Seattle House Spider: Friend or Foe?
The Seattle house spider, often mistaken for the hobo spider, is a common arachnid found in homes throughout the Pacific Northwest. While its appearance might cause concern, this spider is generally harmless and plays a role in controlling household pests. Understanding its behavior and characteristics can help alleviate any fear and promote peaceful coexistence.
Identifying the Seattle House Spider
Seattle house spiders, scientifically known as Tegenaria domestica, are medium-sized spiders with long, slender legs. They are typically brown or grayish-brown in color, with darker markings on their cephalothorax (the head region) and abdomen. Their body length can range from about 8 to 11 mm, with a leg span that can reach up to 45 mm. They are often confused with hobo spiders, but Seattle house spiders generally have less distinct markings and are less aggressive.
Habitat and Behavior
As their name suggests, Seattle house spiders prefer indoor environments. They are commonly found in dark, secluded areas such as basements, garages, closets, and crawl spaces. These spiders are web-building creatures, constructing funnel-shaped webs to trap insects. Unlike some other spiders, they are not known to actively hunt for prey outside of their webs. When an insect gets caught in their web, the spider will quickly emerge and immobilize it with venom.
Are Seattle House Spiders Dangerous?
The Seattle house spider is not considered dangerous to humans. Their venom is not potent enough to cause significant harm, and bites are rare. Even if a bite were to occur, it would likely result in only mild, localized symptoms such as redness, swelling, or itching. The Domestic house spider, known scientifically as Tegenaria domestica, which includes the Seattle House spider, is considered a nuisance pest rather than a health threat.
Controlling Seattle House Spiders
If you find Seattle house spiders to be unwelcome guests in your home, there are several steps you can take to control their population. The most effective method is to reduce their food source by controlling insect populations. This can be achieved through regular cleaning, proper food storage, and sealing cracks and crevices in your home’s foundation. Additionally, you can remove webs as you find them and consider using sticky traps to capture spiders. Avoid using harsh chemical pesticides, as these can be harmful to humans and pets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Seattle house spiders poisonous?
While they do possess venom, it is not considered medically significant to humans.
What do Seattle house spiders eat?
They primarily feed on insects such as flies, moths, and other small arthropods.
How long do Seattle house spiders live?
Their lifespan typically ranges from one to two years.
How do I tell the difference between a Seattle house spider and a hobo spider?
Seattle house spiders generally have less distinct markings and are less aggressive than hobo spiders. Definitive identification often requires microscopic examination.
What should I do if I get bitten by a Seattle house spider?
Wash the area with soap and water. If symptoms are bothersome, apply a cold compress or take an antihistamine.
Summary
The Seattle house spider is a common, generally harmless spider found in homes throughout the Pacific Northwest. Understanding its characteristics and behavior can help alleviate any fears and promote peaceful coexistence. While their appearance may be unsettling to some, these spiders play a beneficial role in controlling insect populations and pose little to no threat to humans.
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