Pest Library
Spiders
Usually harmless, but a sign of what else is around.
Overview
The spiders found in and around homes here are overwhelmingly harmless: cellar spiders in basements, cobweb spiders in corners, orb weavers on porches and around lights, and wolf spiders that wander in from outside. They are predators, and their presence usually means there are other insects available.
Spider activity indoors spikes in late summer and fall as spiders mature and males move around looking for mates.
What to look for
Identify the pest
Compare what you found with these spiders reference materials.
Common house spider
Small tan spider that builds tangled webs in corners and basements.
Wolf spider
Large, fast ground hunter that does not build a web to catch prey.
Orb-weaver
Builds the classic wheel-shaped outdoor web, often near lights and railings.
Cellar spider
Very long thin legs; common in basements, crawl spaces and garages.
Signs of activity
Most homeowners find the evidence before they find the pest. These are the things people usually notice first.
Egg sacs
Silk sacs tucked into corners or under furniture indicate ongoing reproduction.
Webs
Web location says a lot: tangled corner webs, sheet webs in crawl spaces, wheel webs outdoors.
Photos can help narrow down a pest problem, but many pests and signs of activity look similar. A photograph should not be treated as a definitive identification or diagnosis. Photo sources and credits.
Does this look familiar?
Pest signs aren't always easy to identify from pictures. Send us a photo of what you're seeing and tell us where you found it — we'll take spiders into account.
Why they're common in the Hudson Valley
- Wooded and landscaped properties support the insect populations spiders feed on.
- Exterior lighting on porches and garages concentrates flying insects, and spiders follow.
- Older homes and stone foundations offer countless small harborage points.
Signs of activity
- Webs in corners, window frames, eaves, garages and basements
- Egg sacs in undisturbed corners and storage areas
- Repeated sightings in the same rooms — usually basements, garages and mudrooms
- An increase in other insects, which are the food source
Where you'll find them
- Basements, crawlspaces and utility rooms
- Garages, sheds and stored boxes
- Window frames, ceiling corners and closets
- Porch ceilings, eaves and around exterior lights
Why it matters
- Most local spiders pose little risk to people, and they consume other pests.
- A sudden increase often points to an underlying insect problem or a moisture issue worth addressing.
- Heavy webbing on siding and porches is a maintenance and appearance issue.
Prevention
- Vacuum webs and egg sacs regularly, including corners and under furniture
- Reduce clutter and store items in sealed bins rather than cardboard
- Switch exterior lights to warm or yellow bulbs to attract fewer insects
- Seal gaps around windows, doors and utility penetrations
- Manage basement and crawlspace moisture
When to get an inspection
- Spiders return quickly after cleaning and treatment
- You are finding them throughout the house rather than in one area
- You want the underlying insect activity identified
- You are unsure what species you are seeing — send a photo
Webs coming back no matter how often you clear them?
If the activity keeps coming back, an on-site inspection is the reliable next step.