House Spiders in Tennessee: Identification Guide
Quick Facts About House Spiders
The common house spider is the spider behind most of the cobwebs in Tennessee homes. It’s small, harmless, and very good at finding corners to build in.- Size: Females have a body about 3/16 to 5/16 inch; males are smaller
- Color: Yellowish-brown to gray, with a mottled pattern
- Shape: Round, bulbous abdomen and banded legs
- Webs: Tangled cobwebs in corners, windows, and ceilings
- Where found: Corners, windows, basements, garages, closets, and under furniture
- Bite: Rare and harmless
How to Identify House Spiders
The round abdomen and messy, tangled webs are the clues. House spiders often hang upside down in their web and hide in a corner when disturbed.House Spider vs. Black Widow
Both are cobweb spiders with round abdomens and similar messy webs. House spiders are brown and mottled; black widows are shiny black with a red hourglass underneath. See our Black widow spider guide.
Other Common Indoor Spiders
Cellar spiders (very long, thin legs) and wolf spiders (large, hairy hunters) are also common indoors. See our Cellar spider guide and Wolf spider guide.
Signs of House Spiders
- Cobwebs: Tangled webs in corners, around windows, and in ceiling edges
- Egg sacs: Small, tan, papery balls in webs
- Dead insects: Trapped insects in webs near lights and windows
Are House Spiders Dangerous?
No. House spiders rarely bite, and a bite causes only minor irritation. They actually help by catching flies, mosquitoes, and other insects.
How to Reduce House Spiders
- Vacuum webs and egg sacs: Regular cleaning removes webs, spiders, and eggs.
- Reduce insects: Yellow outdoor bulbs and good screens mean less food for spiders.
- Seal gaps: Caulk cracks around windows, doors, and utility lines.
- Declutter: Store items in sealed bins and keep corners clear.
When to Call a Professional
If webs keep returning quickly, regular treatment around the home’s exterior, eaves, and entry points reduces both spiders and the insects they feed on. See our quarterly pest control or spider control services.
Frequently Asked Questions
What spider makes cobwebs in my house?
Most indoor cobwebs in Tennessee homes are made by the common house spider.
Are house spiders poisonous?
House spiders have venom to subdue insects but aren’t dangerous to people. They rarely bite, and a bite causes only minor irritation.
How do I tell a house spider from a black widow?
House spiders are brown and mottled. Black widows are shiny black with a red hourglass on the underside.
Why do I keep getting cobwebs?
Cobwebs return when spiders have plenty of insects to catch. Reducing insects, sealing gaps, and vacuuming regularly help.
How do I get rid of house spiders?
Vacuum webs and egg sacs, seal gaps, reduce outdoor lighting that attracts insects, and consider a regular perimeter treatment.
