Here on this side of the mountains there are few truly venomous creatures. We do run the uncommon chance of having an exotic pest make its way through the ports, however our extreme weather (for this side of the world) makes survival near impossible. That does not mean we do not have a few pests that we do need to take precautions for - just that they are few and far between. Although spiders usually are not aggressive, bites can happen when they become trapped or accidentally disturbed. While some of the more common species are listed below, they in no way add up to all of them here in the Pacific Northwest.
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The funnel weaver is arguably the most common house spider in Washington. They're brown in color and do not grow larger than 1½ inches in length. They're most easily identified by the funnel-shaped webs they spin in the corners of your windows, walls, and under your furniture.
Found indoors primarily, the giant house spider (Eratigena atrica) is one of the most common spiders here in Washington State. These spiders can grow to be up to four inches long, and people frequently find them in garages and basements. While they may look spooky, these spiders are quite harmless and can be beneficial. They keep the population of other insects, like roaches, mosquitoes, and other bugs down. You’ll often see these spiders emerging towards the end of the summer when they are fully grown.
Yellow sac spiders are nighttime hunters, so coming into contact with people is always accidental. Bites from a yellow sac spider can be painful and mildly necrotic, meaning that the venom will damage and kill skin tissue. People often misdiagnose these as brown recluse bites, however Western Washington does not have recluse spiders. Reactions to a bite may include a slow-healing sore, itchiness, and swelling. Fall is the most common time to notice them indoors. In the summer, yellow sac spiders usually live under debris located on the ground.
The jumping spider a hunter versus web spinner. It's amazing ability to jump (hence its name) is used to catch prey. Adult jumping spiders range in size from about 1/8-3/4” and are typically covered in dense hairs or scales that are brightly colored or iridescent. Their front legs are usually thicker and somewhat longer than their other legs. Most often, jumping spiders enter through wall cracks or poorly screened windows and doors. Another way that jumping spiders may gain entrance into the home is by accidentally hitchhiking inside boxes, grocery bags or other items.
Often mistaken for Harvestmen, Cellar spiders are found in damp environments, such as bathrooms and porches. To keep cellar spiders from entering your home, seal cracks around the foundation of homes and buildings with a silicone-based caulk. Consider using yellow light bulbs for exterior lighting, as they reduce the number of pests that are typically attracted to white-light sources. It is good practice to consider using a dehumidifier in damp locations. You should also store firewood at least twenty feet from the home on a raised structure to deter spiders. Make sure to wear gloves and inspect before bringing any wood indoors.
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Keeping a clean house is the best way to prevent spiders. Inside, keep clothes and shoes from piling up on the floor and shake them out before putting them on. Consider using tightly sealed plastic boxes to store seldom-used items. Sweep and dust often. While this may not keep all spiders out, it will keep enough to ensure you do not end up with an infestation.
It is recommended for Spider control an ongoing bi monthly program of spraying and clearing off webbing. Modern Pest Control offers this service without locking you into a contract.
