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Pest SolutionsPESTS + WEEDSUSING PESTICIDES OR HERBICIDES?
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Spiders
Many species
Updated Jul 05, 2022
Make a Positive Identification
Spiders are arachnids. They have two body segments (head/thorax and abdomen). They have eight legs.
COMMON SPIDERS FOUND INDOORS
Species: Cellar Spider
Joseph Berger, Bugwood.org
Cellar spiders (Pholcidae family) are also known as daddy long-legs. They make their way indoors and are good climbers. They are often found indoors on walls and ceilings.
Species: Jumping Spider
"Phidippus audax" by Bryan Jones is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.
Jumping spiders (Salticidae family) are active and curious hunters. They build their webs near light sources to capture night-flying insects.
Species: Orb-weaver Spider
Nicolina Zambone, Nicolina's Photography, Bugwood.org
Orb-weaver spiders (Araneidae family) are effective predators of garden insects. They sometimes make their way indoors, especially in the fall.
MEDICALLY IMPORTANT SPIDERS
Species: Hobo Spider
Whitney Cranshaw, Colorado State University, Bugwood.org
Hobo spiders (Eratigena agrestis)
- Hobo spiders are shy. In spite of their other common name (aggressive house spider), they aren’t aggressive. They try to escape when disturbed.
- Hobo spiders and their close relatives, including the giant house spider, build sheet-like webs. Their webs have a funnel in the center where the spider ambushes its prey.
- Male hobo spiders are found in homes and garages in the late summer and early fall. They are poor climbers, so they are usually found on the floor in the lower stories of a building. These spiders like dark and damp hiding places.
- Not much is known about hobo spider bites. There aren’t many documented bites on people. A variety of symptoms have been attributed to hobo bites, but many have not been confirmed. Localized tissue death is possible. But bacterial infections or other health problems may also be involved.
- For more information, see Hobo Spider (University of California IPM).
Species: Yellow Sac Spider
"Cheiracanthium mildei (Long-legged Sac Spider)" by Arthur Chapman is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0.
Yellow sac spiders (Cheiracanthium spp.)
- These spiders are primarily garden dwellers. They are active nocturnal hunters that often venture indoors.
- They move quickly and are good climbers. Indoors, they are found along walls and near the wall-ceiling junction. At night, they may become trapped in bedding or in clothing left on the floor.
- Yellow sac spiders could bite you when they are disturbed. Their venom causes localized tissue death near the bite. Yellow sac spiders are aggressive. They bite with little provocation. The bite is painful, much like a bee sting.
Species: Black Widow Spider
Mark Kostich, iStock
Black widow spiders (Latrodectus mactans)
- Black widow spiders are shy, non-aggressive spiders. But they have a reputation that evokes fear in many people. They tend to bite only when threatened. However, black widow spiders will defend themselves when disturbed.
- Black widows prefer dry, undisturbed, dark places. These places include crawl spaces, unused corners of garages, stacks of flower pots, irrigation boxes in the ground, and stacks of firewood.
- The female black widow builds a web with very strong, sticky silk. She remains in her web full-time.
- The female black widow’s venom is a significant health risk for the very young, elderly, or people with high blood pressure.
Spiders Benefits
- Spiders benefit the environment. They eat insects in the garden. Birds and other animals eat spiders.
Spiders Risks
- Most spiders aren’t harmful to people. Spider bites are rare.
- Symptoms from venomous spider bites range from mild to severe. For spider bites, see health and safety tips below.
- Spiders make their way into homes through cracks and openings to your home.
Risk Card
Does it cause harm?
Adults & Children
Some
Spider bites are rare. They Cause itching and irritation and potential secondary infection.
Property
None
Pets
Some
Pets get spider bites too
Annoyance
Some
Environment
Helpful
Outdoors, prey on garden insects
Action Optional
Remove spiders found indoors. Leave spiders outdoors alone.
Take Action?
Remove spiders found indoors. Leave spiders outdoors alone.
Do I need to take action?
If you have spiders indoors, take action to capture them and move them outdoors. Tolerate spiders outdoors, if possible.
What if I do nothing?
