As temperatures cool in the fall, spiders often look for shelter indoors. Many species are harmless (and even help control other insects), but it’s natural to be concerned when you see large or unfamiliar spiders inside your home.
Some fall spiders do pose risks, while others are simply a nuisance. These include the giant house spider, hobo spider, wolf spider, and fishing spider.
Let’s take a look at why North Carolina spiders move inside in the fall, how to identify common species, and which spiders in our region may be dangerous.
Why Do Spiders Move Indoors in Fall?
As outdoor conditions get cooler and less hospitable, some species venture indoors in search of warmth, food, and safe places to build webs. Basements, garages, and cluttered storage areas provide perfect hiding spots. Also, fall is the mating season for many spiders.
The sudden spike in spider sightings this time of year doesn’t mean they’re “invading” your home, it means they’re looking for a place to survive.
Are Giant House Spiders Dangerous?
Giant house spiders are often alarming because of their large size and quick movements. However, they are not considered dangerous to humans. In fact, they can help reduce other pests inside your home by preying on insects.
Where Do Hobo Spiders Live (and Are Their Bites Dangerous)?
Hobo spiders are commonly found in basements, window wells, and crawl spaces.
Their bite has been debated for years, but they are not considered dangerous. Still, professional identification is important if you suspect hobo spiders are in your home.
What Do Wolf Spiders Look Like?
Wolf spiders are large, hairy, and fast-moving. Instead of building webs like most spiders, they hunt for prey on the ground.
Though they may look intimidating, wolf spiders are not aggressive toward humans. Bites from wolf spiders are rare and typically mild.
Are Fishing Spiders Venomous?
Fishing spiders are often mistaken for wolf spiders due to their size and appearance. Despite their name, they aren’t dangerous to people. They live near water sources and occasionally enter homes, but their bites are not considered dangerous.
However, please seek medical attention right away if you are bitten by a spider, regardless of species.
Which Spiders Are Dangerous?
While most spiders you encounter in the fall are harmless, a few species in the United States are venomous and should be treated with caution:
- Black Widow Spiders: Recognizable by their shiny black body and red hourglass marking. Their venom is potent and can cause severe reactions.
- Brown Recluse Spiders: Identified by a violin-shaped mark on their back. Their bites can cause serious skin damage and require medical attention.
If you believe you’ve spotted one of these spiders, do not approach it. Call a professional promptly for safe removal, and seek medical attention right away if you’re bitten.
When to Call an Exterminator
Spiders play an important role in controlling insects, but nobody wants an infestation indoors, especially if you’re worried about a dangerous species. Professional spider control offers:
- Proper identification of spider species
- Safe removal of venomous spiders
- Treatment plans that reduce indoor pest activity (and food sources for spiders)
- Long-term prevention to keep them from returning
Keep Your Home Protected This Fall
Throughout the fall, spiders are highly likely to move indoors, so it’s important to know which species could pose a threat. Bug Out provides expert spider identification, removal, and prevention services to give you peace of mind.
Contact Bug Out today for professional spider control to keep your home safe this fall.
