House Spiders

How to Identify House Spiders and Understand Their Presence Indoors

Finding a spider inside your home can be unsettling, particularly when it’s unclear what kind of spider it is. In Akron, Cleveland, and throughout Northeast Ohio, the most commonly encountered indoor spider is often referred to simply as the house spider.

This guide explains what house spiders look like, why they show up inside homes, and when spider activity may indicate a larger pest issue.

Quick House Spider Identification

House spiders share several traits that help distinguish them from other spiders:

• Size: Small to medium, typically with a leg span up to about 1½ inches
• Color: Brown, gray, or tan, often with subtle patterning
• Body Shape: Small body with long, thin legs
• Webs: Irregular, messy-looking webs in corners or undisturbed areas

House spiders are often mistaken for more dangerous spiders, but their appearance and behavior are very different.

What Are House Spiders?

House spiders are common indoor spiders that adapt well to living inside structures. They typically enter homes accidentally and remain indoors because conditions are stable and food sources are available.

In Northeast Ohio, house spiders:

• Do not seek out people
• Prefer quiet, undisturbed areas
• Feed on insects already inside the home
• Often remain unnoticed for long periods

Their presence is usually tied to other indoor insects rather than structural issues.

House Spiders vs. Other Spiders

Not all spiders found indoors behave the same way.

Key differences include:

• House spiders build webs; some spiders actively hunt
• They are not aggressive and rarely bite
• They lack the physical traits associated with venomous spiders
• They tend to stay in one area rather than roam the home

Correct identification helps prevent unnecessary concern.

Why House Spiders Are Common Indoors

Homes in Akron, Cleveland, and surrounding areas provide ideal conditions for house spiders, including:

• Stable indoor temperatures
• Quiet, low-traffic spaces
• Available prey insects
• Entry points around doors, windows, and foundations

House spiders are not attracted to homes because of poor cleanliness. They stay where insects are present.

Signs of Increased House Spider Activity

If house spiders are active, homeowners may notice:

• Multiple webs in similar areas
• More spiders around, especially in the fall 
• Webs that frequently catch insects
• Increased spider activity near lights or windows

More spiders often mean more insects indoors.

Where Homeowners Usually Find House Spiders

House spiders are most often found in undisturbed areas, such as:

• Basement corners
• Garages
• Attics
• Crawl spaces
• Upper corners of rooms or ceilings
• Around windows or light fixtures

Seeing a spider move across a wall usually means its web was disturbed.

Are House Spiders a Serious Problem?

House spiders are generally harmless and do not pose a threat to people or pets.

Important points to know:

• Bites are rare and typically mild
• They do not damage structures
• They do not infest homes in the same way insects do

However, frequent spider sightings may indicate an underlying insect problem. Simply put, they go where their food is.  

Spider Prevention Tips 

Homeowners can reduce spider activity by:

• Sealing gaps around windows and doors
• Eliminating insects inside the home
• Removing webs from corners and ceilings
• Keeping storage areas organized
• Managing outdoor lighting that attracts insects

Controlling insects is the most effective way to reduce spider presence.

When Professional Spider Control May Be Helpful

Professional pest control may be helpful when:

• Spider activity becomes frequent or bothersome
• Webs reappear quickly after removal
• Spiders are accompanied by other indoor pests
• Homeowners want ongoing prevention rather than spot treatment

Epcon Lane’s residential pest control focuses on reducing insects that attract spiders, not just the arachnids. 

Spider Control in Akron, Cleveland & Northeast Ohio

Our home pest control plans target spiders and other common house-infesting pests, providing year-round protection rather than one-time treatment.  

If spiders are becoming a recurring issue in your home, a professional inspection can help identify contributing factors.

Contact Epcon Lane to discuss spider activity in your home.

House Spider FAQs

Why do I see more spiders in the fall?

As temperatures cool, spiders are often displaced from outdoor areas and become more visible indoors. This doesn’t mean a new problem—it’s a seasonal pattern.

Where do house spiders lay their eggs?

House spiders lay their eggs in small silk sacs that are usually attached in or near their webs. These are typically found in quiet corners, along ceilings, or under furniture where spiders aren’t disturbed.

Should I be worried about venomous spiders in Ohio homes?

Venomous spiders are rare in Northeast Ohio homes. Most spiders encountered indoors are harmless species like house spiders.