House Spiders
The picture to the left shows a spider on the wall. It is difficult to tell if it falls into the house spider category or if it is another species of funnel web spider that found its way inside. The extended spinnerets that look like tails indicates a funnel web spider.
At issue is the fact that the term house spider generally refers to a variety of common spiders found in and around the house. Cobweb spiders and wolf spiders, for example are common visitors to many houses.
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Three of the most common house spiders found in the United States are:
- Tegenaria agrestis - Hobo Spider
- Tegenaria domestica - Domestic or Common House Spider
- Tegenaria gigantea - Giant House Spider
The Hobo Spider is a dangerous spider found in the Pacific Northwest. They are difficult to identify, see How to identify (or misidentify) the hobo spider.
The picture below shows a Giant House Spider. They are also inhabitants of the Pacific Northwest. While they are large, up to three inches long with their legs extended, their bites are not as dangerous as the Hobo Spider.
If you find a giant house spider in your bathtub, here's a suggestion for action.
© 2007 Patricia A. Michaels