Our Approach to Pest Control
Common Spiders Found in Homes Across Central Texas
Central Texas is home to a wide range of spider species, many of which can find their way into your home in search of food, shelter, or more stable conditions. While most spiders are harmless and even beneficial by preying on other pests, some species can pose health risks or become a serious nuisance. At TOPS Pest Control, we understand the local spider population and how to safely manage infestations to keep your home comfortable and safe.
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1. Common House Spider (Parasteatoda tepidariorum):
This spider is one of the most frequently encountered indoors. It spins messy, tangled webs in corners, garages, attics, and basements. Although harmless, their webs and presence can become unsightly if left untreated.
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2. Wolf Spiders (Hogna spp.):
Wolf spiders are large, fast-moving, and often mistaken for tarantulas. They do not spin webs but actively hunt their prey, which occasionally brings them inside homes—especially during hot or rainy weather. While not aggressive, they can bite if provoked, causing mild pain and swelling.
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3. Brown Recluse (Loxosceles reclusa):
One of the more dangerous spiders in Central Texas, the brown recluse is known for its violin-shaped marking on the back and its potentially necrotic bite. These spiders prefer dark, undisturbed areas such as closets, attics, and inside boxes or shoes. Immediate professional attention is recommended if a brown recluse is suspected.
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4. Black Widow (Latrodectus mactans):
Recognizable by their shiny black body and red hourglass marking, black widows tend to stay outdoors in woodpiles, sheds, or under decks, but they may venture indoors. Their venomous bite requires medical attention, though encounters are rare and they are generally non-aggressive unless disturbed.
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5. Jumping Spiders (Salticidae family):
These small, curious spiders are known for their excellent vision and ability to jump long distances. They are not harmful to humans and are more of a visual nuisance than a threat. They often wander indoors through open doors and windows.
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6. Orb-Weaver Spiders (Araneidae family):
These spiders typically build large, circular webs in gardens, around porches, or near exterior lights where they trap flying insects. While mostly outdoor dwellers, some may enter garages or breezeways. They are not aggressive and rarely bite.
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7. Cellar Spiders (Pholcidae family):
Often confused with daddy longlegs, cellar spiders build long, wispy webs in basements, bathrooms, and ceiling corners. They’re harmless and shy, but their webs can quickly accumulate and become an eyesore.
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At TOPS Pest Control, our Core Program will control all of the species and levels of infestation. Our goal is to reduce the conditions that attract spiders while applying targeted treatments that eliminate the problem without overexposing your home to unnecessary chemicals. Whether you're dealing with a one-time invader or a recurring spider issue, our locally owned and operated team is here to help keep your Central Texas home spider-free.
