Typically brown or tan
with various markings; the body
ranges up to 3/8-inch in length, with a spherical
abdomen.
Habitat
This is the spider most commonly
found indoors. It is
more of a nuisance than a threat, probably more because of its webs
than the
spider itself. Indoors, house spiders are most likely to be found in
upper
corners, under furniture, in closets, around window frames, and in
basements,
garages and crawl spaces. If a web does not yield prey it is abandoned
and new
site selected. Eventually, successful webs are constructed where air
currents
bring in prey. Due to their low humidity and few insects, modern homes
have
fewer spider control problems than
in the past. Spider control is more
an issue in garages, sheds, barns and warehouses.
Diet
Like all spiders, house spiders are
predators that
will kill and eat almost any insect.
Spider
control: house spiders
Regular removal of spider webs is the
most effective spider control method. Homeowners
should also seal up cracks around windows and door to help prevent
their entry.
Switch exterior lights to the yellow “bug” light bulbs, which attract
fewer
flying insects on which spiders feed. Professional spider
control treatments, especially of exterior spider nesting
sites, can help reduce the number of spiders when combined with an
overall pest
management program.
