel webs, these spiders use ground-level webs to catch prey—which means they’re not great at climbing. If they accidentally find their way into your home, you’ll likely see them on your floor.

Hobo spiders are often mistaken for the brown recluse, due to their similar size and coloring. Luckily, brown recluses are not native to our state, so it’s rare that you’d see one in the first place. But unless you see the distinct violin shape on its abdomen, you’ve probably come across a hobo spider, which is not toxic to humans and can safely be released back outside.

False Widow Spiders

As their name suggests, the false widow spider has a very similar appearance to the infamous black widow, but they actually pose no real threat to humans in their bite. They can be identified by their black or brown color and rounded abdomen—similar to the orb weaver spider. However, you’ll notice they lack the bright red hourglass shape on their abdomen.

False widows do have venom, but it’s no stronger than a bee sting or fire ant bite. Typically, they will not bite unless they are provoked. Most of these spiders want to be outside, but a few may set up their web in your home, especially in your cupboard or crawlspace.

Do We Have Dangerous Spiders?

The most dangerous spider we have in North Carolina is the black widow spider. While the black widow is not aggressive, it will bite when provoked, and its bite has been documented to cause severe symptoms in humans. These spiders are well known for their black coloring and the bright red hourglass shape on their bulbous abdomen. If you see one in your home, it’s best to leave it alone (trap it under a glass if you can safely) and call a professional to get rid of it for you.

Don’t Share Your Home with Spiders—Use Clint Miller!

If a spider has gotten into your home, it’s for one of two reasons: they found a way in through a crack or hole, or your home acts as a good food source for them. With professional recurring pest control, you can make sure your home is sealed away from these pests and doesn’t have a population of food for them.

At Clint Miller, we’ll not only inspect your home for the presence of spiders, but we’ll treat any other pest problems we find along the way. Our spider control protects your home from creepy crawlies while preserving beneficial spiders in their natural outdoor habitats.