Types of Spiders: Identification Guide
Spiders in Tennessee: Quick Facts
Tennessee has hundreds of spider species, but only two are medically significant: the brown recluse and the black widow. Most spiders in and around homes are harmless and even helpful, since they eat other insects. The key is knowing which is which.- Venomous species: Brown recluse and black widow
- Most common indoors: House spiders, cellar spiders, and wolf spiders
- Peak indoor season: Late summer and fall, as spiders look for mates and shelter
- What attracts them: Other insects to eat, plus clutter and undisturbed hiding spots
Common Spiders in Tennessee
Venomous Spiders
- Brown recluse: Tan to brown with a violin-shaped mark behind the head; hides in closets, attics, and boxes. Brown recluse spider guide
- Black widow: Shiny black female with a red hourglass underneath; builds messy webs in woodpiles, sheds, and garages. Black widow spider guide
Harmless Spiders
- Wolf spiders: Large, hairy, striped hunters that run on the ground and often come inside in fall. Wolf spider guide
- House spiders: Small, mottled brown spiders that build cobwebs in corners and windows. House spider guide
- Cellar spiders: Tiny bodies and very long, thin legs; often called daddy longlegs. Cellar spider guide
- Orb weavers: Build large, round webs in gardens and around porch lights; harmless and helpful.
- Jumping spiders: Small, compact, often fuzzy spiders with big front eyes that hop instead of building webs.
Is It a Spider or an Insect?
Spiders are arachnids, not insects, and the difference is easy to see.- Legs: Spiders have eight legs; insects have six.
- Body: Spiders have two body sections; insects have three.
- Antennae and wings: Spiders have neither; most insects have antennae and many have wings.
- Daddy longlegs: Harvestmen, often called daddy longlegs, aren’t spiders either. Their body is one oval section, and they don’t make silk or have venom.
Spider Bites: What to Know
Spider bites are much less common than people think, and many skin wounds blamed on spiders turn out to be infections or other insect bites.- Most bites: Cause mild redness, swelling, and itching, like a bee sting, and heal on their own.
- First aid: Wash with soap and water, apply a cold compress, and elevate the area.
- Seek medical care: For a suspected brown recluse or black widow bite, a wound that grows or darkens, spreading pain or muscle cramps, fever, or any bite on a young child.
- Bring the spider: If you can safely catch it, bring it along for identification.
Signs of a Spider Problem
- Webs: New webs in corners, windows, basements, garages, and eaves
- Egg sacs: Small silk balls in webs, corners, and undisturbed spots
- Frequent sightings: Spiders in living areas, bathtubs, and sinks
- Lots of insects: A large insect population gives spiders plenty to eat
How to Keep Spiders Out
- Reduce insects: Fewer insects means less food for spiders. Swap outdoor lights for yellow bulbs, which attract fewer bugs.
- Seal gaps: Caulk cracks, repair screens, and add door sweeps.
- Declutter: Store items in sealed plastic bins instead of cardboard boxes.
- Remove webs: Vacuum webs and egg sacs regularly, including in corners and under furniture.
- Clear the perimeter: Move woodpiles away from the house and trim plants touching the siding.
- Consider regular service: Ongoing perimeter treatments reduce both spiders and the insects they eat. See our quarterly pest control.
When to Call a Professional
Call if you’re seeing brown recluses or black widows, finding spiders frequently, or dealing with lots of webs and egg sacs. Brown recluses in particular are hard to eliminate without professional treatment and monitoring. See our spider control services and brown recluse removal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What spiders in Tennessee are dangerous?
Only two are medically significant: the brown recluse and the black widow. Most other spiders in Tennessee homes are harmless.
How can I tell a brown recluse from a wolf spider?
Brown recluses are smaller, evenly tan to brown, and have a violin-shaped mark behind the head and no stripes. Wolf spiders are larger, hairy, and patterned with stripes.
Why are there more spiders in my house in the fall?
In late summer and fall, spiders look for mates and shelter, and cooling weather pushes many indoors.
When should I see a doctor for a spider bite?
For a suspected brown recluse or black widow bite, a wound that grows or darkens, spreading pain or cramping, fever, or any bite on a young child.
Are daddy longlegs spiders?
“Daddy longlegs” can mean cellar spiders, which are true spiders, or harvestmen, which aren’t spiders at all. Both are harmless to people.
