The warm, sunny weather here in Brevard County attracts more than just sunbathers. It also attracts a variety of Florida house spiders into our homes and gardens.

From the long-legged cellar spider to the large and in charge wolf spider, these Florida house spiders can quickly become your next unwanted roommate. 

So what are the most common Florida house spiders? Let’s break it down.

What Are the 4 Most Common Florida House Spiders?

Below are four spiders that are notorious for showing up in residential spaces across Brevard County, FL, including Melbourne, Merritt Island, and Titusville.

1. Southern House Spider

Southern house spiders, some of the most common Florida spiders, come in shades of dark brown to black, with females usually darker and larger than males. Females can grow up to 18 mm in body length, while males are smaller, around 9 mm. 

These spiders are nocturnal and prefer to stay hidden during the day. They often make their homes in dark, undisturbed areas like attics, basements, crawl spaces, and garages. Southern house spider webs are messy and irregular, unlike some other spiders’ neat, symmetrical webs.

While they may cause quite a fright, southern house spiders are not aggressive and rarely bite humans. If they feel threatened, they usually retreat to their web. Their bites are not harmful and usually only cause mild pain or redness. 

2. Cellar Spiders

Cellar spiders are easily recognizable due to their long, thin legs, which can be up to six times the length of their small, cylindrical bodies. The body is usually light gray or tan and measures about 2-10 mm long. 

These spiders are typically found in dark, damp areas like basements, cellars, garages, and crawl spaces. They build loose, irregular webs, often in corners or under furniture. You can spot them at any time of the day, hanging motionless in their webs. 

Despite their somewhat eerie appearance, cellar spiders are harmless to humans. They are not aggressive or venomous, and their small fangs aren’t typically large enough to pierce through skin. 

3. Brown Recluse Spider

Brown recluse spiders have small body lengths ranging from 6 to 20 mm. They are usually light to dark brown and have a distinctive dark violin-shaped marking on their back, just behind their eyes. This marking is one of the best ways to identify them, although it can sometimes be faint. Their legs are long, slender, and brown, with a smooth appearance.

Unlike many other spiders, the brown recluse does not build webs to catch prey. Instead, they use their webs as harbourage sites for themselves and their eggs. Female brown recluse spiders prefer to stick close to their webs, only venturing out to catch small insects and other spiders. 

The brown recluse spider is infamous for its venomous bite. While brown recluse spiders aren’t aggressive and will only bite when threatened or accidentally mishandled, these pests can leave a serious mark if they turn their fangs on you. 

4. Black Widow Spiders

The black widow spider (Latrodectus mactans) is one of the most well-known Florida house spiders. These pests are easily recognizable due to their shiny, black bodies and distinctive red hourglass markings on the underside of their abdomens. 

Black widow spiders prefer dark, secluded areas where they can build their irregular, tangled webs. They often congregate in sheds, garages, basements, and woodpiles. 

Black widows aren’t aggressive and usually bite in self-defense, like brown recluse spiders. But that doesn’t mean their bite won’t pack a punch. Symptoms of a black widow bite include severe pain, muscle cramps, nausea, and sweating. 

While bites can be very painful, they are rarely fatal. Most healthy adults recover without serious complications, although medical attention is recommended. 

Preventing and Eliminating Florida House Spiders

If you’re ready to reduce spider sightings in your home, here are some practical tips:

• Seal Cracks and Gaps: Make sure doors, windows, and any gaps in the foundation are sealed.
• Declutter Your Home: Spiders love hiding among piles of boxes, newspapers, and clutter.
• Regularly Clean Corners: Dust webs away to discourage spiders from setting up camp.
• Keep Outdoor Areas Tidy: Trim the vegetation near your home and move woodpiles further away to deter nesting spots.

Still struggling with Florida spiders? Leave it to the experts at Orange Pest Control!

Get Rid of These Common Florida Spiders Today!

Don’t spend another day sharing your space with unwanted guests. At Orange Pest Control, we specialize in safe and effective pest solutions tailored to Brevard County homeowners. 

Whether you’re in Rockledge, St. Cloud, or anywhere else across the Space Coast, we’re here to help.

Every home is different, and so is every spider problem. Our pest control experts tailor our treatment plans to fit your specific situation. They’ll assess how bad the infestation is, identify which spiders are causing the trouble, and use effective and safe solutions for your family and the environment.

Contact us today for proven pest protection against Florida house spiders in Brevard County!

Did You Know?

Spiders might seem like a nuisance, but they play a crucial role in controlling household pests like flies, mosquitoes, and cockroaches. A typical Tegenaria house spider, six species of which are commonly found in homes, catches and consumes hundreds of insects each year. While not everyone enjoys the idea of sharing their home with spiders, they provide a natural and chemical-free form of pest control.

FAQ

Are Florida house spiders dangerous? 

Most house spiders found across Palm Bay, Cocoa, and Viera are harmless. The southern black widow is venomous but bites only when provoked.

What is a spider egg sac, and when can I see them? 

Spider egg sacs are small, brown, papery sacs that can contain over 400 eggs. Summer is the best time to spot them in webs.

What should I do if I find a black widow spider? 

Avoid touching it and contact professional pest control experts like us at Orange Pest Control to safely address the issue.

How can I reduce spiders around my Brevard County home? 

Keep your home clean, seal entry points, and remove unused clutter where spiders might hide.