Southern House Spiders in Central Arkansas
Southern house spiders, also known as crevice spiders, are prevalent in Central Arkansas. Often mistaken for brown recluse spiders, males feature closely positioned eight eyes, while females, with their velvety black appearance, resemble small tarantulas. Despite these differences, both genders are frequently mistaken for brown recluse spiders. Southern house spiders create cottony webs on flat surfaces, hiding within crevices as they await their prey.
Southern House Spider Habitat
The southern house spider favors the nooks and crannies of building masonry, especially dimly lit spaces such as window sills, shutters, and overhangs. Females and juveniles craft specialized webs that are sometimes found beneath tree bark but commonly observed on houses, barns, bridges, and other structures. Southern house spiders exhibit a preference for weaving their webs in elevated locations, often nestled within the fissures and crevices of residences, garages, and sheds. Additionally, these arachnids spin their webs outdoors, among plants, cacti, and foliage. The webs spun by this species have a flat, tangled appearance, characterized by a woolly texture.
Southern House Spider Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers
Despite their resemblance to the dangerous recluse spider, southern house spiders pose no danger to humans. They rarely bite, and their venom is not medically significant. However, their disconcerting tendency to crawl over any surface they encounter can be unsettling. While male southern house spiders may sometimes exhibit aggression, they seldom bite unless provoked, as their mouthparts are not well-equipped to penetrate human skin. During the winter months, southern house spiders can become problematic, multiplying in neglected areas of houses, outbuildings, warehouses, and similar structures, as well as outdoor environments.
If you are dealing with southern house spider problems on your Central Arkansas property, contact your local spider exterminators.
