Pest Library
Spiders
Most spiders are harmless and even helpful, since they eat other bugs. But nobody wants them all over the house, and a couple are worth knowing about.
On this page: Common house spider · Wolf spider · Black widow
Need help now? See our general pest control service.
Which spiders are harmless and which to watch for
Common house spiders and wolf spiders are harmless to people. They may bite if they're pressed against skin, but it's usually no worse than a bee sting.
The one to watch for in our area is the black widow. Its bite is rarely serious for healthy adults, but it can cause pain, cramping and other symptoms, and it can be more serious for young children and older adults. Seek medical care if you think you've been bitten.
Lots of spiders usually means lots of other insects for them to eat, so we treat both.
Common house spider
Quick ID
- Small: body about 1/8 to 1/4 inch
- Brownish or tan with darker markings, round abdomen
- Builds messy cobwebs in corners
Signs of a problem
- Cobwebs in corners, windows, basements and garages
- Small round egg sacs in webs
- Lots of spiders near outdoor lights
How Pestworx handles it
We remove webs and egg sacs, treat the cracks and corners where they hide, and treat outside to cut down on the insects they feed on.
Prevention tips
- Vacuum webs and egg sacs regularly
- Switch to yellow or LED outdoor bulbs that draw fewer bugs
- Seal gaps around windows and doors
Wolf spider
Quick ID
- Large: body up to about 1 inch, with long legs
- Brown and gray with stripes, hairy look
- Hunts on the ground and doesn't build webs. Look-alike: fishing spiders near water
Signs of a problem
- Big, fast spiders running across floors, often in fall
- Spiders in basements, garages and ground floors
- Females carrying egg sacs or babies on their backs
How Pestworx handles it
We treat the outside perimeter, entry points and basement areas where they come in.
Prevention tips
- Clear leaf litter, woodpiles and clutter near the house
- Install door sweeps
- Seal foundation gaps and basement windows
Black widow
Quick ID
- Females have a body about 1/2 inch
- Shiny black with a red hourglass on the underside of the belly
- Builds messy, strong webs in dark, quiet spots
Signs of a problem
- Webs in woodpiles, sheds, garages, under decks and outdoor furniture
- Round, papery egg sacs
- Spiders hanging belly-up in their webs
How Pestworx handles it
We carefully remove webs and egg sacs and treat the hiding spots, inside and out.
Prevention tips
- Wear gloves when moving firewood, boxes or yard debris
- Shake out shoes and gloves stored in garages
- Keep storage areas tidy and off the floor
Seeing spiders? Get a free inspection
Call (888) 511-9460 or request a quote online and we will find out what you are dealing with. New customers get $50 off their first service with a 12-month plan.
We serve homes and businesses in Camden, Burlington, Mercer and Gloucester counties in New Jersey, and Bucks and Montgomery counties in Pennsylvania.
New customer offer
Your first service, $50 off
$50 off your initial service for new customers who sign up for a 12-month service plan.
New residential and commercial customers only. Requires a 12-month service agreement. Can't be combined with other offers. Mention this offer when you call or request a quote.More from the Pest Library
