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Family
Theridiidae
Characteristics –
Size: The body ranges up to 3/8-inch in length, with
a spherical abdomen.
Color: Typically brown or tan with various markings.
"House" spiders are those web-building spiders common in
the corners and garages of most homes and buildings.
Behavior –
House spiders are responsible for most of the cobwebs seen inside
buildings. Cobwebs are actually old webs that have collected dirt
such that they become easily visible. The spider lings float, or
"balloon," on tiny strands of silk onto buildings from
wooded areas or fields. Once on the building they construct webs
outside or crawl inside to find a suitable web site. Flying insects
make up most of their diet, so these spiders are most common around
windows and doorways.
Habitat – Any corner inside or outside is
suitable for house spiders to construct their webs. These spiders
are more common in garages, crawl spaces and basements as these
areas are less disturbed and tend to harbor more insects.
Tips for Control –
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Regular removal of spider webs is the best way to limit these
spiders.
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Sealing up cracks around windows and doors helps prevent their
entry.
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Switch exterior lights to the yellow "bug" light
bulbs which attract fewer flying insects on which spiders feed.
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Treatments to exterior spider nesting sites can help reduce
the numbers of spiders when combined with an overall pest
management program.
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