Common house spiders (Parasteatoda tepidariorum)

The common house spider is one of the most familiar indoor pests across the U.S. Quiet and often unnoticed, it tends to build webs in corners, basements, and other out-of-the-way places. Though its presence can cause concern, it's not usually a danger to people. Knowing how to spot and manage this spider can help you feel more at ease in your home.

What are common house spiders?

Parasteatoda tepidariorum, known as the common house spider, is part of the cobweb spider family. It’s known for creating irregular, tangled webs in sheltered indoor spots. These spiders stay close to their webs and often remain hidden. While they aren’t aggressive, learning how to identify house spiders helps avoid confusing them with more harmful pests.

The lifecycle of common house spiders

The development of the common house spider follows a simple, slow-paced pattern. From egg to adult, each stage takes place close to their web. Knowing what to expect at each point in their lifecycle can help you spot early signs of an infestation before it grows.

• The egg sac produced by the female is spherical, covered with a layer of silk, and placed within the web structure.
• The male will mate several times with the female before dying.
• Adults may live for several years.

Seasonal behaviors of common house spiders

This species tends to appear indoors more in cooler months. When temperatures drop outside, they move inside where it’s warm and food is available. You may notice more webbing or spider activity during the fall, though they stay active year-round in stable indoor environments.

Habitat and diet of common house spiders

Common house spiders often live in quiet indoor areas like garages, sheds, and storage rooms. They stick to low-traffic spots, where their webs can remain undisturbed. These spiders are adaptable and settle in wherever they find shelter and steady food access.

• Found in buildings, sheds, and on walls.
• This spider constructs cobweb or tangle-web structures. These webs are characterized by being messy and irregular, not like the neat, circular orb webs built by other spiders.

Preferred environments

This spider prefers dry, stable environments. Indoors, it chooses corners of ceilings, behind furniture, or storage areas. Outdoors, it may be found near light fixtures or tucked under siding. Their chosen habitat helps them avoid people while staying close to potential prey.

What do common house spiders eat?

They feed on small insects like flies and ants, which they catch in their webs. Once trapped, the prey is quickly subdued. Because of this, they may help reduce other indoor pests, though they can become a nuisance if left unchecked.

Managing common house spiders

While common house spiders aren’t dangerous, seeing too many around your home can be unsettling. Managing them starts with cutting off access to food, sealing entry points, and keeping areas clean and clutter-free. 

Preventing house spider infestations

To prevent this species from settling in, keep clutter to a minimum and regularly check unused areas. Seal gaps around doors, windows, and pipework to limit access. Tackling these areas early can help reduce the chance of long-term infestations. Physically removing observed using brushes or vacuums can keep the population down. 

Effective common house spider control methods

Simple steps like vacuuming webs and using sticky traps can reduce sightings. However, these are often only short-term fixes. If the problem continues or you’re unsure what you’re dealing with, we’re here to help. Our team can assess the situation and provide reliable common house spider control.

Frequently asked questions