| Scientific name | Kukulcania hibernalis |
|---|---|
| Group | Spiders |
| Size | 10–19 mm (up to about 0.75 in) |
| Colors | Brown, Gray and Black |
| Legs | 8 legs |
| Wings | No (as usually seen) |
| Where found | Indoors, anywhere and Basement or garage |
| Most active | Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter |
| Bites | Yes |
| Stings | No |
| Risk level | Nuisance |
How to identify it
The southern house spider is a medium-sized member of the spiders group. Eight legs, two body sections and silk-spinning organs at the rear. Check for these three features:
- Velvety, uniformly dark females with a small head
- Pale brown males with long legs
- Radiating, fuzzy webs spreading out from a crack
About this bug
A velvety, dark gray to brown spider of the southern US whose males look like brown recluses. Females build radiating, lint-like webs around cracks in walls and windows.
You'll usually find southern house spiders indoors and in basements and garages. They are most active in spring, summer, fall and winter.
Is it dangerous?
Southern house spiders rarely bite and are not medically significant.
Our rating: Nuisance, meaning it is a nuisance pest but not a health threat to most people.
When you'll see southern house spiders
Southern House Spiders are most active in spring, summer, fall and winter. In spring, overwintering adults become active and many species lay their first eggs. Summer heat speeds up development, so populations can grow quickly. In fall, many bugs look for shelter, and some move toward or into buildings. In winter, activity continues mainly indoors in heated spaces.
Typical places to check: indoors, anywhere and basement or garage.
About spiders
The southern house spider is one of the spiders. Spiders have eight legs, two main body sections and no antennae. Almost all spiders have venom to subdue prey, but only a few have venom that matters to people. Many build webs, while others, such as wolf spiders and jumping spiders, hunt on foot.
Spiders go where their food is. A home with lots of spiders usually has plenty of other insects, so general pest control reduces spiders too.
Should you get rid of it?
No control is needed. Southern House Spiders are not pests, and many help by eating other insects or pollinating plants. If one is indoors, move it outside with a cup and a sheet of paper.
Bugs that look similar
Color: Southern House Spiders are brown, gray and black; brown recluse spiders are brown and tan.
Size: Southern House Spiders are larger, reaching 19 mm, while black widow spiders top out around 13 mm.
Frequently asked questions
What does a southern house spider look like?
Velvety, uniformly dark females with a small head. Adults measure 10–19 mm (up to about 0.75 in).
Does the southern house spider bite or sting?
It can bite. It does not sting. Southern house spiders rarely bite and are not medically significant.
Where do southern house spiders live?
Southern House Spiders live indoors and in basements and garages.
When are southern house spiders most active?
Mostly in spring, summer, fall and winter.