Residential Spiders of California

What Kind of Spider did you find in your home?

Spiders are a common sight in California homes. There are many varieties of spiders that can be found in homes, and these spiders can pose a problem for many people. Spiders come into homes through cracks around windows, doors, or plumbing openings. They make their way inside these crevices to hunt prey or escape from predators. The types of spiders found in a home depend on where it is and what climate, but no matter what bug is bugging you, the spider exterminators at Killroy Pest Control have got you covered.

Common Types Of Residential Spiders In California

Cross Spider

(Araneus diadematus)

The most common type of spider in California homes is the Cross Spider. They are quite beneficial to humans and are typically found in places where house plants are kept. Unlike some other spiders, they do not bite and will only eat insects, which are the same ones you would expect to find in your garden.

Hobo Spider

(Tegenaria Agrestis)

The Black House Spider is one of the enormous spiders in California. They are often found in Northern California around houses with plenty of moisture and plant life to keep them alive, essentially making them a type of weather spider. They are the most common spider found in houses, especially in the Bay Area. They are known to bite humans and have a very distinctive appearance.

Black Widow

(Latrodectus Hesperus)

The Western Black Widow Spider is one of a few poisonous spiders found in California homes. They are among the most venomous spiders in the United States; their venom is so potent that it can even kill human beings. In the West, where warmer climates drive the spiders to search for new homes in houses, they are often found in areas with poor house maintenance.

Brown Widow

(Latrodectus geometricus)

The Brown Widow is another common household spider much smaller than the Western Black Widow. Their venom can also kill humans but usually only results in skin irritation.

Fishing Spider

(Dolomedes vittatus)

The Fishing Spider is another common type of spider found in homes throughout California. They are often seen hanging upside down in webs near light bulbs. Instead of using silk-like other spiders, they use electricity to capture their prey. They have very potent venom, but it is not typically harmful to humans.

Orb-weavers

(Araneidae)

There are many types of Orb-weaver Spiders in California. They are a very common spider to find in and around homes. They can be brown with distinctive yellow stripes, but there are many variations in the Araneidae family. They are often seen around flowers in the garden, where they catch insects that fly into their web. Their venom is not very potent, and they are not known to bite humans.

Noble False Widow

(Steatoda Nobilis)

Steatoda nobilis is known in the United Kingdom as the noble false widow. It resembles and is frequently mistaken for the black widow and other spiders in the genus Latrodectus. In 2011, the spider was reported as an established invasive species in the USA, in Ventura County, California.

The American House Spider

(Parasteatoda Tepidariorum)

The American House Spider is another common spider found in southern California. They are large and dark in color and are often found on the rafters of houses in areas where there is ample sunlight. They can be pretty annoying because they like to bite anyone who comes within range, even pets that come into the house.

So, What Do I Do Now?

There are many species of spiders found throughout the state of California. Most residential spiders are harmless to humans, although some people may be allergic to the poison or have other medical complications. It is still essential for homeowners and business owners to be on the lookout for these common spiders, as they can bite if provoked, and their bites can cause injury if not treated.

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