Common Household Spiders Identification & Control

Common Household Spiders: Identification & Control

Spiders top the list of creepiest household pests for many people. They tend to appear at the worst times—like when you’re showering or reaching into a dark storage box. From speedy wolf spiders darting across the floor to infamous black widows lurking in the corner, Sacramento homes host a variety of eight-legged intruders. Some are harmless, even helpful, while others deserve a bit more caution. Once you know what you’re dealing with, you can pursue effective household spider control.

Common Household Spiders in Sacramento

What do household spiders look like? It depends on which ones have invaded. Here are some examples of arachnids you’ll find in Sacramento homes:

American house spiders: These classic web spinners can be found in ceiling corners and garages. Small, brown, and dusty looking, they build messy cobwebs and typically mind their own business.
Wolf spiders: If you see a big, hairy spider sprinting across the floor, it’s probably a wolf spider. They don’t use webs to catch food—they prefer the chase. While they might look scary, they’re generally harmless to humans.
Black widow spiders: Famous for the red hourglass on their abdomen, black widows are more reclusive than aggressive. Still, they pack a venomous bite that really hurts, so it’s best not to get too close.
Yellow sac spiders: These pale, yellowish spiders are active hunters. They don’t build traditional webs but may leave small silk sacs where they rest during the day. Their bites can be irritating and sometimes painful.
Daddy long-leg spiders: Often confused with harvestmen (which aren’t actually spiders), daddy long-legs are those spindly-legged spiders you’ll find hanging out in basements, closets, and garages. They’re harmless to humans and tend to cluster in quiet, undisturbed spaces.
Jumping spiders: These tiny, fuzzy spiders don’t spin webs to catch prey—they stalk and pounce like miniature, eight-legged cats. Known for their excellent eyesight and quick movements, jumping spiders are more curious than creepy and often react to movement with an oddly adorable head tilt.
Orb weaver spiders: Famous for their large, circular webs, orb weavers are most active at night and often settle in between bushes, trees, or outdoor structures. Though their size and web designs might seem intimidating, they’re gentle by nature and rarely venture indoors.

What Attracts House Spiders?

When spiders invade your home, they aren’t out to get you—they’re just looking for food, shelter, and a good hiding place. But that doesn’t mean you want them hanging around. If you spot more spiders than usual, your home may be a little too pest friendly. Here’s what tends to lure arachnids indoors:

Abundant prey: Spiders love homes with other pests. If you have a fly problem, spiders will move in for the free buffet.
Clutter: Spiders are shy creatures. Stacks of boxes rarely moved furniture, and those dusty corners in the garage make perfect hideouts.
Moisture: Like many bugs, spiders appreciate a little humidity. Basements, kitchens, bathrooms, and areas with leaky pipes are spider favorites.
Entry points: Even the most well-built homes have cracks and gaps large enough for spiders to crawl through.
Outdoor lighting: Porch lights attract insects, and insects attract spiders.
Overgrown landscaping: Shrubs and trees touching your home give spiders a bridge straight into your living space.

Spider Prevention Tips for Sacramento Homes

Controlling spiders is much easier than dealing with a full-blown infestation. Here are a few small changes that make a noticeable difference:

Seal entry points: Inspect your home’s exterior for cracks, gaps, and holes. Caulk these areas to cut off easy access.
Tidy up inside and out: Trim nearby bushes and trees and keep firewood at least 20 feet from your home’s foundation. Then, organize the garage, attic, and closets to reduce hiding places.
Don’t let them settle in: Remove webs when you find them to tell spiders they’re not welcome.
Deter other pests: Take away their food source, and spiders will have less reason to stick around. Tips include repairing leaks, storing food in airtight containers, and swapping out bright white porch bulbs for yellow or sodium vapor lights.
Vacuum regularly: Spiders hate disturbance. Get in the habit of cleaning corners, under furniture, and along baseboards to disrupt their nesting spots.
Use natural deterrents: Essential oils like peppermint, eucalyptus, and citrus repel spiders when sprayed near windows, doors, and corners.

Why Choose Apex Pest Control?

Apex Pest Control has been protecting Sacramento homes since 1978. As a family-run business, we prioritize excellent customer service, competitive pricing, and special discounts for new homeowners and seniors. If you sign up for bi-monthly service and spot a pest problem between visits, we’ll come back at no extra cost. That’s the Apex Pest Control Guarantee! Plus, we don’t just spray and leave—we take the time to help you understand how to prevent future infestations. Get in touch today to schedule professional spider control in Sacramento, CA.