House Spiders in Tennessee: Identification Guide
What Do House Spiders in Tennessee Look Like?
“House spider” is a general term encompassing various spider species commonly found in Tennessee homes. Their appearance varies widely by species, from the small-bodied, long-legged cellar spiders to the more robust yellow sac spiders. Most build webs in corners, along ceilings, behind furniture, or in other undisturbed areas, though some are active hunters that don’t rely on webs for catching prey.Key Identifying Features
- Yellow Sac Spider: Pale yellow to tan coloration with darker tips on legs, measuring about 1/4 inch long with a distinctive sac-like retreat.
- Black House Spider: Shiny black body with brownish legs, often mistaken for black widows but lacking the red hourglass marking.
- Brown House Spider: Reddish-brown coloration with a bulbous abdomen, sometimes called the “false black widow.”
- Common Cellar Spider: Tiny oval body with extremely long, thin legs, often hanging upside-down in loose webs.
- Hobo Spider: Brown with distinctive pattern of chevron markings on abdomen, sometimes confused with the brown recluse.
Related Species
Many house spiders are confused with more dangerous species. The brown house spider resembles the black widow but lacks the red hourglass marking. Hobo spiders are often mistaken for brown recluse spiders but lack the violin marking. Common house spiders may be confused with wolf spiders, though the latter are typically larger, don’t build webs, and have distinctive eye patterns.
Where to Look for House Spiders in Your Home
House spiders prefer quiet, undisturbed areas where they can build webs or retreats. Common locations include ceiling corners, behind furniture, under beds, in closets, basements, attics, storage areas, and window frames. They’re often found near light sources that attract potential insect prey or in cluttered areas that provide numerous hiding spots.
When to Call Professional Help
Professional pest control is recommended when you observe multiple spiders throughout your home despite regular cleaning efforts, especially if you’re unable to identify the species and are concerned about potentially dangerous varieties. If family members are experiencing unexplained bites or if anyone in the household suffers from arachnophobia, professional intervention can provide more comprehensive and lasting control than DIY methods.Schedule a Free Inspection
Our expert technicians at U.S. Pest Protection specialize in identifying and controlling all types of house spiders throughout Tennessee. We’ll not only eliminate current spider populations but also implement preventative measures to keep your home spider-free. From one-time treatments to ongoing prevention plans, we customize our approach to your specific situation.
