The Common House Spider
As summer arrives in Houston, patios and porches come alive—not just with people, but also with Common House Spiders (Parasteatoda tepidariorum). Although they are often met with a broom, these harmless spiders play an important role in the ecosystem.
What Is the Common House Spider?
The Common House Spider is comfortable both indoors and outdoors, especially in Houston’s warm, humid climate. These light brown or tan spiders, approximately ¼ inch in size, often go unnoticed due to their messy webs and are sometimes mistaken for more dangerous species.
Web Habits
Common House Spiders are cobweb weavers known for their irregular, messy webs. You may find them in:
Upper corners of patios and porches
Under eaves and awnings
Around outdoor light fixtures
Inside patio furniture or planter crevices
They prefer undisturbed areas where flying insects pass through, making the corners of your patio, especially around lights, prime hunting grounds.
Why They Love Houston Summers
Houston's heat, humidity, and abundant insect activity create ideal conditions for Common House Spiders. Lengthy summers provide more bugs, which translates to more food for these spiders. Outdoor lights attract flying pests like moths and mosquitoes, making them irresistible spots for web-building spiders.
Control and Prevention Tips
While Common House Spiders are not harmful, you might prefer to keep your patio furniture and entryways free from webs. Here are a few simple strategies to manage their presence:
Regularly sweep away webs to discourage their return.
Reduce outdoor lighting to limit the insects that attract them.
Seal cracks and gaps in siding, trim, and door frames.
Declutter: Spiders thrive in hidden areas, so clear away stacked items and unused outdoor decor.
By following these tips, you can enjoy your outdoor spaces while keeping Common House Spiders at bay.
Need Help? Contact Us
If Common House Spiders or other pests are taking over your patio, porch, or home, we can help. Our Houston pest control experts provide safe, effective treatments to manage spiders and the insects they eat. Enjoy your outdoor spaces without unwanted webs.
