Spiders are a diverse group of arachnids commonly found in homes, gardens, and other parts of the natural environment. While many people find spiders unsettling, the majority of species are harmless and even beneficial, as they help control other insect populations. However, some spider species can become a nuisance when they enter homes, and a few pose potential health risks.
Why Are Spiders Common in the Greater Los Angeles Area?
The Greater Los Angeles region, with its warm climate and urban sprawl, offers an ideal habitat for many spider species. Several factors contribute to the prevalence of spiders in Los Angeles homes:
- Mild, Mediterranean Climate: The consistently warm temperatures in Los Angeles allow spiders to remain active year-round.
- Urban and Suburban Landscapes: The combination of residential areas, gardens, parks, and open spaces provides diverse habitats for spiders to thrive and find food sources.
- Insect Abundance: With the abundance of insects in Southern California, spiders are drawn to homes where they can easily hunt for food.
Common Spiders Found in Los Angeles Homes
Though most spiders are harmless, there are a few species that are more commonly found in homes in the Greater Los Angeles area.
Common House Spider (Parasteatoda tepidariorum)
A frequent inhabitant of homes, these small brown spiders spin webs in dark, undisturbed areas.
Black Widow Spider (Latrodectus hesperus)
Recognized by its shiny black body and red hourglass marking, the black widow is venomous and commonly found in garages, sheds, and outdoor areas. Bites can cause intense pain at the bite site, muscle cramps, nausea, and difficulty breathing. Seek medical help if you suspect a black widow bite.
Brown Widow Spider (Latrodectus geometricus)
While the brown widow has a similar body shape as the black widow, it can be distinguished by its mottled, brown coloration with red hourglass markings on the underside of its abdomen. Brown widows tend to build their nests in areas which are more exposed to human interaction than black widows. Some areas include the underside of patio furniture, under handles of trash barrels, along wrought iron fences and handrails among other common areas around homes and businesses. Brown widow bites are typically less harmful than black widow bites with affected people noting pain and usually a red mark left behind
Brown Recluse Spider (Loxosceles reclusa)
Although rare and not native to Southern California, the brown recluse can occasionally be found indoors. Its bite can cause serious skin reactions, but it typically avoids humans. A bite from a Brown Recluse is initially painless, the bite may develop into a red lesion that can blister and become necrotic. Immediate medical attention is required if bitten by a brown recluse.
Cellar Spider (Pholcus phalangioides)
Often referred to as “daddy long-legs,” cellar spiders prefer cool, damp environments like basements or crawl spaces.
Wolf Spider (Lycosidae family)
These large, fast-moving spiders do not spin webs but instead hunt insects. They often enter homes in search of prey.
Signs of a Spider Infestation
While spiders don’t typically cause structural damage to homes, an infestation can still be concerning. Signs of spider activity include:
- Webs in Corners or Hidden Areas: Spiders often create webs in undisturbed areas like closets, basements, attics, and behind furniture.
- Sightings of Spiders: Regular sightings of multiple spiders may indicate an infestation, especially if venomous species like black widows are present.
- Egg Sacs: Some spiders lay egg sacs in their webs, which can contain hundreds of baby spiders.
- Dead Insects: Spiders feed on insects, so a noticeable presence of insect carcasses near webs may point to active spider populations.