Aug 22, 2022 | Pest Control
In the southern states, there are many species of spiders found and there is a good chance you’ve seen some of them. Many spiders make themselves at home in our yards, gardens, flower beds, and inside our homes. But as the weather gets cooler, you’re bound to see more spiders come inside to seek shelter from the cooler weather. Here are a few common spiders that may invade your home when the temperatures drop.
House Spiders
A house spider is a common name given to spiders that are primarily found inside your house. They vary in color, but most are yellow to brown with elongated abdomens. They can usually be found in ceiling corners, under furniture, and inside closets, basements, garages, and crawl spaces. When outdoors, they are often found in windows, under eaves, and near light sources.
They can be a nuisance to have but are not a threat to humans. Because of the low humidity in newer homes, house spiders are becoming less common in houses and more likely to be found in garages, sheds, barns, and warehouses.
Brown Recluse
A brown recluse spider is light to dark brown, with a signature dark brown violin shape on its back. They are commonly found outdoors in debris and woodpiles but can be found indoors usually underneath furniture, inside storage bins, and in dark recesses like baseboards. The brown recluse can also be found hiding out in closets, attics, and crawl spaces.
This spider species is one you should look out for as its bite is painful. If cornered, they will bite, leaving an ulcerating sore that must be treated by a medical professional immediately.
Wolf Spiders
Wolf spiders are typically dark brown with pale markings or stripes. Their legs are long and spiny, and most have hair on their bodies. If found indoors, they are typically on the floor, especially along walls and under furniture. If found outdoors, they are usually under leaves, woodpiles, yard debris, and stones.
They can bite, but it is very rare for them to do so; even if they do it doesn’t pose a significant threat to humans. They are unique in that they don’t catch their prey in webs but will chase them down using their speed.
Black Widow
One of the most easily identifiable spiders in the US, these shiny, black spiders are one of the most fearsome out there. Most can identify them by their prominent red hourglass shape on their back. Black widow spiders are commonly found around woodpiles and can easily access your home by hitching a ride on your firewood. They are also found in garages, eaves, empty boxes, and even shoes that are stored away.
Females are more aggressive than males and will bite. They can be extremely harmful to humans and their bite should be taken seriously. Symptoms from a bite include fever, elevated blood pressure, nausea, and sweats. It should be treated immediately to stop any further neurological damage.
Spiders are more common in the fall and winter as they make their way indoors, so be on the lookout for these spiders once the temperature begins to drop. If you suspect a spider problem, contact your local pest control company who can help identify the type of spider you have and provide you with a thorough inspection and treatment plan that is right for you and your property.
Oct 27, 2021 | Pest Control
Nothing says “Halloween” like spotting a few cobwebs around the house! While it’s always fun to see cobweb decorations during this time of year, it’s not as fun having to deal with them year-round. Since the temperatures have cooled off, many spiders are looking indoors to inhabit a warmer environment. It’s important to understand common types of spiders in order to provide the best treatment if they’ve infested your home.
Brown Recluse
The brown recluse spider is light to dark brown, with a signature brown violin shape on its backs. If threatened, these spiders will bite, which can be painful and leave an open sore. If bitten, some can experience fever, restlessness, and difficulty sleeping. Brown recluse spiders can be found in debris and woodpiles. If they’ve snuck inside your home, they can often be found under furniture, inside storage items, in baseboards, closets, and crawlspaces.
Wolf Spider
Wolf spiders are dark brown with paler stripes or markings and long, spiny legs. These spiders are large and hairy across their bodies. While these spiders will bite, it’s rare that they do and are not a significant threat to humans. Inside homes, wolf spiders tend to stay near or on the floor, especially along walls and under furniture where they chase their prey instead of capturing them in their webs. If outside, they like to inhabit firewood piles, leaves, yard debris, and stones.
Common House Spider
House spiders can vary in color but are usually yellow to brown with elongated abdomens. Although not a threat to humans, they are a nuisance to have in the home as they can produce and leave behind webs throughout the house. They can often be found in ceiling corners, under furniture, and inside closets, basements, garages, and crawlspaces. If outside, you will commonly find them spinning webs around windows, under eaves, and near light sources that attract food.
By recognizing each spider species and knowing where they most often inhabit, you can utilize the correct preventative measures to eliminate the chance of an infestation. Check out some of these easy do-it-yourself spider prevention tips:
- Keep garages, attics, and basements clutter-free.
- Avoid leaving clothes and shoes on the floor.
- Seal any cracks and crevices around the home.
- Call a professional pest control company. They will perform an inspection and provide you with the correct treatment and prevention plan for any spiders seen throughout your property.
