The weather’s cooling off, leaves are piling up, and little critters are getting busy finding warm, cozy spots to ride out the winter. And just in time for Halloween, those eight-legged creatures we all love to hate—spiders—are starting to show up a bit too close for comfort.
If you’ve been spotting more webs in corners or a few creepy crawlies scurrying across your floors, you’re not alone. But before you panic, let’s talk facts—and squash a few common spider myths.
Are All Spiders Dangerous?
In a word: no. It’s one of the most common questions we get, and it’s completely understandable—spiders tend to rank high on the “most feared” list (right up there with snakes). But here’s some reassuring news: most of the spiders you’ll find around your home are completely harmless.
Out of the thousands of spider species out there, only a handful pose any real threat to humans. Most simply don’t have strong enough fangs to break human skin.
Do all spiders bite?
Technically, yes—spiders are natural predators, and almost all of them are venomous to their prey (think tiny gnats and flies). But that doesn’t mean they’re out to get you. Spiders don’t view humans as food, and bites are extremely rare. When they do happen, they’re usually mild—more like a mosquito bite—unless you’re dealing with one of the few medically significant species (which, again, are rare in most homes).
Types of Spiders
Meet the Usual Suspects: Common House Spiders
Let’s look at the types of spiders you’re most likely to come across in and around your home—and whether they’re cause for concern.
Cellar Spider (aka Daddy Long Legs)
These thin, long-legged spiders love basements, crawlspaces, and other damp corners. They may look creepy, but they don’t bite people—and they actually help by eating other pests.
Wolf Spider
Hairy and often mistaken for something scarier, wolf spiders tend to hide under furniture, in basements, or along walls. They’re not aggressive and will only bite if provoked. Their job? Hunting down other insects.
Orb Weaver (Garden Spider)
These colorful web-builders usually stay outdoors, spinning intricate webs in trees, bushes, or tall grass. They rarely come indoors, and rarely bite. They’re actually great for the garden and keep other bugs in check.
Jumping Spider
Small, fuzzy, and surprisingly cute (yes, really—check out spider fan accounts online!), jumping spiders aren’t dangerous to humans. They get their name from their ability to leap for their prey, not for scaring humans.
Why Do I Have So Many Spiders in my House?
Simple: food and shelter. If spiders are sticking around, it’s because they have plenty to eat—meaning you likely have other bugs nearby, too.
Want to reduce spider sightings? Remove their food sources and prevent them from building webs around your home. This includes clearing away outdoor cobwebs, sealing entry points, and keeping interior spaces clean and clutter-free.
Take the Pressure Off
Our Healthy Home Maintenance Program does just that—pushing spider pressures (and other pests) back outside where they belong. With regular visits, we help prevent infestations before they start and keep your home comfortable year-round.
Want a free quote? Just reach out. We’re here to make pest control one less thing you have to worry about.
