The Homeowner’s Guide to
Spiders in California
California’s diverse landscapes are home to a wide variety of spider species, from our coastal regions to deserts and forests. Spiders can often play a crucial role in controlling insect populations, and while most spiders in California are harmless, some can be a cause for concern (or just unwelcome visitors).
Let’s break down the types of California house spiders, how to identify them, and how to keep your home free from potentially dangerous spider species.
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Common House Spiders in California
Homeowners may encounter a variety of spiders inside a home, whether it’s in your bedroom, attic, or basement. Common household spiders in California include:
Cellar Spider
Also known as daddy longlegs, cellar spiders have small bodies measuring about 1/4 inch in length, but their long, thin legs can span up to 2 inches, making them appear much larger.
Their legs are delicate and thread-like, giving them a fragile appearance. They are often found hanging upside down in irregular, tangled webs in damp, dark areas like basements, cellars, crawl spaces, and under sinks. Despite their somewhat intimidating appearance due to their long legs, they are harmless to humans and help control other insect populations.
Orb Weaver
Orb weavers are a diverse group of spiders that construct large, intricate, wheel-shaped webs up to 2 feet in diameter. They have large, rounded, or oval abdomens, sometimes brightly colored or patterned with spots, yellow stripes, or other markings.
California orb weavers are usually found outdoors in gardens, forests, and grasslands, where they set up their webs between trees, shrubs, or tall grasses. They may also build webs near windows, eaves, or porch lights where insects are attracted at night. They are generally non-aggressive and pose little threat to humans, and only bite if provoked.
Wolf Spider
California wolf spiders have stout bodies with long legs and range in size from 1/2 inch to over 2 inches in body length. Their bodies have shades of brown, gray, or tan, providing excellent camouflage against soil and leaf litter.
Unlike many spiders, wolf spiders do not spin webs to catch prey. Instead, they are active hunters who chase down insects on the ground. They might wander indoors accidentally while pursuing prey but prefer to stay outdoors under rocks, logs, or dead leaves. While generally not aggressive, a wolf spider may bite if handled or threatened, but it would only cause mild pain and light swelling (similar to a bee sting).
Other Spiders in California
Black Widow
One of the most notorious California venomous spiders is the black widow, recognizable by their shiny black bodies and the distinctive red hourglass marking on the underside of their abdomens. They prefer dark, undisturbed areas like garages, sheds, and woodpiles. Female black widows in California are the most dangerous, and while their venom is extremely potent, bites are rare and usually occur only when the spider feels threatened.
Brown Recluse
California Jumping Spider
The California jumping spider is a small species known for its excellent vision and jumping ability. They are typically black with distinctive white or brightly colored markings. Harmless to humans, these spiders can be beneficial as they help control pest insect populations. Their curious nature often leads them inside homes, but they pose no threat to people or pets.
Brown House Spider
Among the common house spiders in California, brown house spiders are often the most frequently seen. These small to medium-sized spiders with a brownish color may build webs in the corners of rooms, basements, and garages. They are generally harmless and prefer to avoid human contact.
Garden Spider
The California garden spider is typically found inside a large, intricate web with a thick zig-zag pattern in the center. Also known as “banana spiders” in some cases, these spiders are known for their striking yellow and black markings and can be quite large, which may alarm some people. However, they are not aggressive and play a vital role in controlling garden pests.
The state’s mild climate supports a rich variety of garden-dwelling spiders. Besides the California garden spider, other common garden spiders in California include:
- Crab Spiders: Small and crab-like in appearance, crab spiders often reside on flowers, waiting to ambush prey. Their two front pairs of legs are longer than the others, giving them a crab-like stance, and their bodies can show colors like white, yellow, pink, or green to blend with their surroundings.
- Lynx Spiders: These agile hunters have spiny legs, slender, elongated bodies, and a bright green or yellow color. They actively chase down insects instead of spinning webs.
- Tarantulas: While not common in all areas, these large spiders can be found in certain regions of the state, especially in the south. They have robust, hairy bodies and legs, often dark brown or black, and can grow up to 4 inches in body length. Tarantulas are non-venomous and non-aggressive.
Spider Prevention in California
Preventing spiders from taking up residence in your home involves several proactive steps:
- Seal entry points: Inspect your home’s exterior for cracks and gaps, especially around windows, doors, and utility lines. Use caulk or weatherstripping to seal these openings.
- Reduce clutter: Keep the area around your home free of debris, woodpiles, and tall vegetation where spiders may hide.
- Maintain cleanliness: Regularly dust and vacuum to remove webs, egg sacs, and potential food sources like insects.
- Use screens: Install screens on windows and doors to prevent spiders from entering while allowing fresh air into your home.
Outdoor lighting: Reduce outdoor lighting at night or use yellow bulbs instead, as lights attract insects, which eventually attract spiders.
How to Get Rid of Spiders in California
If you’re already dealing with a spider issue, consider the following steps:
- Manual removal: Use a vacuum cleaner to remove spiders, webs, and egg sacs from your home.
- Limit food sources: Controlling other insects in your home will reduce the spiders’ food supply, making your home less attractive to them.
- Professional pest control services: It’s always best to seek professional assistance for significant infestations or if you’re concerned about biting spiders in California.
At Hawx Pest Control, we specialize in dealing with all California spider species. Our team of experts is trained to identify the specific types of spiders in your home. We utilize targeted treatments that effectively eliminate spiders from your property.
If you’re experiencing issues with spiders—whether it’s the more common household spiders in California or more concerning species like black widows—don’t hesitate to contact Hawx Pest Control today for a free estimate, and let our dedicated team help ensure a safe and comfortable home.
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