Spiders are arachnids, not insects; in fact, they’re as different from insects as birds are from fish. Closely related to ticks and scorpions, spiders possess unique traits compared to other common pests, such as producing silk stronger than steel by weight. Though spiders help control other pests, they can become a nuisance—or even a danger—when they infest indoor spaces, making effective treatment in your home or business crucial.
Common Household Spiders: How to Identify Them
Spiders are easily identifiable by their two-part body—the abdomen and cephalothorax—along with their eight legs and spinnerets used for silk production. Though their appearance varies widely in terms of color and size depending on the species, most spiders ranger from 1/4" to 1" in length.
In North Carolina, there are close to 700 spider species—and several types are know to travel indoors.
Black Widow Spiders
Recognizable by their glossy black bodies and distinctive red hourglass markings, black widows are the most dangerous venomous spiders in our state.
Brown Recluse Spiders
Identified by the violin-shaped marking on their backs, brown recluse spiders are the second most dangerous, with venomous bites that can cause serious damage.
Carolina Wolf Spiders
The largest spider in the state, with a leg span of up to 4 inches, Carolina wolf spiders are hunters, not web-builders. While intimidating looking, they pose little risk to humans, preferring dark, quiet areas.
House Spiders
Most often found indoors, house spiders build messy webs in corners and undisturbed spaces indoors. Their bites are rare and generally harmless.
Cellar Spiders
Also called "daddy long-legs," cellar spiders have long, thin legs and an intimidating appearance, but they are completely harmless to humans.
If you encounter venomous spiders—-like black widows or brown recluses—in your home or business, it’s important to quickly determine if there’s an infestation before they become a greater threat.
What Are the Dangers of Spiders?
While most spiders aren’t aggressive, bites can occur if they feel threatened. Symptoms range from mild irritation to life-threatening medical issues, depending on the spider type and the victim’s health conditions.
READ MORE ABOUT SPIDER BITE RISKS
The Life Cycle of a Spider
The spider life cycle covers four stages: egg, spiderling, juvenile and adult.
- Egg: Female spiders lay eggs in silken sacs, which can contain hundreds or even thousands of eggs depending on the species.
- Spiderling: After hatching, spiderlings—small, undeveloped versions of adult spiders—emerge. They either disperse in search of food and shelter or remain near the egg sac. As they grow, they periodically shed their exoskeleton to accommodate their increasing size.
- Juvenile: Through successive molts, spiders continue to grow, gradually transitioning toward full maturity.
- Adult: Once fully grown, spiders can reproduce and produce their strongest silk. Most spiders live for one to two years, although some like tarantulas can live much longer.
Where Are Spiders Commonly Found?
Spiders seek out quiet, hidden areas for shelter and hunting. As cold-blooded carnivores, they can survive in cooler environments but may move indoors when temperatures drop and food becomes more scarce outside.
- Indoors: Spiders commonly settle in basements, attics, closets and storage areas.
- Outdoors: Spiders often live under rocks, in wood piles or nestled in debris.
Treating a Spider Infestation: DIY vs. Professional Help
While DIY control methods—such as decluttering, sealing cracks, using repellents and setting traps—can reduce spider numbers, they often don’t address larger issues or fully prevent infestations. For more long-term protection, regular inspections by a pest control expert can detect and prevent spider infestations before they become a real problem.
Terminix Triad can expertly identify spider species and provide professional-grade treatments designed to eliminate them and prevent their return. Our process includes:
- Thoroughly inspecting your property for webs and breeding areas
- Using specialized products to control them
- Providing tips and recommendations for limiting occurrences
- Performing follow-up visits to monitor treatment effectiveness