In the Plano, TX, area, there are five spider species that property owners often encounter. First off is the wolf spider, known for its swift movement and robust, hairy appearance. Common house spiders, as their name suggests, are frequent indoor guests, recognized by their small size and unremarkable brown coloration. The huntsman spider, although large and fearsome in appearance, is harmless and recognized by its long legs and flattened body. Black widow spiders, on the other hand, feature distinctive black bodies with a red hourglass shape on their abdomen and are venomous. Finally, the brown recluse spider is identifiable by its violin-shaped marking, and has a venomous bite to be cautious of. Learning a bit about these common arachnids can help you identify them so you can take appropriate action.

1. Wolf Spider

The wolf spider is a common arachnid found in Plano, TX. These spiders are known for their robust and hairy appearance, and they are often mistaken for tarantulas due to their size and appearance. Typically, they have a dark brown or grayish-brown color with various markings on their bodies.

Wolf spiders are hunters and they do not create intricate webs to catch their prey. Instead, these swift and agile spiders actively chase and pounce on their prey. So, if you see a spider in your home that seems to be on the move and actively hunting, it is most likely a wolf spider.

2. Common House Spider

The common house spider is, as the name suggests, a frequent guest in homes in Plano, TX. These small spiders are usually pale yellow or grayish-brown in color and have a round abdomen with a pattern of dark markings.

Identifying common house spiders is relatively straightforward. Look for a small spider with long, slender legs and a compact body. They are often found spinning messy, irregular webs in the corners of rooms, behind furniture, or near windows.

While they are not known for being aggressive or dangerous to humans, they can become a nuisance by building webs in your living spaces. If you see small, cobweb-like structures in your home's corners or near windows, you're likely dealing with common house spiders.

3. Huntsman Spider

Huntsman spiders are known for their intimidating size and appearance. They can grow quite large, with leg spans of up to six inches. These spiders are typically brown or gray and have long, spindly legs that give them a unique appearance.

One distinguishing feature of huntsman spiders is their flattened body shape, which allows them to hide in tight spaces like crevices, under bark, or behind curtains. Despite their formidable appearance, huntsman spiders are generally harmless to humans.

Huntsman spiders tend to be more active at night and prefer to hunt for insects rather than build webs to catch prey.

4. Black Widow Spider

The black widow spider is a venomous arachnid known for its glossy black body and the distinctive red hourglass-shaped mark on its abdomen. While they are not as common in Plano, TX, as other spider types, it's essential to be aware of their appearance due to their potentially dangerous bite.

It's crucial to exercise caution if you suspect you've encountered a black widow spider, as their bite can be painful and may require medical attention. These spiders tend to hide in dark, sheltered areas like sheds, garages, or woodpiles.

5. Brown Recluse Spider

The brown recluse spider, also known as the "fiddleback" spider due to the violin-shaped mark on its back, is another venomous spider found in Plano, TX. Identifying a brown recluse can be tricky due to their shy nature and reclusive habits. They prefer quiet, secluded spots like closets, attics, or dark corners.

It’s important to be cautious when handling stored items or moving boxes, as brown recluse spiders may hide within. Their bite can lead to skin necrosis and should be treated promptly. If you suspect you've encountered a brown recluse spider, it's best to contact a pest control professional for safe removal.

Give us a call today to sign up for our perimeter pest control program.

Protect your home from spiders and other pests by signing up for our perimeter pest control program. We're committed to helping residents in Plano, TX, and neighboring areas like Allen, Frisco, and McKinney. When you enroll in our perimeter pest control program, our dedicated team will make scheduled visits every three months to create an invisible shield around your home that is designed to keep pests, including spiders, outside where they belong. For added peace of mind, we also provide in-home treatments as needed. Call us today at 972-516-0001 to sign up for our perimeter pest control program and keep your living space pest-free!