Are House Spiders Dangerous?

If you’ve spotted a spider crawling across your floor or hiding in the corner of your ceiling, you’re definitely not alone. Unfortunately, spiders are a common part of home life in much of the southeast, including Spotsylvania. So naturally, many people wonder: Are house spiders actually dangerous?

The short answer: generally, no.

Most common house spiders, including those found in Virgina, are harmless. They don’t pose any real threat to humans. In fact, they may even help reduce the number of other pests in your home.

But having said that, you’re not likely to want to keep spiders around either. So here is some quick advice from our spider control experts to help you stay safe and comfortable.

What types of house spiders are common in Spotsylvania, VA?

Most indoor spiders found in this area are harmless species like:

• Common house spiders. These are known for being light brown with bulbous abdomens. They tend to weave webs in quiet corners and rarely leave them.
• Cellar spiders. Better known as daddy longlegs, they’re fragile-looking with long, thin legs. Despite myths, their bite is not dangerous to humans.
• Jumping spiders. Small, active hunters that rarely build webs. They may look startling but are not harmful.

What all of the above spiders have in common is that they typically don’t bite unless provoked. And in the rare cases that they do, their venom is not considered medically significant for humans.

What about dangerous spiders in Virginia?

There are a couple of spider species in Virginia that can pose a health risk. They’re not common, but you should know about them, even though encounters are rare:

• Black widow spiders. Recognizable by their shiny black bodies and red hourglass markings. Their bite can be painful and may cause nausea or cramps, but serious complications are rare with prompt medical attention.
• Brown recluse spiders. Very uncommon in Virginia, but occasionally reported. They have a violin-shaped marking on their back, and their bite may lead to localized tissue damage.

If you suspect a spider bite from one of these species, the smart move is to seek out medical care quickly. It’s always better to be safe than sorry with these spiders.

What should I do if I see a lot of spiders in my home?

A few spiders here and there are normal. But if you’re seeing them regularly, or you’re noticing web buildup, egg sacs, or increased indoor pest activity, then it might be time to consider professional spider control.

Spiders tend to thrive in places with an ample food supply. That means that if you notice spiders, the odds are very high that other bugs are likely present as well. So if you take steps to control the spider problem, you can also take care of other pests at the same time.

Need Mosquito Control in Spotsylvania, VA?

At Mosquito Squad of Fredericksburg, we help keep outdoor and indoor spider activity in check. Our Barrier Treatment Plus not only targets mosquitoes and ticks, but also helps reduce spider populations around your home’s exterior. We focus on areas where spiders tend to settle—like eaves, foundations, and under decks.

If spiders are making your home feel less inviting, we’re here to help. With Mosquito Squad, you can always count on science-backed treatments administered with no long-term contracts and no hidden fees.

Searching for Pest Control Near You?

If spiders and other pests are making it hard to enjoy your home, trust the professionals at Mosquito Squad. Call (540) 510-8445 or contact us online for a complimentary Spotslyvania pest control assessment and quote.

Read about our 100% customer satisfaction guarantee!