Spiders In Washington State - A Comprehensive Guide To Common Species

Common Spiders In Washington State

Giant House Spider (Eratigena Atrica)

• Description -The giant house spider is known for its intimidating size and long, spindly legs. It's typically brown with noticeable markings.
• Habitat -Often found indoors, particularly in damp and cool areas like basements.
• Behavior -These spiders are harmless to humans and are skilled hunters of insects in and around homes. They are not aggressive spiders, but they can bite if they feel threatened. Giant house spider bites are rarely serious, but they can cause pain and swelling.

Yellow Sac Spider (Cheiracanthium Species)

• Description -Yellow sac spiders are usually pale yellow and relatively small, with slender bodies.
• Habitat -They create small silken sacs as shelters, and you can find them both indoors and outdoors.
• Behavior -These spiders are generally non-aggressive and are not considered dangerous to humans. But Yellow sac spider bites can be painful and cause a rash.

Black Widow Spider (Latrodectus Hesperus)

• Description -Black widows are easily recognizable by their jet-black color and the distinctive red hourglass shape on their abdomen.
• Habitat -They prefer dark and sheltered areas, like woodpiles, garages, and sheds.
• Behavior -Black widows are venomous, but they are not aggressive unless provoked. Bites are rare and, if treated promptly, typically not life-threatening. Symptoms of a black widow spider bite include muscle pain, cramping, and nausea.

Hobo Spider (Tegenaria Agrestis)

• Description -Hobo spiders are medium-sized and brown with distinct chevron patterns on their abdomen.
• Habitat -They are often found in and around homes, particularly in basements.
• Behavior -The hobo spider's bite can be painful, but it is not considered dangerous. Hobo spider bites can cause pain, swelling, and redness. Their presence in homes is generally unobtrusive.

Wolf Spider (Lycosidae)

• Description -Wolf spiders are typically brown, robust, and covered in hair, giving them a distinctive appearance.
• Habitat -They are commonly found outdoors in gardens and grassy areas.
• Behavior -Wolf spiders are agile hunters and are not aggressive towards humans. Some species carry their young on their backs.

Orb Weavers

• Description -Orb weavers encompass various species known for their intricate, circular webs.
• Habitat -Gardens, forests, and grassy areas are where you'll typically find orb weavers.
• Behavior -They are harmless to humans but they can bite if they feel threatened. Orb weaver bites are rarely serious, but they can cause pain and swelling. And play a vital role in controlling insect populations.

Cellar Spiders

• Description -Cellar spiders have long, spindly legs and are pale yellow to light brown in color.
• Habitat -As their name suggests, they are often found in damp, dark places like basements and cellars.
• Behavior -These delicate spiders are not harmful to humans and they do not bite. They are known for their distinctive webs.

Jumping Spiders

• Description -Jumping spiders are small, agile spiders with excellent eyesight.
• Habitat -They can be found both indoors and outdoors, often in gardens and on windowsills.
• Behavior -Jumping spiders are curious and harmless to humans. They are known for their distinctive hunting behaviors.

Identification And Habitat

• Size and color -Spiders can range in size from very small to very large. They can also be a variety of different colors, including brown, black, red, yellow, and white.
• Body shape -Spiders have a distinctive body shape with eight legs and two body segments. The front body segment is called the cephalothorax, and it contains the spider's eyes, mouth, and fangs. The back body segment is called the abdomen, and it contains the spider's digestive and reproductive organs.
• Web structure -Some spiders build webs to catch their prey, while others do not. If you see a spider web, you can use the structure of the web to help you identify the spider.
• Eye pattern -Spiders have eight eyes, but the arrangement of the eyes can vary depending on the species. For example, orb weavers have eight eyes arranged in two rows, while wolf spiders have eight eyes arranged in three rows.

Find Common Spiders In Washington State

• Indoors -Common spiders like the giant house spider, cellar spiders, and yellow sac spiders are often found indoors, seeking shelter from the elements. Look in basements, attics, crawl spaces, and dark corners of your home.
• Outdoors -Many spiders, such as orb weavers and wolf spiders, prefer outdoor environments. You can find them in gardens, forests, and grassy areas. Check around shrubs, trees, and tall grasses.
• Specific Habitats -Some spider species have specific habitat preferences. For instance, black widows often inhabit woodpiles, garages, and sheds. Hobo spiders are commonly found in basements and similar locations while jumping spiders can be spotted on windowsills or sunlit walls.
• Web Location -The location of a spider's web can also provide clues about their habitat. Orb weavers typically construct their webs in open spaces between trees or bushes, while cellar spiders create messy webs in dark, sheltered areas.
• Seasonal Variation -Spider activity can vary with the seasons. Some species are more active in spring and summer, while others, like the giant house spider, become more conspicuous in the fall when they seek mates.

