If you are a homeowner in California, it is a common sight to see house spiders around the household. There are various house spiders in California, each with its unique appearance and behavior.
Some of the most common house spiders in California may include but are not limited to the American house spiders, domestic house spiders, black widow, hobo spider, brown recluse spider, and many more.
These spiders are commonly seen in California because of the state’s ideal climate and landscape that provide many places for these spiders to build their webs and hunt for food.
While some of these spiders are harmless, some can be dangerous and pose a threat to humans, especially if they are not treated with caution.
6 Most Common California House Spiders Species
California is home to a variety of spiders, some of which can be found in other states as well. However, there are a few species of spiders that are unique to the state.
Here is a list of six of the most common house spiders in California.
The Common House Spider (Tegenaria Domestic)
The common house spider, or Tegenaria domestic, is one of the most commonly observed species in California.
These large spiders are typically light brown or tan in color and can grow up to 4 inches long with equally sprawling legs. These spiders have a preference for dark and damp areas like basements and attics.
Despite their relatively large size and noticeable appearance, the common house spider is typically non-aggressive and will only bite if provoked.
In addition to its physical characteristics, this particular species of spider is also known for its distinctive webbing patterns.
The webs of the common house spider are composed of vertical lines that radiate outwards in a pattern similar to a splayed hand.
Female common house spiders are typically longer than their male counterparts and can lay up to 200 eggs at a time.
The Cupboard Spider (Steatoda Nobilis)
The Cupboard Spider, also known as the False Widow or Noble Widow, is a fascinating arachnid native to the UK and Europe, and found in different parts of California.
With its distinctive large body and flattened bulbous abdomen, this striking species can be easily distinguished from other spiders in its genus.
Male cupboard spiders are typically darker in color and smaller than female ones but both sexes of this spider can grow up to 1/2 inches in length.
The species gets its name from its tendency to build its webs in dark and enclosed spaces like cupboards, wardrobes, and behind furniture.
Cupboard spiders are not aggressive and will only bite if they feel threatened. However, you should be careful as some people misidentified a much more dangerous black widow spider as a cupboard spider.
The Giant House Spider (Eratigena Atrica)
The Giant House Spider, also known as the European House Spider or the Giant Wood Spider, is a species of large spider native to Europe and parts of northern Africa.
With long, spindly legs and a giant, bulbous body, it is one of the largest spiders in the world, measuring up to 4 inches long.
Despite its intimidating size and fierce appearance, the Giant House Spider is relatively harmless to humans, secreting only tiny amounts of venom that are unlikely to cause any serious harm. However, these massive spiders are formidable predators in their own right, feeding on insects and other small animals that they capture using sophisticated web-building strategies.
Their large webs are typically located on exterior walls or ceilings in human dwellings, basements, or crawl spaces.
In addition to their large size, these spiders are also known for their long lifespan. The average lifespan of a giant house spider is two to five years.
Jumping Spiders (Salticidae)
Jumping spiders, also known as Salticidae, are small arachnids characterized by their excellent vision, strong jaws, and agile movements.
These fascinating creatures tend to live in open, sunny areas like gardens or backyards where they can make efficient use of their exceptional visual abilities.
Although these spiders do not possess especially large jaws for their size, they are extremely powerful and are capable of catching and subduing prey several times their own weight.
In addition to this exceptional strength, jumping spiders have the unique ability to jump many times their body length thanks to specialized leg muscles.
Jumping spiders are found indoors and outdoors in a variety of habitats. These spiders typically hunt during the day, using their acute vision to spot and stalk their prey.
At night, they build small webs to catch insects that fly into them.
Learn More about California Pests : California June Bug
The Domestic House Spider (Parasteatoda Tepidariorum)
The domestic house spider, or Parasteatoda Tepidariorum, is a beautiful and intriguing arachnid native to North America.
With a distinct yellowish-brown body covered in black spots and stripes. They are generally small, with adults only reaching about half an inch in length.
Despite their small size, domestic house spiders are not to be underestimated. These spiders are incredibly fast and agile, making them difficult to catch.
They are also excellent climbers, able to scale walls and other vertical surfaces with ease.
Domestic House Spiders spin webs in order to catch their prey. They typically build their webs in hidden, secluded areas like the corners of rooms or behind furniture.
These spiders are nocturnal hunters that use their especially sticky webbing to catch prey that stumbles into it.
Read More: Do House Spiders Molt?
Black Widow Spiders (Latrodectus Hesperus)
Black widow spiders are among the most feared of all arachnids. These spiders are easily recognizable by their glossy black bodies and distinctive red markings. They grow to be about half an inch in length and are found throughout the world.
Black widow spiders typically build their webs in dark, undisturbed places such as basements and closets. Their diet consists mostly of insects, which they kill using their powerful venom.
They are typically shy and only seek out human interaction when they need to mate or find new shelter.
They are also notorious for their poisonous venom, though it is not usually deadly to humans unless the victim has an allergic reaction. However, the bites of these spiders can be extremely painful and cause swelling, nausea, and muscle cramps.
Final Thoughts
Common house spiders are a natural part of a typical household in California. Though considered to pose little threat to humans, it is important to be aware of the different types of spiders that you may encounter.
Each type of spider has its own unique appearance, behaviors, and habitats.
Aside from those listed above, there are still more types of spiders that may be found in California homes.
If you ever come across a spider that you cannot identify, it is always best to err on the side of caution and contact a professional for assistance.
