Curiosities About Spiders in Missouri: What You Need to Know

When it comes to household pests, spiders often stir up feelings of unease, yet these creatures are more misunderstood than dangerous. At Pezz Pest Control, a trusted pest control company serving St. Charles, Missouri, we often receive questions about spiders—whether they’re harmful, how to handle them, and how to keep them away. In this article, we’ll explore the most common house spiders in Missouri, how to identify dangerous species, and practical tips for managing spiders in your home.

Most Common Types of House Spiders in Missouri

In Missouri, homeowners are likely to encounter several house spiders, each with its habits and characteristics. Most of these spiders are harmless, although a few venomous species exist in the region.

Common House Spider

These small, brownish spiders are often found in corners of ceilings or windowsills. They spin tangled webs and are harmless to humans. They prefer to feed on small insects and are not aggressive.

Cellar Spider 

Often referred to as “daddy longlegs,” cellar spiders have long, thin legs and are frequently found in basements or crawl spaces. These spiders are also harmless to humans and are more of a nuisance due to the webs they leave behind.

Wolf Spider 

Wolf spiders are larger, brown, and furry, with a robust body. They don’t spin webs but actively hunt their prey. Though intimidating in appearance, wolf spiders are not aggressive and will only bite if provoked.

Brown Recluse

The brown recluse is one of the most dangerous spiders in Missouri. It is tan or light brown and has a distinctive violin-shaped marking on its back. Brown recluses prefer dark, undisturbed areas like attics, closets, or basements. Their bite can cause serious medical issues, so they should be handled with caution.

Black Widow 

Another venomous spider found in Missouri is the black widow, which is easy to recognize due to its shiny black body and red hourglass marking on the underside. While their bites are rarely fatal, they can cause severe pain, nausea, and muscle cramps, requiring medical attention.

How to Identify Dangerous Spiders

In Missouri, the two species you need to watch out for are the brown recluse and black widow. Here are some ways to identify them:

• Brown Recluse: Light brown or tan with a violin-shaped marking on its back. They prefer quiet, undisturbed areas.
• Black Widow: Jet black with a red hourglass marking on the abdomen. They favor outdoor areas like woodpiles, but can sometimes enter homes.

If you encounter a spider that resembles either of these, it’s best not to handle it. Call a professional pest control service like Pezz Pest Control to safely remove it.

What to Do If You Find a Spider in Your Home

If you spot a spider in your home, here’s how to handle the situation:

1. Identify the spider. If it’s a common house spider or cellar spider, there’s no need to panic. You can capture it with a jar and release it outside.
2. Check for webs. Spiders tend to build webs in secluded, undisturbed areas. If webs are present, clean them up and inspect those areas regularly.
3. Call a professional. If you suspect the spider might be a brown recluse or black widow, or if you’re unsure, contact a pest control company like Pezz Pest Control for safe removal.

How to Deal With Spider Webs

Spider webs can accumulate quickly, especially in homes with high ceilings, basements, or attics. Here’s how to manage them:

1. Vacuum regularly: Use a vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment to remove webs from corners, ceilings, and around windows.
2. Clean with a broom: For hard-to-reach areas, a broom or duster can effectively knock down webs.
3. Monitor frequently: Spiders often return to the same spots. Regularly check and clean areas where webs frequently appear to discourage them from rebuilding.

How to Keep Spiders Away from Your Home

Preventing spiders from entering your home is key to minimizing encounters. Here are some strategies:

1. Seal cracks and crevices: Inspect windows, doors, and the foundation of your home for gaps or openings. Seal them with caulk or weather stripping to block spider entry points.
2. Remove clutter: Spiders love dark, cluttered areas like basements and attics. Keep these spaces clean and organized to reduce hiding spots.
3. Turn off outdoor lights: Outdoor lighting attracts insects, which in turn attract spiders. Use yellow bug lights or reduce lighting around entryways.
4. Keep your home dry: Spiders are attracted to moist environments. Ensure proper ventilation in basements and attics, and fix any leaks.
5. Trim vegetation: Keep bushes and trees trimmed back from the house to reduce spiders’ ability to enter.

Can Spiders Bite?

Yes, spiders can bite, but most species in Missouri are not dangerous. Spiders typically bite only when threatened or provoked. The bites of common house spiders or wolf spiders may cause minor irritation, similar to a bee sting, but they are generally not harmful. However, the bites of a brown recluse or black widow can be serious.

What to Do If You Get Bitten by a Spider

If you believe you’ve been bitten by a spider, follow these steps:

1. Clean the bite: Wash the area with soap and water to prevent infection.
2. Apply ice: Use a cold pack to reduce swelling and discomfort.
3. Monitor the bite: If the bite causes severe pain, redness, or blistering, or if you suspect it was from a brown recluse or black widow, seek medical attention immediately.
4. Take antihistamines: For mild reactions, an over-the-counter antihistamine can help reduce itching and swelling.

Work with Pezz Pest Control

At Pezz Pest Control, we understand that dealing with spiders can be unsettling, especially if you suspect a venomous species may be in your home. Our team of trained professionals in St. Charles, Missouri, is experienced in identifying and safely removing all types of spiders. Whether you need routine pest control services or a one-time removal, we’re here to help.

We offer comprehensive pest management plans to not only remove spiders but also prevent them from returning by addressing the underlying conditions that attract them to your home.

FAQs

Can house spiders harm me?

No, most house spiders in Missouri, like the common house spider and cellar spider, are harmless. They may bite if provoked, but their bites are not dangerous to humans.

What is the most common house spider?

The common house spider (Parasteatoda tepidariorum) is the most frequently encountered species in Missouri homes. These spiders are small, non-aggressive, and harmless.

Why are so many house spiders in my house?

Spiders are drawn to homes because they provide shelter and a steady supply of insects to feed on. High humidity, cluttered spaces, and easy entry points like gaps in doors and windows can also attract them. To reduce spider activity, maintain a clean home, seal any openings, and eliminate excess moisture.

What is the most common spider in Missouri?

The most common spider in Missouri is the common house spider. This small, brownish spider is frequently found in homes, often in corners of ceilings, windowsills, or basements. While they may spin messy webs, they are harmless to humans and help control insect populations.

Are there poisonous spiders in Missouri?

Yes, Missouri is home to two venomous spiders: the brown recluse (Loxosceles reclusa) and the black widow (Latrodectus mactans). The brown recluse has a violin-shaped marking on its back and is typically found in dark, undisturbed areas. The black widow is recognizable by its shiny black body and red hourglass marking. Bites from either spider can cause serious health issues and should be treated by a medical professional.

What is Missouri’s largest spider?

The Carolina wolf spider (Hogna carolinensis) is Missouri’s largest spider, with a leg span that can reach up to four inches. Despite their size and intimidating appearance, wolf spiders are non-venomous and pose little threat to humans. They do not spin webs and are ground hunters, often found in fields, gardens, and occasionally inside homes.