Spiders are some of the most common and misunderstood household pests. While there are several spider types you may come across in your Maryland home, most are not harmful to humans and will actively avoid getting into a confrontation.
However, it’s understandable if you’re still scared when you spot one. Some spider species, like the black widow, can be toxic to humans, though bites are rare.
By understanding the common types of Maryland spiders you may see in your home, you will be better prepared to handle a spider problem and eliminate any possible infestation. So here are seven common types of spiders in Maryland and how to get rid of them.
7 Common Types of Spiders in Maryland
Cellar Spiders
Cellar spiders may look similar to Daddy Longlegs, but they are somewhat different. Luckily, these spiders are harmless, but their large webs can be difficult to remove.
As their name implies, Cellar Spiders are commonly found in your cellar and are usually not a big cause of concern.
Cobweb Spiders
While cobweb spiders are in the same family as black widows, these spiders are not poisonous and can be considered beneficial to humans, as they eat flies, mosquitoes, and other pests. Cobweb spiders on their own may not be dangerous, but an infestation could indicate a larger big problem in your home.
Crab Spiders
Crab spiders can and will bite humans, but their venom is not poisonous. However, spotting these spiders inside your home is rare, as they prefer to dwell outside among flowers and weeds.
Black Widows
Black widows are extremely dangerous to humans and can cause a great deal of pain to a person who has been bitten. In fact, their venom is about 15 times stronger than rattlesnake venom, so be sure to call a pest control professional immediately if you spot one of these spiders in your home.
It’s easy to identify a black widow by its jet-black exterior and the dark red spot on its back.
Jumping Spiders
While jumping spiders may look scary, they are actually more likely to run away from humans rather than bite them. Luckily, if you are bitten, jumping spiders’ venom is not poisonous.
These furry and unique-looking spiders are usually smaller than the size of your thumb and are considered innocuous on their own.
Nursery Web Spiders
While nursery web spiders are poisonous to kill their prey, their venom is not strong enough to do serious damage to humans or pets. These spiders resemble wolf spiders and will surely give you a fright when you spot them.
Wolf Spiders
Despite their appearance, wolf spiders are typically harmless and don’t usually bite people unless provoked. These spiders typically have dark bodies with light, white-colored legs.
Which House Spiders Are Considered Poisonous?
Black Widows are the only spiders native to Maryland that are dangerous to humans and can cause extreme pain and discomfort for hours after being bitten. Black widows can be identified by their black, round bodies and red hourglass pattern on their abdomen.
Those who a black widow bites may experience painful swelling around the bite, as well as cramps, muscle spasms, and nausea. While black widow spiders rarely kill people, you must seek medical attention right away if you are bitten.
It’s important to note that most spiders are not dangerous, and there is no cause to alarm if you spot one or two. However, spotting a swarm of spiders could indicate a larger pest problem and require immediate action.
Why Are Spiders In My House?
Most people will see a spider in their house at some point, no matter how often you dust and clean. The main reason spiders enter residences is to look for food, so regular sweeping, mopping, and general cleaning is the best way to prevent spiders from lingering around your home.
Most spiders feast on other insects, so the presence of spiders usually indicates the presence of bugs in your home.
Spiders can also enter your home by hiding in cardboard boxes, so be sure to inspect any packages or storage boxes before bringing them into the house.
How to Get Rid of Spiders
1. Use a DIY Spray
When it comes to getting rid of spiders, many people choose to take a “do it yourself” approach. Using a store-bought insect spray or making your own can be effective in treating a spider presence, but be sure to do your research before using any chemicals that could potentially be harmful to your loved ones and pets.
Additionally, failure to contain an infestation can result in higher pest control prices.
2. Eliminate Food Sources
As mentioned earlier, the main reason spiders enter homes is to look for food. Therefore, eliminating food sources is crucial to getting rid of spiders in your home, so be sure to thoroughly clean up after every meal.
It can also be a good idea to plan a regular deep cleaning schedule and sweep and mop behind the refrigerator, stove, and any other nooks and crannies that can be tough to reach.
3. Invest in Spider Traps
Investing in spider traps is another good way to eliminate these pests from your home. Spider traps can be purchased at your local hardware store or drugstore and are a great option for those who would rather try to control the problem themselves before reaching out to a pest control professional.
4. Clear Your Yard of Clutter
If you have a lot of clutter in your yard, try to sort through it and get rid of what you don’t need to eliminate any spiders that may be hanging around. Spiders often build their webs in things like wheelbarrows, pots, and gardening tools, so try to regularly tidy up the outside of your home to prevent spiders from lingering.
5. Vacuum Away Webs
Vacuuming can be very effective when it comes to getting rid of spider webs. This is a safe alternative to trying to knock down spider webs with your hands, as you could possibly be bitten by a disgruntled spider. When you’re done vacuuming, empty into the garbage and quickly take the bag outside to prevent spiders from re-entering your home.
6. Install Screens on Doors and Windows
If you don’t already have screens on your doors and windows, this may be a good time to install them. Screens can significantly decrease the number of spiders that enter your home, so head to your local hardware store and pick up some screens for any windows and doors that don’t have them.
7. Call an Exterminator
When it comes to any type of infestation, it is always best to seek the help of a professional. Depending on the type of spider you’re dealing with and the severity of the infestation, professional treatment may be your best bet. You don’t want to risk you or your family getting bit by a potentially dangerous spider, so leave it to the professionals to eliminate the problem quickly and effectively.
While there are several house spiders that are commonly found in Maryland, the black widow is the only one that is dangerous to humans. However, it is best to seek the help of a pest control professional if you spot any spiders in or around your home to take care of any possible infestation.
FAQs
Are spiders scared of humans?
Spiders typically try to avoid humans, and most will only bite if they are provoked or feel that they are in danger. In fact, many spiders camouflage themselves to avoid being seen by people.
Do spiders tend to bite?
Contrary to popular belief, spiders don’t frequently bite people. Most spiders will not go out of their way to bite and would rather focus their energy on feeding on invertebrates instead.
Can spiders survive vacuuming?
Most spiders that get vacuumed up will eventually die, either from being violently sucked through the vacuum’s narrow tubes or from thirst.