If you don’t remove spiders indoors, you run the risk of getting a spider bite.
Prevent Spiders
Weston Miller, Oregon State University
Exclude Spiders: Door Sweeps
- Replace door sweeps for outside doors.
- Ensure the sweep contacts the door threshold.
MarieTDebs, iStock
Exclude Spiders: Seal Gaps
- Seal gaps that allow entry to spiders.
- Repair exterior surfaces. Spiders use damaged exterior surfaces to enter structures. Find these entry points, seal, and repair them.
- Install weather stripping around doors and windows that lead to the outdoors.
- Keep window screens in good repair.
Ed Freytag, City of New Orleans, Bugwood.org
Vacuum Your Indoor Space
- Vacuum spider webs and egg sacs on your floor, walls, and ceiling. The photo shows spider egg sacs.
- Vacuum indoor areas regularly to minimize spider food such as insects.
"Spider Trap" by OakleyOriginals is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
Sticky Traps
- Use sticky traps to check for spider activity indoors. Traps could help you determine where spiders are entering your home.
- Place sticky traps around the baseboards to trap ground-dwelling spiders.
- Keep traps out of the reach of children and pets.
Weston Miller, Oregon State University
Declutter Your Indoor and Outdoor Spaces
- Indoors, remove spider hiding places such as boxes and other stored items.
- Outdoors, spiders gather in stacks of firewood, rock walls, and debris piles. Remove such potential habitats to reduce spider activity.
Solutions for Spiders
- Keep spiders out of your home by sealing gaps. Attach door sweeps to entries that lead outdoors and into garages or basements.
- Declutter to reduce places where spiders might hide.
- Vacuum spiders, egg cases, and webs when you find them indoors.
- If you encounter a spider indoors, capture and remove it using the method described below.
- Watch for spiders when you bring items like firewood or potted plants indoors from the outside.
NEED HELP?
Consider a licensed pest control company. Learn How to Hire a Pest Control Company.
Your local Extension Specialist in Oregon and other states can suggest other methods.
Jump to
| Method | Does it work? | Is it safe? | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
A Remove Spiders when Indoors |
Effective |
Low risk |
Recommended |
B Spider Killers & Insecticides |
Somewhat effective |
Moderate risk |
Not Recommended |
|
C If Using Spider Killers, Protect Yourself & Minimize Risks
|
A
Remove Spiders when Indoors
Non-Chemical Method
LeoniekvanderVliet, iStock
Remove Spiders when Indoors
Recommended
Remove spiders when you find them indoors.
- Capture the spider under a jar or cup.
- Slide an index card or stiff piece of paper under the container.
- Flip the container upright. Use the paper to keep the spider from escaping.
- Release the spider outdoors.
- See the video How to catch a spider (University of California IPM) for details.
| Does it work? | Effective Use preventive measures for best results. |
| How much effort? | Moderate effort |
| What's the risk? | Low risk |
| Possible risk of exposure or harm from chemicals | NONE |
B
Spider Killers & Insecticides
Not Recommended
Weston Miller, Oregon State University
Spider Killers & Insecticides
Not Recommended
- Sprays kill individual spiders when contacted by spray.
- Most insecticides intended for ants and cockroaches are also allowed for spiders.
- Insect-killing foggers are not effective for control of spiders.
| Does it work? | Somewhat effective Sprays won’t provide lasting control. You still have to clean up the dead spiders. |
| How much effort? | Moderate effort |
| What's the risk? | Moderate risk Spider killers (insecticides) come with real risks. ALWAYS read the entire label front to back. Review instructions even for brands you know. |
| Possible risk of exposure or harm from chemicals | Using insecticides includes some amount of risk. The lowest risk comes with using alternative methods. You may be exposed to an insecticide if you:
Follow directions closely to reduce risk. |
- Chemical control for spiders is not recommended.
- The insecticide products labeled for spider control only kill spiders that you spray directly. The products don’t have a lasting effect to keep spiders away.
- It’s just as easy to kill spiders with a rolled-up newspaper or shoe. Even better, capture spiders and move them outside.
- Good housekeeping practices are required to keep more spiders from becoming a problem indoors.
