House spiders are common in homes across the world. They’re usually seen crawling across walls, floors or ceilings, much to the surprise of the homeowner. Seeing spiders inside the home can be scary, especially if you don’t know whether they’re poisonous or not. In this article, we’ll talk about house spiders, their habits, their venom, and whether they’re poisonous to humans or pets. Read on to get all the facts about house spiders.
What is a House Spider?
A house spider is a small, fast-moving spider that is commonly found inside homes. They are usually brown or gray in color, and their bodies are generally around ΒΌ inch long. They have long, thin legs which are covered in hair, and their abdomens are typically round or oval in shape. Although they are small, house spiders are hunters, and they are constantly on the lookout for prey.
Where do House Spiders Live?
House spiders are common in all parts of the world, and they are usually found in homes or buildings. They can be found in any room and can often be seen running across walls, floors, and ceilings. They prefer quiet, dark places where they can build their webs and hide from predators.
What do House Spiders Eat?
House spiders are hunters, and their diet consists mainly of insects. They are active predators and will actively hunt their prey rather than catching it in a web. House spiders usually eat flies, mosquitoes, and other small insects that they find in their environment. They also like to eat other spiders, including other house spiders, which can make them a useful addition to a household if you have other spider species present.
Are House Spiders Poisonous?
House spiders are venomous, but their venom is not usually harmful to humans. The venom of most house spiders is too weak to cause significant harm to a human. The most common reaction to a house spider bite is a small red bump, similar to a mosquito bite. However, it is possible for some people to have an allergic reaction to the venom, which can cause more severe symptoms.
Can House Spider Venom be Harmful to Humans?
In rare cases, house spider venom can be harmful to humans. People who are allergic to spider venom may experience more severe reactions, such as swelling, redness, and pain at the site of the bite. Some people may also experience more systemic symptoms, such as abdominal pain, chest tightness, or difficulty breathing.
Are There any Poisonous House Spiders?
While most house spiders are not venomous enough to pose a risk to humans, there are a few species that are more venomous. For example, the black widow spider is sometimes found in homes and is known for its venomous bite. However, the black widow is not native to all parts of the world, so it is not a common house spider in many areas.
How to Identify a House Spider Bite?
If you suspect you have been bitten by a house spider, it is important to know what to look for. The bite of a house spider usually leaves a small raised bump on the skin, similar to a mosquito bite. The bump may be red or pink in color, and it is usually itchy or uncomfortable. If you experience any other symptoms or if the bump does not go away after a few days, it is important to seek medical attention.
How to Prevent House Spiders?
If you don’t like spiders inside your home, there are several things you can do to prevent them from coming inside. Keep your house clean and free of clutter, as spiders like to hide in dark, quiet spaces. Seal up any cracks or openings in your walls, floors, or ceiling to prevent spiders from coming inside. Use sticky traps or insecticides to eliminate any insects or other spiders that may be in your home.
What to do if You Find a House Spider?
If you find a house spider in your home, the best thing to do is to leave it alone. House spiders are not usually harmful to humans, and they help to control the population of other insects in your home. If you feel you must remove the spider, use a container and a piece of paper to gently scoop it up and release it outside. Be sure to handle the spider gently and be careful not to harm it.
Conclusion
House spiders are a common sight in homes across the world. Although they are venomous, their venom is typically not harmful to humans. If you encounter a house spider, the best thing to do is to leave it alone, or gently remove it and release it outside. If you are concerned about spiders or if you experience any symptoms after being bitten, seek medical attention.
FAQs
Q: How poisonous are house spiders?
A: House spiders are venomous, but their venom is usually not strong enough to cause significant harm to humans. The most common reaction to a house spider bite is a small red bump, similar to a mosquito bite.
Q: What do house spiders eat?
A: House spiders usually eat insects, such as flies, mosquitoes, and other small bugs. They also like to eat other spiders, including other house spiders.
Q: How do you prevent house spiders from entering your home?
A: To prevent house spiders from coming inside, keep your house clean and free of clutter. Seal up any cracks or openings in your walls, floors, or ceiling to prevent spiders from entering. Use sticky traps or insecticides to eliminate any insects or other spiders that may be in your home.
Q: Are there any poisonous house spiders?
A: While most house spiders are not venomous enough to pose a risk to humans, there are a few species that are more venomous, such as the black widow spider.
Q: What should you do if you find a house spider in your home?
A: If you find a house spider in your home, the best thing to do is to leave it alone, or gently remove it and release it outside. If you are concerned about spiders or if you experience any symptoms after being bitten, seek medical attention.
References
- Intellicast. (n.d.). House Spider Information. Retrieved September 22, 2021, from https://www.intellicast.com/house-spiders/
- Penn Medicine. (n.d.). Spider Bites. Retrieved September 22, 2021, from https://www.pennmedicine.org/for-patients-and-visitors/patient-information/fact-sheets/spider-bites
- Spider ID. (n.d.). House Spider. Retrieved September 22, 2021, from https://www.spiderid.com/spider/araneidae/araschnia-levana/