Common Types Of Spiders In Ohio
Ohio is home to more than 600 species of spiders, but only a few are commonly found in and around homes—especially during the fall months. While most spiders are harmless and prefer to be left alone, they often wander indoors seeking warmth and shelter. Here are some of the most common spiders you might encounter in Ohio:
House Funnel Weaver
- Brownish or grayish in color.
- Body ranges from ⅓ to ⅔ inch when fully grown.
- Has four pairs of similarly sized eyes.
- Legs and body are covered in fine hairs, with darker banding on the legs.
Gray Cross Spider
- Often called “bridge spiders” because they’re found near water and under bridges.
- Commonly found on steel structures.
- Nocturnal hunters that rarely leave their webs.
- Females die after creating their egg sacs.
Bull-Headed Sac Spider
- Gray abdomen, dark brown or gray head, and orange or reddish legs.
- Have noticeable pincers that make them appear to have ten legs.
- Equipped with prominent fangs and known to bite when disturbed.
Grass Spider
- Tan bodies with two black stripes running down the back.
- Build funnel-shaped webs and drag prey inside.
- Body length is around 0.74 inches; males are smaller than females.
Barn Spider
- Spins a circular web nightly to catch prey.
- Common in northeast Ohio, especially in late summer and fall.
- Non-aggressive and harmless to humans.
- Will “bounce” in their webs when threatened.
Black Widow
- One of the few dangerous spiders found in northeast Ohio.
- Females have shiny black bodies with a distinctive red hourglass on the abdomen.
- Venom is potent but rarely fatal with proper medical treatment.
- Newly hatched spiders use silk threads to disperse on the wind.
Wolf Spider
- The most common spider in northeast Ohio.
- Typically under two inches in diameter.
- Found near doors, windows, plants, basements, and garages.
- Don’t spin webs—hunt their prey by running on long legs.
- Their bite can cause irritation but is not dangerous.
- Often mistaken for the brown recluse, but lacks the violin-shaped marking.
How Can I Tell If A Spider Bites?
Three common Ohio spiders that bite humans include the House Funnel Weaver, Bull-Headed Sac Spider, and Grass Spider.
- House Funnel Weaver: Builds funnel-shaped webs, usually harmless, but capable of biting if threatened.
- Bull-Headed Sac Spider: Often hides in small spaces like gloves or folded clothing and bites when disturbed.
- Grass Spider: Builds outdoor funnel webs close to the ground and may bite defensively.
Most spider bites are not dangerous, though they can be painful and cause redness or swelling. Bites typically occur as a form of self-defense and can be avoided by keeping your living spaces clean and clutter-free.
How To Prevent Spiders From Living In Your Home
Spiders enter homes through open doors, windows, and cracks in the foundation. To reduce the chance of an infestation, try the following prevention tips:
- Keep doors and windows closed or properly screened.
- Seal small cracks and gaps around your home’s exterior.
- Regularly dust and vacuum dark, quiet areas where spiders may build webs.
- Remove clutter such as boxes, piles of leaves, and compost near your home’s foundation.
- Keep outdoor lighting to a minimum—light attracts insects, which in turn attract spiders.
Maintaining a clean, well-sealed home is one of the most effective ways to discourage spiders from moving in.
How To Get Rid Of Spiders
At Epcon Lane Pest Control, our experienced exterminators will develop a customized plan to safely and efficiently eliminate spiders from your home or business. We use proven methods that protect your family, pets, and property.
Call (330) 278-8939 today or request a free estimate to get started with professional spider control in Akron.
