Giant House Spider close up white background

Giant House Spiders

Category:

Actual Size: ¾ with 2” leg span

Characteristics: Large; Black, gray, or brown pattern on the back.

Legs: 8

Habitat: Often found in garages, basements, and near floors. They sometimes get trapped in sinks and bathtubs when looking for water.

Habits:

  • Builds webs that are flat and messy with a funnel at one end.
  • Most common in autumn when they have reached their maximum size.
  • Can be found in dark corners of rooms, storage sheds, and within firewood and boxes.


Giant House Spiders Identification

 

What Do Giant House Spiders Look Like?

Giant house spiders  are a very common spider species found in North Carolina. They have a leg span that can reach up to 4 inches, with a brown and hairy body. Their abdomen is patterned with a series of marks, usually lighter than their overall body color. Their large size and speed are notable characteristics.

How big are Giant House Spiders?

Giant House Spiders can reach a leg span of up to 4 inches (10 cm), with their body length averaging between 0.6 to 0.7 inches (15 to 18 mm). Among the largest spider species commonly found in houses, Giant House Spiders are known for their fast speed and large size. Despite their intimidating appearance, they are generally harmless to humans and often contribute to controlling pests in homes by preying on insects.

Signs of a Giant House Spider Infestation

The giant house spider can be found in dark corners of rooms, storage sheds, barns, bridges, fences, and other structures. This large spider generally constructs funnel webs on window angles and in corners. Although giant house spiders prefer to live outdoors, they are hitchhikers and can be brought indoors when they hide in boxes, firewood, or other belongings.

 

Habitat, Diet, Life Cycle & Bites

 

Where Do Giant House Spiders Live?

Giant house spiders are most often spotted indoors during the autumn when they have reached their maximum size. They prefer dark and quiet areas and are commonly found in houses, specifically in garages, basements, and attics. Outdoors, they reside in sheds, under rocks, and in woodpiles.

Diet of a Giant House Spider

Their diet mainly consists of insects, which they capture in their large, sheet-like webs. They play a significant role in controlling pests within the household.

Life Cycle of a Giant House Spider

The life cycle of giant house spiders includes the egg, spiderling, and adult stages. Females lay eggs in silken sacs, often hidden within their web. Spiderlings emerge and go through several molts before reaching maturity.

Can a Giant House Spider Bite?

Yes, a giant house spider can bite, but it is rare and usually occurs only when the spider feels threatened or is accidentally disturbed. Giant house spiders are not aggressive and usually run away, very rapidly, when startled. Giant House Spider bites are not serious and the giant house spiders’ venom is only harmful to individuals with specific allergies.

 

Are Giant House Spiders Poisonous?

No, giant house spiders are not poisonous to humans. Their venom is used for hunting their prey and is not harmful to humans. They are often feared due to their size, but giant house spider venom is not potent enough to cause significant harm to humans.Even if bitten, the effects are typically mild, and understanding this can help alleviate common fears about these large, but essentially harmless, spiders.

How to Get Rid of Giant House Spiders?

Eliminating giant house spiders involves keeping homes clean and clutter-free, especially in areas where they are likely to build webs. Regular vacuuming and dusting can help to remove spiders and their webs. For persistent spiders, contact our professional spider removal team to assist. 

Giant House Spider Prevention Tips

To prevent giant house spiders, seal cracks and gaps in the home’s exterior to prevent entry. Reduce outdoor lighting that attracts insects, which in turn can attract spiders.

Need help with Giant House Spiders control?

FAQs

 

What Attracts Giant House Spiders to Homes?

Giant house spiders are often attracted to homes in search of prey or mates. They are drawn to quiet, dark areas where they can build their webs undisturbed.

How To Tell The Difference Between a Giant House Spider and a Hobo Spider? 

Distinguishing between a giant house spider (Eratigena atrica) and a hobo spider (Eratigena agrestis) can be challenging due to their similar appearances. Here are some subtle differences:

  • Leg Markings:

Giant house spiders typically have noticeable chevron-shaped markings on their legs.

Hobo spiders may have less distinct or no leg markings.

  • Abdomen Patterns:

The giant house spider often has a distinctive leaf-shaped pattern on its abdomen.

Hobo spiders may exhibit a less prominent or different abdominal pattern.

  • Eye Arrangement:

Examining the eyes under magnification can reveal differences. Hobo spiders have a unique eye arrangement, with two large eyes closely spaced together.

See our common spiders species to help you identify spiders.

What is the Difference Between a Brown Recluse Spider and a Giant House Spider? 

Unlike the eight eyes that most other spiders have, brown recluse spiders have six eyes. Brown recluses are smaller, with a distinct violin-shaped mark on their back, and are known for their venom. While giant house spiders are larger and not venomous to humans, brown recluse spiders are venomous- but generally don’t cause harm due to the very small amounts of venom they produce. See our common spiders species to help you identify spiders.

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