Common Spiders in Florida Homes

Common house spiders are small spiders often found indoors in corners, garages, closets, and other undisturbed areas. They are usually tan, brown, or gray with darker markings and typically grow to about ¼ inch long.

These spiders create messy, irregular cobwebs where they wait for prey. A few webs around your home are normal, but multiple spider webs appearing in corners, windows, or storage areas can signal ongoing spider activity that may require treatment.

Wolf spiders are among the larger spiders found in Florida, often reaching ½ inch to over 1 inch in body length. They are brown or gray with hairy bodies and excellent camouflage.

Unlike web-building spiders, wolf spiders actively hunt their prey and are often found around foundations, landscaping, garages, and sheds. While not considered dangerous to most people, their size can be alarming when they enter homes.

Southern black widow spiders are one of the most recognized venomous spiders in Florida. Female black widows are usually shiny black with a distinctive red hourglass marking underneath their abdomen and can grow to about ½ inch long.

They prefer dark, undisturbed locations such as wood piles, storage areas, garages, and sheds. While they typically avoid people, homeowners should use caution around suspected black widow spiders.

Brown widow spiders are venomous spiders commonly found throughout Florida and are closely related to black widow spiders. They are usually tan, brown, or gray with orange or reddish markings on the underside of their abdomen and can grow to about ½ inch long.

They create messy, irregular webs in sheltered areas such as garages, sheds, outdoor furniture, and around homes. While they are not aggressive, homeowners should use caution around brown widow spiders and contact a pest professional for identification and treatment if they are found indoors.

Jumping spiders are small, active spiders known for their excellent eyesight and ability to jump when hunting. They are usually ¼ to ½ inch long and often have compact bodies with noticeable markings and large forward-facing eyes.

They do not build large webs and are commonly seen on walls, windows, fences, and plants. Jumping spiders are beneficial predators and usually do not require control unless they become common inside the home.

Yellow sac spiders are small, pale-colored spiders that are usually yellow, cream, or light green. They commonly reach about ¼ to ⅜ inch long.

Instead of building traditional webs, they create small silk sacs where they rest during the day. These sacs may be found along ceilings, walls, behind furniture, or near vegetation. Frequent sightings indoors may indicate increased insect activity attracting spiders. A larger population of flies, mosquitoes, and other insects can provide a steady food source.

Golden silk orb-weavers are one of the largest spiders commonly seen in Florida. Females can grow to about 1 to 1½ inches in body length, with long legs that make them appear much larger.

They create large golden-colored webs in trees, shrubs, and gardens. Although their size can make them intimidating, they are usually not aggressive and are beneficial outdoor spiders that help control insect populations.

Spiny orb-weaver spiders are easy to recognize because of their small, rounded bodies and colorful spines. They are usually less than ¼ inch long and may have white, red, or yellow markings.

They build circular orb-shaped webs in gardens, trees, and shrubs. These spiders are harmless and help control flying insects outdoors.

Cellar spiders have very small bodies with extremely long, thin legs. They are commonly found in garages, basements, corners, sheds, and other sheltered areas.

They create loose, irregular webs and are considered beneficial because they feed on other insects and spiders. A few cellar spiders are normal, but large numbers may indicate favorable hiding conditions or excess prey that could benefit from professional pest control services.

Southern house spiders are larger brown spiders often mistaken for more dangerous species. Females can reach about ½ inch in body length and have long legs, while males are smaller and more active.

They commonly build webs in cracks, corners, garages, attics, and other quiet locations. They are not considered aggressive but may become a nuisance when found frequently indoors.

While brown recluse spiders are well-known for their venomous bite, they are not considered established in Florida and confirmed sightings are rare. Many brown spiders found in Florida homes are harmless species that are often mistaken for brown recluses.

If you are unsure what type of spider you have, professional identification can help determine whether treatment is needed. Our trained technicians can identify common house spiders, wolf spiders, widow spiders, and other species found around homes and businesses.