Mar 8, 2019 | Georgia Blogs, Pest Control
By Anna V., Editorial Lead — Pest Education · Last updated: May 2026
Georgia’s hot, humid climate is excellent for almost everything, including the dozens of spider species that live here. At Northwest, we run spider control calls year-round across our Georgia and Alabama service area, but they spike sharply from April through October as outdoor temperatures rise and spider populations boom. The good news for homeowners: the vast majority of the spiders in Georgia are harmless. Only a handful are medically significant, and even those are uncommon to encounter indoors.
Here are the 10 spiders you’re most likely to see around a Southeast home, how to identify each, which ones warrant caution, and what to do when you find one.
Most spiders in Georgia are outdoor garden spiders that quietly handle the local insect population.
Why Understanding Spiders in Georgia Matters
Spiders play an important role in controlling insect populations. The yellow garden spider you find in your shrubs eats hundreds of mosquitoes, gnats, and flies over a summer. The cellar spider in your basement is quietly catching the small flies you don’t want around. Most spiders in Georgia are doing free pest control on your behalf.
That said, two facts make spider identification matter for homeowners:
- A small number of species are medically significant. Three to four species in the Southeast can deliver bites that require medical attention. Identifying them quickly matters.
- Most “scary-looking” spiders are completely harmless. Wolf spiders, orb weavers, jumping spiders, and the famous Joro spider all look intimidating but pose no real threat. Knowing which is which prevents unnecessary panic and unnecessary pesticide use.
Georgia’s climate produces spider activity peaks in spring (April through May), late summer (August), and early fall (September through October). Most encounters are outdoors.
10 Common Spiders in Georgia
Two species require caution. The other eight are quiet helpers around Southeast homes.
1. Southern Black Widow (Latrodectus mactans)
- Status: Venomous. Bite requires medical attention.
- Appearance: Glossy black body with the distinctive red hourglass marking on the underside of the abdomen. Adult females are about 1/2 inch (legs spread to 1.5 inches). Males are much smaller and not medically significant.
- Habitat: Dark, undisturbed areas. Sheds, garages, crawl spaces, woodpiles, basement corners, under outdoor furniture. Common in rural and suburban Georgia.
- Action: If you find one in or around your home, call professional pest control. Do not attempt to capture or kill without protection. Bites cause severe muscle pain, abdominal cramping, and sometimes systemic reactions.
2. Brown Widow (Latrodectus geometricus)
- Status: Venomous, but less potent than the black widow
- Appearance: Tan to brown body with darker mottled markings. Distinctive orange hourglass marking on the underside (similar shape to black widow’s, but orange instead of red). Egg sacs have a spiky, golf-ball-like appearance.
- Habitat: Outdoor structures, under patio furniture, in eaves, around mailboxes, under flower pots. More common in suburban and urban Georgia than rural areas.
- Action: Bites are usually less severe than black widow bites but still warrant medical attention. Treat with the same caution and call professional control.
3. Wolf Spider
- Status: Non-venomous to humans (bite is mild, comparable to a bee sting at worst)
- Appearance: Large, hairy, brown to gray with darker markings. Body can be 1 to 2 inches with a 3-inch leg span. Eight eyes arranged in three rows.
- Habitat: Ground dwellers. They don’t build webs. They hunt. Often enter homes accidentally chasing prey. Common in basements, garages, and ground-floor rooms.
- Action: Harmless but startling. Trap with a cup and release outside.
4. Cellar Spider / Daddy Long Legs (Pholcidae)
- Status: Harmless
- Appearance: Small slender body (under 1/2 inch) with extremely long thin legs. Light tan to gray.
- Habitat: Indoor ceiling corners, basements, garages, crawl spaces. Builds messy tangled webs.
- Action: Leave them alone if you can. They eat mosquitoes, fruit flies, and other indoor pests. For a deeper dive, see our cellar spider vs daddy long legs guide.
5. Orb Weaver Spiders
- Status: Venomous to prey, harmless to humans
- Appearance: Vary widely in color and size. Many species have rounded abdomens with bright patterns (yellow, black, brown, orange). Common Georgia species include the yellow garden spider, garden orb weaver, and the spinybacked orb weaver.
- Habitat: Outdoor gardens, shrubs, between fence posts, under eaves. Builds the classic large circular web.
- Action: Leave them alone. They’re significant outdoor pest controllers. For more on whether their venom matters, see our orb weaver spider guide.
6. Jumping Spiders
- Status: Harmless
- Appearance: Small (1/4 to 3/4 inch), compact, fuzzy body. Often striking patterns and large forward-facing eyes that give them an almost cute appearance. Move in distinct jumps rather than walking smoothly.
