Spiders That are Common in the Southeast

The summer season in the southeast is full of warm weather, outdoor activities, and… spiders. Warmer temperatures mean an increase in insects, which are the primary food source for spiders. It is the search for food and potential mates that is responsible for an increase in spider sightings during the summer months. While most spiders are harmless and even beneficial for controlling insect populations, it’s still useful to know which ones you might find in and around your home. Here’s a guide to the spiders commonly found in the southeast during the summer.

1. Southern House Spider (Kukulcania hibernalis)

Appearance:

• Color: Dark brown or black

• Size: Females are about 0.75 inches long; males are slightly smaller

Habitat:

• Often found in homes, barns, and sheds

• Likes dark, secluded areas such as corners and behind furniture

Behavior:

• Non-aggressive and rarely bites

• Webs are messy, irregular, and often in hidden locations

2. Black Widow (Latrodectus mactans)

Appearance:

• Color: Shiny black with a red hourglass shape on the abdomen

• Size: Females are about 1.5 inches long; males are much smaller and less venomous

Habitat:

• Prefers dark, undisturbed areas like woodpiles, basements, and under eaves

• Often found in garages and sheds

Behavior:

• Highly venomous; a bite can cause severe pain and medical issues

• Non-aggressive; bites only when threatened

3. Brown Recluse (Loxosceles reclusa)

Appearance:

• Color: Light to dark brown with a violin-shaped marking on the back

• Size: About 0.5 to 1 inch long

Habitat:

• Likes dark, quiet places such as closets, attics, and under furniture

• Often found in cardboard boxes and shoes

Behavior:

• Venomous; bites can cause serious tissue damage

• Shy and reclusive; bites when disturbed

4. Golden Silk Orb-Weaver (Trichonephila clavipes)

Appearance:

• Color: Yellowish body with long, slender legs

• Size: Females can be up to 3 inches long; males are much smaller

Habitat:

• Builds large, intricate webs in gardens, forests, and near light sources

• Often found in wooded areas and parks

Behavior:

• Non-aggressive and not harmful to humans

• Webs are used to catch flying insects

5. Wolf Spider (Lycosidae family)

Appearance:

• Color: Brown to gray with various markings

• Size: Can range from 0.5 to 2 inches long

Habitat:

• Prefers open areas like fields, gardens, and grassy areas

• Often found under rocks and logs

Behavior:

• Non-aggressive; bites only when provoked

• Hunts prey rather than spinning webs

6. Jumping Spider (Salticidae family)

Appearance:

• Color: Various colors, often with iridescent markings

• Size: Small, about 0.25 to 0.75 inches long

Habitat:

• Likes sunny areas on walls, fences, and plants

• Often found in gardens and on windowsills

Behavior:

• Non-aggressive and not harmful to humans

• Known for their excellent vision and jumping ability

While running into spiders can be a bit startling, remember that most of these arachnids are harmless and play a vital role in controlling pest populations. Understanding the types of spiders you may encounter and their behaviors can help you coexist peacefully with these fascinating creatures.

If you do find a venomous spider like a Black Widow or Brown Recluse in your home, it’s always best to contact a professional pest control service to safely handle the situation. Stay safe and enjoy your summer adventures!