Though there are many different kinds of spiders to be found all around Seattle, the most common (and downright unsettling) is the Giant house spider. These aptly named arachnids are the largest spiders in Washington state and usually like to hang out in undisturbed, dark places in your home, such as basements, attics, crawl spaces, and the top left corner of your bedroom. These guys are not deadly to humans but can pack a nasty bite when they feel threatened or provoked. Here are some not-so-fun facts about these spiders to help you identify them and find solutions to a potential infestation.
Fact 1: Giant house spiders are nocturnal creatures. They would much rather sit in the darkness of your basement or attic during the day but might venture out and explore the rest of your house at night. Imagine walking into your kitchen before bed only to find a massive spider hanging out on your counter. Gross.
Fact 2: While we’re on the topic of behavior, these spiders are very aggressive hunters. After actively chasing them down, they use their webs to trap bugs and other small invertebrates. Their prey of choice is whatever you have around the house; flies, cockroaches, ants, mosquitoes, and moths are the typical meal of these fuzzy demons.
Fact 3: Let’s specify what these guys look like. They usually appear dark brown or gray, often with a mottled blend of both colors to help them camouflage better. These spiders can grow up to about 4 inches from front to back legs. That is roughly the size of a softball. A spindly brown or gray softball that chases its prey with eight long legs!
Fact 4: Their webs don’t follow the traditional geometric patterns of an orb weaver. Instead, these webs appear as clumps or seemingly haphazard heaps of webbing. This is because they are used solely for catching prey and can be placed strategically to cross the path of its next unsuspecting meal. These spiders aren’t here to make pretty webs. Just useful ones.
Fact 5: After eating the father directly after mating, female giant house spiders will carry their unborn children on their backs for 30-50 days. When they hatch, they will continue to be carried on their mother’s back, just like a little spider army, until they are ready to live on their own. That’s a dedicated mother right there. It’s also incredibly gross.
Call Insight Pest Solutions in Seattle
Hopefully, these five not-so-fun facts will help you understand more about these not-so-little home invaders and will help you to better deal with them. If you or someone you know is struggling with or has struggled with a spider infestation or any other pest infestation and wants to eradicate it quickly and efficiently, be sure to contact Insight Pest Solutions immediately. Our technicians are experienced, trained, and ready to help you with any pest problem.