- Habitat: Active hunters that don’t build webs. Common indoors and outdoors. Often spotted on walls, window frames, and porches during the day.
- Action: Among the most charming spiders you’ll meet. Harmless and useful.
7. Yellow Sac Spider
- Status: Mildly venomous. Bites possible but rarely serious.
- Appearance: Pale yellow to cream-colored, small (1/4 inch body). Slim legs.
- Habitat: Corners of ceilings, window sills, under loose bark, in folded leaves outdoors. Builds small silken retreats rather than full webs.
- Action: One of the few spiders that may bite without obvious provocation. Bites cause localized pain, redness, and itching that resolves in a few days. Vacuum sightings; call professionals for recurring activity.
8. Crab Spiders
- Status: Non-venomous to humans
- Appearance: Crab-like stance (front legs held out to the sides). Often brightly colored to match flowers (white, yellow, pink). Small body, usually under 1/2 inch.
- Habitat: Gardens, flowers, and shrubs. Ambush predators that wait on blooms to catch pollinators.
- Action: Beneficial outdoors. Leave them alone.
9. Hobo Spider
- Status: Low-risk venom (medical significance has been re-evaluated and downgraded in recent CDC guidance)
- Appearance: Medium-sized brown body with chevron patterns on the abdomen. Long legs. Often confused with wolf spiders.
- Habitat: Basements, dark corners, ground-level spaces. Builds funnel-shaped webs.
- Action: Less common in Georgia than in the Pacific Northwest. Treat as you would a wolf spider: trap and release, or call professionals for recurring activity.
10. Joro Spider (Trichonephila clavata) — The New Arrival
- Status: Harmless to humans and pets
- Appearance: Large, striking. Females have bright yellow and gray-blue striped legs with a yellow abdomen marked with grayish-blue lines and red markings underneath. Leg span up to 4 inches.
- Habitat: Introduced from East Asia, first confirmed in Georgia in 2014. Now established statewide. Builds huge multi-layered golden webs in trees, between buildings, on power lines, across porches.
- Action: Despite their alarming size, Joros are docile and rarely bite. Their fangs are too small to penetrate most human skin. They’re effective predators of other pest insects. Most Georgia residents have started simply leaving them alone.
Venomous vs Harmless Spiders in Georgia
Of the 10 species above, only two are considered medically significant in the Southeast:
- Southern Black Widow: severe neurotoxic venom. Bites require medical attention.
- Brown Widow: less potent than black widow but still warrants medical attention.
Two more deliver bites that can cause discomfort but rarely require medical care:
- Yellow Sac Spider: mild localized reaction.
- Hobo Spider: low-risk; previously thought to be more medically significant.
The other six species are functionally harmless to humans.
What to Do If You’re Bitten
For any suspected spider bite:
- Wash the bite area with soap and warm water.
- Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling.
- Take an over-the-counter pain reliever if needed.
- Watch for severe symptoms: rapidly spreading redness, severe pain, fever, muscle cramping, abdominal pain, difficulty breathing, or any systemic reaction.
- Seek medical attention immediately for any severe symptoms or for any bite from a confirmed widow species.
If possible (and only if safe), capture or photograph the spider for identification. Medical providers handle treatment differently depending on the species.
Spider Identification Tips
Three quick markers help with on-the-spot identification:
- Size and color: Note the body size (excluding legs), overall color, and any distinctive markings (hourglasses, stripes, bright patches).
- Web type: A circular symmetrical web means orb weaver. A messy tangled corner web means cellar spider. A funnel-shaped web means hobo spider or grass spider. No web at all (spider on the floor or wall) often means wolf spider, jumping spider, or one of the widow species (which build messy three-dimensional cobwebs in hidden spots).
- Behavior: Fast movement on the ground suggests wolf spider. Quick jumps suggest jumping spider. Sitting motionless on a flower suggests crab spider. Hanging upside down in a corner web suggests cellar spider.
For authoritative species identification, UGA Extension’s guide to insect and arthropod pests of southeastern neighborhoods covers the common spider species in our region in detail.
How to Prevent Spiders in Your Georgia Home
Spider prevention is straightforward and overlaps with prevention for the insects spiders eat (which is the underlying reason spiders show up in the first place).
Spider prevention is mostly about sealing entry points and reducing the indoor insect population that draws them.
- Sanitation. Remove indoor clutter, especially in basements, attics, garages, and storage spaces. Spiders need stable hiding places.
- Seal entry points. Caulk foundation cracks, install or replace door sweeps and weatherstripping, screen crawl space vents with 1/4-inch hardware cloth, seal gaps around utility line penetrations.
