Common House Spiders in Wisconsin: Identification, Bites, and Removal

Common House Spiders Found in Wisconsin

Wisconsin is home to a variety of spider species that take up residence in and around homes across the state. While the vast majority of these house spiders are harmless, some species can bite if provoked. Knowing which spiders commonly inhabit Wisconsin households can help homeowners identify and safely remove unwanted guests.

Cellar Spiders

One of the most common house spiders found in Wisconsin is the cellar spider (Pholcus phalangioides). As their name suggests, cellar spiders prefer to build their messy-looking webs in dark corners of basements and cellars. They have long, spindly legs and small bodies measuring less than half an inch. Cellar spiders help control other insects in the home but occasionally wander into living areas in search of food.

American House Spiders

American house spiders (Parasteatoda tepidariorum) spin distinctive webs featuring a dense sheet of silk with tangled supporting threads. They build their webs in sheltered spots on porches, garages, basements, and other areas around homes. American house spiders have round, grayish-brown bodies around 1/4-inch long. They prey on insects that get trapped in their sticky webs.

Southern House Spiders

Another cobweb spider found inside many Wisconsin homes is the southern house spider (Kukulcania hibernalis). It earns its name from its preference for warmer climates, though it thrives as far north as Canada during the summer months. Southern house spiders have dark brown bodies marked with light spotting and grow up to 3/4-inch long as adults. They tend to build their messy webs in secluded, dry locations in basements or sheds.

Medically Significant Spiders in Wisconsin

Most spiders found in and around Wisconsin homes pose no threat. Only two types of spiders in the state can inflict bites harmful to humans under rare circumstances - the northern black widow and the brown recluse spider.

Northern Black Widow Spiders

The northern black widow spider (Latrodectus variolus) resembles the more notorious southern black widow but has noticeably red markings on its abdomen. Northern black widows inhabit dark, dry areas like woodpiles, garages, and sheds. The reclusive spiders only bite when threatened. Their venom contains a neurotoxin that can cause pain, sweating, and muscle cramping in humans.

Brown Recluse Spiders

Despite their name, brown recluse spiders (Loxosceles reclusa) hail from southern states and do not live in Wisconsin. On very rare occasions, they may be transported to the state inadvertently in belongings or vehicles. Brown recluses have venom capable of causing tissue damage at their bite site. Their bites often remain unnoticed initially, with symptoms setting in hours later.

Identifying and Removing House Spiders

Catching spiders in jars or cups allows for identification or safe removal from homes. Simple sticky glue traps offer an effective, hands-off method for removing spiders that wander into living spaces. Regular vacuuming and sealing of cracks around windows, doors, and the foundation can also deter spiders from entering.

Non-Toxic Spider Deterrents

Homeowners wishing to discourage spiders from residing in or around their homes can deploy natural repellents instead of harsh chemicals. Sprigs of mint, cloves, onion, garlic, and lemon peel are unpleasant for spiders. Sealing cardboard inside steel wool scrub pads and placing them in corners or windowsills also deters spiders from spinning webs nearby.

When to Call an Exterminator

While most house spiders found in Wisconsin homes are harmless, some homeowners may prefer complete removal. Consulting a licensed exterminator becomes necessary if dangerously venomous brown recluses invade the home. Professional pest control technicians have access to specialized spider-killing insecticides and can treat hard-to-reach spider hotspots around the home.

Coexisting with House Spiders

Though the sight of spiders scurrying across floors or dangling from webs can unsettle homeowners, most play a valuable role in controlling insect pests. As long as potentially dangerous black widows do not take up residence in living spaces, spiders can be tolerated in basements, sheds, garages, and other little-used areas of Wisconsin homes.

Simple preventative measures like sealing cracks, clearing clutter, and keeping spaces clean and dry significantly limits appealing nesting sites for spiders. Homeowners who take a tolerant view of harmless spider species can peacefully coexist in homes across Wisconsin.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.