If Using Spider Killers, Protect Yourself & Minimize Risks
Chemical Method: Use with Caution
staticnak1983, iStock
Why Is It Important to Read Spider Killer and Insecticide Labels?
- They contain detailed information on how to use the product correctly and legally.
- They include information on potential hazards of the product.
- They provide instructions you should follow for poisonings and spills.
Key Safety Tips for Insecticides
- Read the entire label front to back. Follow the instructions.
- Review the instructions even for brands you know.
- Only apply the product where the label says it may be applied.
The Label is the Law
ALWAYS read the label before using insecticide products. The label is a legal document that provides information on how to safely use the insecticide. This helps avoid harm to human health and the environment. Using an insecticide in off-label ways is illegal. It can result in legal enforcement actions.
READ THE LABEL & Follow Instructions
It has instructions to protect you and the environment.
- Labels are different for every product and they often change over time.
- Use a magnifying glass for small print.
- Pay attention to CAUTION, WARNING, and DANGER statements.
- Pay attention to the PRECAUTIONARY STATEMENTS.
- The law states you must read and follow insecticide instructions.
Protect Yourself
Eye, skin & lung irritants
- Wear gloves, safety glasses, a long-sleeve shirt, pants, socks, and shoes.
- Avoid contact with eyes, skin, or clothing.
- Wash hands after mixing or applying, and before eating or smoking.
Protect Children & Pets
Keep out of the reach of children.
- Keep children and pets away from the application area.
- Remove toys and pet dishes from the area before applying insecticides. Wait until spray has dried or dust has settled.
Storage & Disposal
- Store out of the reach of children and pets.
- Store in a cool and dry place.
- Never pour down any drain.
- If you mix too much, apply it rather than storing it.
- Don’t put pesticide containers in the trash unless instructed by the label.
- Take unused insecticides to a hazardous waste facility.
Call 1-800-CLEANUP (1-800-253-2687) to find out where to dispose of pesticides.
For the Portland metro region in Oregon, contact Metro’s Recycling Information. Call 503-234-3000, email or visit Metro’s website
More about:
About Using Pesticides on School Grounds in Oregon
If using pesticides on school grounds, there are special rules in Oregon. See School Integrated Pest Management (Oregon Department of Agriculture).
NEED HELP?
The National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC) can answer questions about pest control chemicals.
1-800-858-7378 or npic@ace.orst.edu
Consider using a licensed pest or weed control company. Learn How to Hire a Pest Control Company.
Your local Extension Specialist in Oregon and other states can suggest other methods.
HEALTH & SAFETY TIPS
Spider bites can hurt. Symptoms range from itching and rash to difficulty breathing, fever, and nausea.
If you are bitten by a spider, try to identify it. Correct identification of the spider is key for medical treatment.
Venomous Spiders: Symptoms and First Aid
Symptoms
Symptoms associated with spider bites can vary from minor to severe. Although extremely rare, death can occur in the most severe cases. Possible symptoms resulting from a spider bite include the following:
- Itching or rash
- Pain radiating from the site of the bite
- Muscle pain or cramping
- Reddish to purplish color or blister
- Increased sweating
- Difficulty breathing
- Headache
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fever
- Chills
- Anxiety or restlessness
- High blood pressure
First Aid
Take the following steps if bitten by a spider:
- Stay calm. Identify the type of spider if it is possible to do so safely. Identification will aid in medical treatment.
- Wash the bite area with soap and water.
- Apply a cloth dampened with cold water or filled with ice to the bite area to reduce swelling.
- Elevate bite area if possible.
- Do not attempt to remove venom.
- Notify your supervisor.
- Immediately seek professional medical attention.
Source
Provided courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
Reference to specific commercial products, manufacturers, companies, or trademarks does not constitute its endorsement or recommendation by the U.S. Government, Department of Health and Human Services, or Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
"Spider Bite" by Wondermonkey2k is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.
Content provided by Weston Miller. Pesticide safety information edited by Kaci Buhl. Information sourced courtesy of Jennifer Snyder from the OSU School IPM Program with grant funding from the US Environmental Protection Agency.
Reviewed by OSU Department of Horticulture.