- Yard maintenance. Trim shrubs and tree branches back from the foundation. Remove leaf litter, woodpiles, and debris within 20 feet of the house. Outdoor harborages give spider populations a launching pad.
- Control outdoor lighting. Bright porch lights attract flying insects, which attract spiders. Switch to yellow-tone or warm-LED bulbs to reduce insect attraction.
- Humidity control. Many indoor spiders prefer slightly damp environments. Run dehumidifiers in basements; fix leaks promptly.
For active spider prevention strategies including DIY natural methods, see our natural spider repellent guide.
When to Call Professional Spider Control
Most spider sightings in a Georgia home don’t warrant professional intervention. Call Northwest if:
- You’ve found a confirmed black widow or brown widow on the property.
- You’re seeing recurring spider sightings in living spaces (bedrooms, kitchens, kids’ rooms).
- Population appears large (visible webs in multiple rooms, multiple sightings per week).
- You’re noticing other pest activity at the same time. Spiders are usually a downstream effect of an indoor insect problem.
- Anxiety or safety concerns make a professional inspection worth the peace of mind.
Professional spider control typically combines targeted treatment at active harborage spots, exclusion work to seal entry points, and addressing the underlying insect issue that drew the spiders indoors.
(Spider activity beyond what you want to handle yourself? Schedule a free Northwest spider inspection and we’ll identify what’s around, find the entry points, and lay out a treatment plan.)
Frequently Asked Questions About Spiders in Georgia
Are spiders in Georgia dangerous?
Most are harmless. Only two species in the Southeast pose real medical risk: the Southern black widow and the brown widow. The yellow sac spider and hobo spider can deliver uncomfortable bites but rarely require medical attention. The other common spiders in Georgia (wolf, cellar, orb weaver, jumping, crab, fishing, Joro) are functionally harmless to humans.
What do spider bites look like?
Symptoms vary by species. Most bites cause mild localized redness, swelling, and itching that resolves in a few days. Black widow bites cause severe muscle pain, abdominal cramping, sweating, and sometimes systemic reactions. Brown recluse bites (uncommon in Georgia) can cause a slow-healing necrotic wound. Any bite with severe pain, rapidly spreading redness, or systemic symptoms warrants medical attention.
How common are venomous spiders in Georgia?
Black widows are present statewide but uncommon to encounter indoors. Brown widows are more common around buildings, especially in coastal and urban areas. Brown recluse spiders are rare in Georgia but not impossible (they’re more common further west). Most homeowners go years between spotting a medically significant spider.
Do spiders help control other pests?
Yes, significantly. Spiders are predators of flies, mosquitoes, gnats, moths, and other household insects. A small spider presence indoors is functionally free pest control. This is one reason most pest professionals (including ours) encourage homeowners to leave individual spiders alone when possible.
What’s the Joro spider and should I worry about it?
The Joro spider (Trichonephila clavata) is an invasive species first confirmed in Georgia in 2014. It’s now established statewide and continues to spread. Despite their alarming size (leg span up to 4 inches) and bright coloring, Joros are docile and rarely bite. Their fangs are typically too small to penetrate human skin. They’re effective predators of pest insects and aren’t considered dangerous.
Most spider problems get solved by sealing entry points and treating the insects they’re feeding on.
Ready for a Professional Spider Inspection?
If you’ve spotted a widow species, you’re seeing recurring indoor sightings, or you just want a professional to identify what’s around your home, Northwest’s team handles the full spider control workflow: species identification, exclusion, targeted treatment, and addressing the underlying insect issues that draw spiders indoors. Most spider problems clear up faster than homeowners expect.
About the Author
Anna V., Editorial Lead — Pest Education leads pest education content for Northwest Exterminating, working with senior technicians and service center managers across our Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, and South Carolina service areas to translate field expertise into homeowner-friendly guides. The focus: accurate, regionally-specific answers to the pest questions Southeast homeowners are actually searching for.
Oct 15, 2018 | Pest Control
Autumn is right around the corner and it brings with it cooler weather, Halloween, football, and a plethora of new pests. As the weather gets colder, pests will seek shelter, food, and warmth in our homes. Different seasons bring different pests and this time of year is no exception. Here are 7 of the most common fall pests and ways to prevent them from invading your home.
RODENTS
Rats, mice, and squirrels are among the most common rodents seen in the fall. They need food and warmth to survive the cold winter months. Rats are known to carry disease and can cause potential health problems for you and your family. They also get into food storage and chew through wooden supports. They build their nests in your insulation and can cause fires by chewing through electrical wires. They can fit into small gaps and holes to get into your home and bring fleas, mites, ticks, and lice with them.
