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Domestic House Spider
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Size: May measure up to one inch in length
with a leg span up to two inches.
Color: Brownish gray with various
markings. |
The domestic house spider is closely related to the hobo spider and
is difficult to distinguish from that species.
Behavior
Domestic house spiders are funnel-web spiders, meaning they construct
flat webs which have a funnel shaped retreat at one end. The females
spend most of their lives in the webs, while the males and immature
spiders may wander about in search of females or better nesting
sites. It is usually these males or young spiders that are seen
by homeowners. Unlike the hobo spider, which resembles this spider,
the domestic house spider does not have a dangerous bite.
Habitat
This species prefers to build its webs where a hole or crack exists
in which it can locate its funnel retreat. Such webs are usually
found in basements, crawl spaces, garages and outdoors in vegetation.
Tips for Control
The key for controlling the domestic house spider is to look for
webs and remove them, making sure a treatment is applied into any
crack associated with a web to be sure the spider has been killed.
Steps that should be taken to prevent new spiders from entering include:
- Removing or limiting heavy, ground-covering vegetation near the
building.
- Sealing cracks and holes in the building s exterior.
- Installing tight-fitting screens on all attic and foundation vents.
- Sealing holes around pipes indoors to prevent spiders from entering
the living spaces of the home by following plumbing lines in
basements and crawl spaces.
- Where numerous spiders are seen, a professional should be consulted
to conduct a thorough inspection and recommend possible treatments.
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