Columbus homeowners, have you spotted an eight-legged visitor and aren’t sure if it’s harmless or harmful?
Many of us in our area experience this kind of seasonal concern, particularly during the transition months of spring and fall, when spiders are most active indoors.
If you’ve noticed unidentified spiders in your home, two common culprits could be the brown house spider or the brown recluse spider. Knowing the difference between a brown house spider vs. brown recluse is key, especially if you want to keep your home and family safe.
Here’s what you need to know:
Brown House Spider vs. Brown Recluse: What’s the Difference?
Although both spiders are similar in color, their behaviors, physical traits, and the risks they pose differ significantly.
Brown House Spider
The brown house spider (often mistaken for a recluse) is relatively harmless. Their bodies are dark brown and often paired with lighter-colored legs. They’re smaller than a nickel when fully grown.
They’re typically found in dark or hidden spaces like basements, garages, and corners of ceilings. These spiders spin webs to catch their prey, meaning they are stationary and not aggressive.
Brown Recluse Spider
The brown recluse spider, on the other hand, demands a bit more caution. These spiders have a distinct violin-shaped marking on their backs, though this marking may be faint in younger spiders. Their size is about that of a dime (not including legs).
These spiders are typically found in warm, dry, and undisturbed areas, such as closets, attics, or under outdoor debris. Unlike web-building house spiders, brown recluses create silken retreats and actively hunt their prey. This also means their presence around your home might go unnoticed.
Key Identifiers to Rule Out a Brown Recluse
Still not sure if it’s a brown house spider vs. a brown recluse spider? Here’s a handy checklist to help you make the final call. You can rule out a brown recluse infestation if the spider in question:
- Spins visible webs to catch prey (brown recluses don’t).
- Has a body size, excluding the legs, that is larger than a dime.
- Is very hairy or marked with clear patterns like stripes or spots.
- Jumps (jumping spiders and wolf spiders often get mistaken for recluses).
If you’re still concerned that it’s a brown recluse and you’re worried about the threats it poses, take a deep breath. Chances are, even if you are dealing with brown recluses, the problem may not be as severe as you think. Several studies have revealed that brown recluse bites are commonly misdiagnosed. Many cases turn out to be rashes, infections, or chemical burns, not actual spider bites.
Not only that, but a brown recluse is far more likely to flee than bite. The study cited above noted over 2,000 brown recluses coexisted in a home for six years without a single bite reported.
Plus, recluse spiders are rarely spotted outdoors in Columbus. Most sightings happen indoors, often after they hitch a ride inside on items like boxes or furniture.
Why Identification Matters
Seeing a small, brownish spider can cause a momentary panic, but jumping to conclusions can do more harm than good.
Misidentifying a harmless spider as a brown recluse might lead to unnecessary treatments with harmful chemicals or just unwanted stress within your home. Conversely, missing a true problem could leave you vulnerable.
That’s part of why professional pest control services like Green Shield Pest Pros are essential. While most spiders cause no harm, expert identification ensures the right steps are taken to protect your home.
Don’t waste time weighing the differences between a brown house spider vs. brown recluse on your own. Skip the guesswork, and give us a call instead.
How to Protect Your Home from Spiders
Here are a few proactive steps you can take to minimize contact with any spiders, including brown house spiders and brown recluses:
- Keep storage areas clean. Spiders love clutter. Regularly clean garages, basements, and closets to reduce hiding spots.
- Seal cracks and openings. Use caulk around windows, doors, and baseboards to keep spiders outside.
- Use sticky traps. Sticky traps placed in undisturbed corners can help monitor spider activity.
- Carefully store clothing and shoes. Shake out shoes or gloves before wearing them if they’ve been sitting in a closet or garage.
- Call a professional. Green Shield Pest Pros offers inspections and integrated pest management to stop spiders and keep your home safe year-round.
Take Steps to Get Rid of Spiders Today
Don’t take chances with your home’s safety. For expert spider control and peace of mind, contact Green Shield Pest Pros in Columbus, OH today!
Schedule your inspection now and enjoy a spider-free home.
Did You Know?
The likelihood of encountering a brown recluse spider in Columbus, OH, drops as you move farther north and east in Ohio. Colder winters limit their habitat range, and unless transported into homes via shipments or moving items, their presence is uncommon in the open outdoors.
FAQ
How can I tell if I have a brown recluse spider in my home?
Look for the violin marking on the spider’s back, a body smaller than a dime, and no visible web used to catch prey. Brown recluses prefer quiet, dry spaces.
Are brown recluse bites dangerous?
While most bites cause mild symptoms, a rare few can lead to necrotic lesions or systemic issues. If you suspect a bite, seek medical attention immediately, especially for children.
Should I panic if I see a spider in my home?
No. Most spiders in Columbus, OH, are harmless. If you’re unsure, Green Shield Pest Pros can help identify and manage any pests in your home.
Can I get rid of spiders without professional help?
Basic prevention steps like decluttering and sealing gaps can reduce spider activity. However, professional pest control ensures long-term results and peace of mind.
