The Homeowner’s Guide to
Spiders in North Carolina
Thanks to our state’s diverse geography, North Carolina is home to a diverse range of spider species. While many North Carolina spiders pose no threats to humans and even help control insect populations, others can be dangerous, unwelcome guests in our homes. This guide will help you identify different types of spiders in North Carolina, understand which ones are venomous, and provide tips on preventing and addressing spider infestations from your property.
Common Spiders in North Carolina
House Spider
The North Carolina house spider is a frequent resident in many homes in the state. These small brown or gray spiders with subtle markings build messy webs in corners and are generally harmless to humans.
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Orb Weaver Spider
Orb weaver spiders in North Carolina have striking yellow and black markings and are known for their intricate, wheel-shaped webs in gardens and wooded areas. North Carolina banana spiders, also known as the Golden Silk Orbweaver, are a common type of orb weaver with a bright yellow body reminiscent of a banana. Despite their large size, orb weavers are not harmful to humans and often play a role in controlling insect populations.
Jumping Spider
Jumping spiders in North Carolina are small, often brightly colored spiders known for their curious nature and excellent jumping abilities. These spiders do not spin traditional webs but actively hunt their prey, relying on their exceptional vision and physical abilities to chase and capture small insects. They are harmless to people and may even help control pest insects in your home.
Green Lynx Spider
If you spot a green spider in North Carolina, it’s likely the green lynx spider, which is commonly found in gardens and shrubs. They are bright green and help manage pest populations by feeding on harmful insects like moths, aphids, and caterpillars. Green spiders rarely bite humans, but if they do, it can be quite painful.
Black Widow Spider
The black widow spider in North Carolina is easily identifiable by its shiny black body and the trademark red hourglass marking under its abdomen. They prefer dark, secluded areas like garages, woodpiles, and crawl spaces. Females are the most venomous and can deliver a painful bite that may require immediate medical attention.
Brown Recluse Spider
The brown recluse spider in North Carolina is less common but still a major concern. Identified by a violin-shaped marking on its back, this spider prefers undisturbed areas like attics, closets, piles of clothes, and under furniture. A brown recluse bite can result in a severe wound that continues to grow if left untreated, so prompt medical treatment is always recommended.
Brown Widow Spider
The brown widow spider in North Carolina is a relative of the black widow. It has a tan to dark brown body with an orange or yellow hourglass marking. Although less aggressive, it can still deliver a venomous bite. It often inhabits outdoor furniture, fences, and under eaves.
Other Spiders in North Carolina
Huntsman Spider
Sometimes referred to as a crab spider, the huntsman spider is known for its large size and speed. Its 1-inch body is usually brown with long, 3-5” legs extending outward—very reminiscent of a crab. The North Carolina huntsman spider prefers warm environments and is often found under loose bark or rocks. While it may appear intimidating, it is not aggressive and rarely bites humans.
North Carolina Wolf Spider
The North Carolina wolf spider is a robust, ground-dwelling spider with a hairy appearance that can be anywhere from 1/2 inch to over 2 inches in body length. It ranges in color from brown to gray and has distinctive markings that help it blend into its surroundings. Wolf spiders do not spin webs and prefer to hunt their prey at night. They might enter homes accidentally and stay for an extended period but are generally harmless to humans.
White Spider
When people talk about white spiders in North Carolina, they are likely referring to the goldenrod crab spider. These spiders can change color between white and yellow to blend with their surroundings, making them excellent ambush predators. They are commonly found on flowers, waiting to catch insects like bees and butterflies. Goldenrod crab spiders are harmless to humans, as their fangs are not powerful enough to penetrate human skin.
Yellow Spider
Yellow spiders in North Carolina may refer to the yellow sac spider. These small pale-yellow spiders are known to create silk sacs where they rest during the day. Yellow sac spiders are venomous and may bite humans if they feel threatened, but their bites are not deadly.
Venomous Spiders
While most spiders in the state are relatively harmless, there are a few venomous spiders in North Carolina that homeowners should be aware of. If you spot one of these spiders on your property, call a professional pest control service to remove it as soon as possible.
North Carolina Spider Prevention Tips
Prevention is always the best approach for any pest. Here are some easy things you can do to prevent spiders from becoming a problem in your home:
- Keep your home clean: Dust and vacuum you home on a regular basis to remove webs, egg sacs, and small insects. Give extra attention to corners, under furniture, and behind appliances.
- Seal cracks and gaps: Inspect your home for any cracks, gaps, and openings around windows, doors, and the foundation. Use caulk or weatherstripping to seal openings so it’s harder for spiders to get inside.
- Get rid of clutter: Spiders thrive in cluttered areas where they can hide. Keep storage areas organized and remove unnecessary items, especially in your basement, attic, and garages.
- Outdoor maintenance: Trim vegetation away from your home’s exterior and remove debris like leaves and grass clippings to reduce the number of hiding spots for spiders.
- Use screens: Install screens on windows and doors to prevent spiders and other insects from entering your home. Repair any damaged screens promptly.
How to Get Rid of Spiders
If you notice spiders in your home, consider the following steps to remove them:
- Vacuum: Use a vacuum cleaner and its attachments to remove spiders, webs, and eggs. Empty the vacuum outside so they can’t escape back into your home.
- Limit their food sources: Getting rid of insects in your home will make it less attractive to spiders.
- Professional pest control: For significant infestations or sightings of venomous spiders, it’s always best to get professional help from pest control experts.
Dealing with spiders in your home can be unnerving and ongoing. At Hawx Pest Control, we specialize in addressing all types of spider infestations.
Our experienced technicians understand the behaviors and habitats of spiders native to North Carolina and use safe, effective methods to get them out of your home. Find details about our Pest Control Services in these areas of North Carolina:
Contact us today for a free estimate, and let us help you reclaim your home from spiders and other pests.
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