Common Household Spiders in Elk Grove, California: Identification & Control

1. Black Widow Spider

(Latrodectus hesperus)

Identification:

Shiny black body with a distinctive red hourglass marking on the underside of the abdomen. Females are larger (~½ inch body, up to 1½ inches with legs).

Danger Level:

High – venomous; bites can cause severe pain, cramping, and illness, especially in children, pets, or the elderly.

Where They Hide:

Garages, crawl spaces, wood piles, outdoor sheds, under furniture, or in dark storage areas.

Behavior:

Shy and nocturnal; usually spotted hanging upside-down in irregular webs.

What to Do:

• Use gloves when reaching into cluttered or dark areas.
• Eliminate webs and egg sacs regularly.
• Seal foundation cracks and install tight screens.
• Keep outdoor areas clear of debris and stacked wood.

If you’re seeing several or aren’t sure, call a local pest expert.

✅ Pro Tip: Black widows rarely bite unless disturbed. Professional removal is recommended for infestations.

2. Yellow Sac Spider

(Cheiracanthium inclusum)

Identification:

Small (¼ inch body), pale yellow or beige, with a darker stripe down the abdomen.

Danger Level:

Moderate – bites can cause localized pain, redness, or mild ulceration but rarely serious issues.

Where They Hide:

Inside wall-ceiling corners, curtain folds, behind picture frames, or in outdoor vegetation.
Behavior: Nocturnal hunters that hide in silk sacs during the day.

What to Do:

• Remove visible sacs and egg sacs.
• Seal cracks, especially near windows and ceilings.
• Use yellow porch lights to reduce insect prey.
• Clear leaf litter and shrubs near home foundations.

✅ Keep in mind: These spiders often come indoors while hunting for bugs — reducing insect activity can indirectly lower spider presence.

3. Wolf Spider

(Lycosidae family)

Identification:

Large, hairy brown or gray spider with stripes or markings. Body size up to 1 inch; 2+ inches with legs.

Danger Level:

Low – bites are rare and typically cause only mild pain or swelling.

Where They Hide:

Basements, under furniture, laundry piles, and garages. Outdoors in leaf litter, logs, or cracks.

Behavior:

Fast, solitary hunters; don’t spin webs but actively chase prey.

What to Do:

• Seal up entry points, especially at ground level.
• Reduce clutter indoors to eliminate hiding spots.
• Turn off outdoor lights to minimize attracting insects.
• Keep up on vacuuming and decluttering.

✅ Did you know? Wolf spiders have great eyesight and often reflect light — you might spot their eyeshine at night with a flashlight.

4. Cellar Spider

(Pholcus phalangioides)

Also known as “Daddy Long-Legs”

Identification:

Very long, skinny legs with a tiny gray or tan body (1/4 inch). Often confused with harvestmen (which aren’t true spiders).

Danger Level:

None – they cannot pierce human skin effectively; totally harmless.

Where They Hide:

Basements, garages, crawlspaces, closets — anywhere dark and humid.
Behavior: Stationary web-weavers; shake rapidly when disturbed.

What to Do:

• Sweep or vacuum away cobwebs and egg sacs.
• Use a dehumidifier in damp areas like basements.
• Seal gaps around foundations and vents.
• Consider letting a few stay — they prey on more dangerous spiders!

✅ Fun Fact: Despite urban legends, cellar spiders are not venomous to humans and actually help control other pests.

5. Common House Spider

(Parasteatoda tepidariorum)

Identification: Small (5–8 mm), brown or gray with a round abdomen and spindly legs. Known for tangled, messy webs.

Danger Level:

None – bites are rare and not medically significant.
Where They Hide: Room corners, window frames, behind furniture, and in garages or attics.

Behavior:

Passive web-spinners that may abandon webs if they aren’t catching food.

What to Do:

• Regularly vacuum or sweep away webs.
• Keep storage areas tidy and bug-free.
• Seal up window cracks and door gaps.
• Reduce indoor bugs to reduce spider food sources.

✅ Pro Tip: If you’re seeing lots of webs, it’s often a sign of an underlying insect problem.

6. Jumping Spider

(Salticidae family, e.g. Phidippus audax)

Identification:

Small, often black with white or iridescent markings. Stocky body with big front eyes.
Danger Level: None – they rarely bite and are not dangerous to people or pets.

Where They Hide:

Windowsills, walls, houseplants, and screen doors; outdoors on fences or garden plants.

Behavior:

Daytime hunters with excellent vision. Don’t spin webs — they stalk and leap on prey.

What to Do:

• Gently relocate with a cup and paper.
• Keep window screens sealed.
• Reduce indoor insects (their food source).
• Avoid pesticides — they’re beneficial hunters.

✅ Cool to know: Jumping spiders are curious, often turning to look at you. They’re also great for controlling flies and ants.

7. Orb Weaver Spider

(Family Araneidae, e.g. Yellow Garden Spider)

Identification:

Bulbous abdomen, often with bold patterns (black/yellow or brown varieties). Builds large circular webs.

Danger Level:

None – bites are rare and cause only mild irritation.
Where They Hide: Gardens, porch lights, shrubs, or around outdoor lights. Rarely come indoors.

Behavior:

Nocturnal web builders. Sit in the center or hide on the edge of their web.

What to Do:

• Knock down outdoor webs regularly.
• Use yellow “bug lights” to reduce insect prey.
• Trim vegetation near the home.
• Gently relocate spiders that build near doors or walkways.

✅ Helpful Hint: Orb weavers are nature’s bug zappers. Unless their webs are in your way, it’s okay to leave them be.