Behavior And Venom

Spiders Behavior

• Hunting Methods -Spiders are primarily carnivorous and use different methods to capture their prey. Some, like orb weavers, build intricate webs to ensnare flying insects. Others, such as wolf spiders and jumping spiders, actively stalk and pounce on their prey.
• Silk Production -All spiders are capable of producing silk. They use silk for a variety of purposes, including building webs, creating egg sacs, and constructing shelters. The silk produced by each species may vary in texture and purpose.
• Molting -Spiders molt as they grow, shedding their exoskeleton to reveal a new, larger one. Molting is essential for spiders to continue growing and reproducing.
• Territorial and Mating Behavior -Spiders can exhibit territorial behavior, especially during mating seasons. Male spiders may engage in courtship rituals, and in some species, females may become aggressive if they feel threatened.

Venomous Spiders In Washington State

• Black Widow Spider (Latrodectus hesperus) -The black widow is the most well-known venomous spider in Washington State. It possesses neurotoxic venom, which, while rarely life-threatening, can cause severe pain and discomfort if bitten.
• Hobo Spider (Tegenaria agrestis) -The hobo spider's bite is not life-threatening, but it can cause local pain and tissue damage. Identifying hobo spiders accurately is essential, as their bites have been controversial in the past.

Tips, If You Are Bitten By A Venomous Spider

• Stay Calm -If you suspect you've been bitten by a venomous spider, stay calm. Panicking can elevate heart rate and spread venom faster through the body.
• Wash the Area -Clean the bite area with soap and water to reduce the risk of infection.
• Apply a Cold Compress -Applying a cold compress or ice pack can help reduce pain and swelling.
• Keep the Bite Elevated -Elevating the bitten area can help minimize swelling.
• Pain Management -Over-the-counter pain relievers can help with pain management. Always follow the recommended dosage.
• Seek Medical Attention -If you experience severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, muscle cramps, or severe pain, or if you are unsure about the spider's identity, seek medical attention immediately. Healthcare professionals can provide appropriate treatment and monitor your condition.
• Capture the Spider -If safely possible, capture the spider or take a clear photo of it to assist with identification and treatment decisions.

Spider Control

Keep Spiders Out Of Your Home

• Seal any cracks or gaps around your doors and windows. Spiders can get through very small openings, so it's important to seal up any cracks or gaps in your home's exterior.
• Keep your home clean and tidy. Spiders are attracted to clutter and mess, so it's important to keep your home clean and tidy to reduce their hiding places.
• Regularly vacuum and dust your home. This will help to remove any spider webs or eggs that may be present.
• Store food in airtight containers. Spiders are attracted to food, so it's important to store all food in airtight containers to keep them out.
• Take out the trash regularly. Spiders are also attracted to garbage, so it's important to take out the trash regularly to reduce their food supply.
• Remove any cobwebs or egg sacs that you see. If you see a spider web or egg sac, remove it immediately to prevent the spiders from hatching.

Get Rid Of A Spider Infestation

• Use a spider spray. Spider sprays are available at most hardware stores. Be sure to follow the directions on the label carefully.
• Set traps. There are a variety of spider traps available, such as sticky traps and glue traps. Place the traps in areas where you've seen spiders.
• Call a professional pest control company. If you have a severe spider infestation, you may need to call a professional pest control company to get rid of them.
• Use peppermint oil. Spiders are repelled by the smell of peppermint oil. You can mix a few drops of peppermint oil with water and spray it around your home to help keep spiders away.
• Plant herbs. Certain herbs, such as lavender and basil, are also known to repel spiders. You can plant these herbs around your home or place them in pots in your home.
• Remove clutter. The less clutter you have in your home, the fewer places spiders will have to hide.
• Keep your home dry. Spiders are attracted to moisture, so it's important to keep your home dry and well-ventilated.
• Inspect your home regularly. Look for any cracks or gaps around your doors and windows that need to be sealed up. Also, be sure to remove any cobwebs or egg sacs that you see.

Spiders In Washington State FAQs

Does Washington State Also Have Scorpions Other Than Spiders?

Where Does The Deadliest Spider Live?

What Is The World's Largest Spider?

Conclusion