Rodents can be prevented by:
- Storing food in airtight containers.
- Sealing cracks around your foundation.
- Keeping your kitchen clean.
- Decluttering your garage and attic.
- Using plastic storage containers instead of cardboard.
COCKROACHES
Cockroaches are the most common fall pest. Cockroaches can be dangerous to your health as they are known to carry 33 different types of bacteria and can cause asthma in children. They are large, fast, and extremely resilient. They like to hide near pipes and drains and are commonly seen in kitchens and bathrooms.
Cockroaches can be prevented by:
- Keeping kitchens and bathrooms sanitized.
- Vacuuming frequently.
- Ensuring cracks around your home are sealed.
- Storing food in airtight containers.
- Eliminating sources of standing water.
FLEAS
Fleas come into your home on both pets and rodents. While they don’t transmit serious diseases to humans, their bites can be painful and irritating. Fleas can spread throughout your home quickly and can be extremely difficult to get rid of.
Fleas can be prevented by:
- Keeping grass mowed and shrubs trimmed.
- Not leaving pet food out overnight.
- Sealing openings to crawlspaces, garages, sheds, and decks.
- Using preventative products on your pets.
- Vacuuming often.
- Washing pet bedding often.
ANTS
There are several species of ants that are common in the fall. Ants can move into the walls of your home or underneath your foundations and cause significant damage to your home. Carpenter ants can chew through the wood of your home and compromise its structure. Odorous house ants can get into and contaminate your food.
Ants can be prevented by:
- Sealing cracks around your foundation.
- Storing food in airtight containers.
- Sweeping your floors often.
- Eliminating sources of standing water.
- Keeping tree branches and plants cut back from your home.
- Not storing firewood near the home or indoors overnight.
STINK BUGS
Stink bugs actively seek shelter indoors from the cooler weather of fall. Stink bugs don’t transmit diseases, nor do they bite or sting. They can, however, cause damage to clothing, furniture and other fabrics with their droppings. They emit a strong odor when they are frightened, disturbed, or squashed as a defense mechanism against predators.
Stink bugs can be prevented by:
- Checking your belongings before bringing them inside the home.
- Making sure screens on doors and windows are in good repair or, if not, that they are replaced.
SPIDERS
There is a significant increase in the number and variety of spiders that appear in the fall. Fall is mating season for most spiders so they are actively seeking mates before winter sets in. The most common spiders seen in the fall are house spiders, which are responsible for the cobwebs you often see in your home, wolf spiders, and hobo spiders.
Spiders can be prevented by:
- Sealing cracks and crevices around your home.
- Turning porch lights off at night to decrease the number of bugs around your home for spiders to eat.
- Dusting regularly.
- Removing cobwebs as soon as you find them.
BED BUGS
Travel in the fall increases with a large number of sporting events, family gatherings, and students heading back to school and college. Bed bugs ride on clothing, suitcases, and even school bags. While they don’t spread disease, they do leave behind itchy red welts. Bed bugs are extremely difficult to control and eliminate.
Bed bugs can be prevented by:
- Inspecting hotel rooms and dorms before unpacking.
- Keeping personal belongings off the floor in public places.
- Checking suitcases before bringing them back into your home.
May 29, 2013 | Uncategorized
The house spider is a common problem that we’re seeing in homes lately. We’ve had lots of calls and concerns about the tiny little pests hanging around. The most effective way of getting rid of spiders is to prevent them from ever coming into your home. Spiders, like most insects, come into your home in search of food. By ridding your home of other insects (regularly scheduled pest maintenance) your home will be useless to the spider.
Ways to Prevent Spiders from coming into your home:
- Seal cracks and crevices around the perimeter of your home that can be used as entry points into your home.
- Use screens on doors and windows.
- Use a vacuum to suck up spiders and their eggs (they often escape if a broom is used).
- Spider survival is low in homes with low humidity, few insects, higher garages, sheds, barns, warehouses, etc.
- Spider webs are often built in corners and angles of walls and windows so web brush often or ask your pest professional to do it while they are treating your home.
- Spiders build webs by trial and error which explains why there may be multiple vacant webs around your home.
- Keep your home clean. Clutter is good for spiders because it gives them a place to hide.
- Ensure that bushes and other plants are trimmed back from the outside wall of your home.
- Make sure mulch is kept a few inches back from the foundation of your home.
- Use plastic storage boxes instead of cardboard. Spiders love cardboard.
Again, regularly scheduled pest control from a professional pest management company will keep out the spiders and their food sources.
