Indianapolis, with its mix of urban and suburban environments, provides a hospitable home for a variety of spider species. While these eight-legged creatures often elicit fear, most are harmless and even beneficial in controlling other pests. However, knowing the common spiders in the area can help homeowners identify which ones are safe and which ones may require a bit more caution. In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at the most common spiders you’re likely to encounter in Indianapolis and how to manage their presence in your home.
1. Common House Spider (Parasteatoda tepidariorum)
The common house spider is one of the most frequently encountered spiders in Indianapolis homes. Small and unassuming, these spiders typically measure about 5-8 mm in body length and are usually light brown with a slightly darker pattern on their abdomens. They’re known for creating messy, tangled webs in the corners of rooms, ceilings, basements, and garages.
Habitat and Behavior:
- House spiders prefer indoor environments where they can find plenty of insects to eat.
- Their webs are often found in secluded areas like behind furniture, in basements, or in the corners of windows and doorframes.
- While they might seem bothersome, house spiders are harmless to humans and play a role in controlling insect populations.
Management:
- Regular cleaning and vacuuming can help keep these spiders at bay by removing their webs and reducing their food sources.
- Sealing cracks and gaps around doors and windows will also limit their access to your home.
2. Wolf Spider (Hogna spp.)
Wolf spiders are robust and fast-moving hunters that can be a bit intimidating due to their size and speed. They range in size from 10 to 35 mm and are usually dark brown with distinctive, stripe-like markings on their bodies. Unlike many other spiders, wolf spiders don’t spin webs to catch prey. Instead, they hunt actively, often chasing down their insect prey.
Habitat and Behavior:
- Wolf spiders are commonly found in gardens, under stones, and in leaf litter. However, they can sometimes wander indoors, especially in the fall when they seek warmer environments.
- These spiders are solitary and typically only bite when threatened. Their bites are not dangerous to humans, but they can cause mild irritation.
Management:
- Keeping the exterior of your home free of clutter, such as leaf piles and stones, can reduce the chances of wolf spiders making their way inside.
- Regular inspections of basements, garages, and other potential entry points can help prevent wolf spiders from taking up residence indoors.
3. Brown Recluse Spider (Loxosceles reclusa)
The brown recluse is one of the more infamous spiders in Indianapolis due to its venomous bite. While bites are rare, they can cause significant medical issues, including necrosis of the skin in severe cases. The brown recluse is typically light to dark brown and measures about 6–20 mm in length. One of its distinguishing features is the violin-shaped marking on its back.
Habitat and Behavior:
- Brown recluses prefer dark, undisturbed areas such as basements, attics, and closets. They often hide in boxes, shoes, and clothing that haven’t been worn for some time.
- These spiders are shy and will only bite if they feel cornered or threatened.
Management:
- To avoid encounters, keep storage areas organized and avoid leaving clothing or shoes on the floor.
- Shake out items that have been stored for a while before using them.
- If you suspect an infestation, it’s best to contact a professional pest control service like Trio Pest Control for safe and effective removal.
4. Black Widow Spider (Latrodectus mactans)
The black widow is another venomous spider that occasionally finds its way into Indianapolis homes. Recognizable by its shiny black body and the distinctive red hourglass marking on its abdomen, the black widow is a spider to be cautious around. Females are larger than males, measuring about 8-10 mm in body length.
Habitat and Behavior:
- Black widows prefer outdoor environments, especially in sheltered, dimly lit areas like woodpiles, sheds, and under decks. However, they can sometimes venture indoors, particularly in garages and basements.
- These spiders are not aggressive and will usually only bite in self-defense. Their bites, while painful, are rarely fatal but can cause significant discomfort and require medical attention.
Management:
- To reduce the risk of black widow encounters, keep outdoor areas tidy and free of debris where they might hide.
- Wear gloves when handling firewood or reaching into dark spaces where black widows may be hiding.
- If you spot a black widow inside your home, contact a pest control professional immediately for safe removal.
5. Cellar Spider (Pholcus phalangioides)
Often mistaken for the daddy longlegs, cellar spiders are another common sight in Indianapolis homes. These spiders have long, thin legs and small, delicate bodies. They’re usually light brown or gray and are known for their tendency to hang upside down in their webs.
Habitat and Behavior:
- As their name suggests, cellar spiders are often found in basements, cellars, and other damp, dark areas of the home.
- They’re harmless to humans and are often found cohabitating with other spider species. Interestingly, cellar spiders will sometimes eat other spiders, including venomous species like the brown recluse.
Management:
- Regularly cleaning and dehumidifying your basement or cellar can help deter these spiders.
- Like with house spiders, vacuuming up webs and sealing entry points are effective methods of control.
Spot Any of These Spiders in Your Home? Call Trio Pest Control!
While the presence of spiders in your Indianapolis home can be unsettling, understanding which species are most common and their habits can help you manage them effectively. For most people, regular cleaning, decluttering, and sealing potential entry points will go a long way in keeping these creatures at bay. However, if you’re dealing with venomous species or a significant infestation, it’s wise to seek professional help. Trio Pest Control offers comprehensive spider control services to help you maintain a safe and comfortable home. With their expertise, you can rest easy knowing that your spider problem is in capable hands.
