Common House Spider

Characteristics

• Usually dull brown in color with darker chevron-shaped markings
• Build tangled webs in small, secluded areas of your home
• Diet consists of small insects such as flies, ants, wasps, and mosquitoes

The common house spider, or American house spider, is  a web building spider commonly found in houses. House spiders are not aggressive and will only bite a human in self-defense.

The house spider often serves as a benefit to homes by feeding on smaller pests. However they can become a pest themselves. Large numbers can indicate another type of pest infestation, since they need a food source. The house spider shares a similar body shape and size to black widows and the two are sometimes confused. If you suspect a black widow please call a pest control expert and do not approach the spider.