Common House Spiders

Parasteatoda tepidariorum, commonly known as the common house spider, is a small, brown spider that belongs to the family Theridiidae. It is a widely distributed spider species found in different parts of the world, including North and South America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. The common house spider is an important predator in its ecosystem and plays a significant role in controlling populations of insects and other pests. While it is a venomous spider, its venom is relatively mild, and it is generally not considered dangerous to humans. The species is known for its web-building abilities and is commonly found in and around human dwellings, hence the name "house spider."

The common house spider is relatively small in size, with adults ranging from 5 to 8 mm in length. The female spiders are typically larger than the males. The spider's body is usually a light to dark brown color, with darker stripes or markings on the abdomen. The legs of the common house spider are long and slender, and they are covered in fine hairs.

The common house spider is a web-building spider, and it creates intricate webs that are used for catching prey. The spider spins silk threads to create a web that is typically found in corners, along walls, or in other sheltered locations. The spider may also spin silk to create egg sacs or to line its retreat area. The spider's web is made up of several types of silk threads that vary in thickness and stickiness. The spider uses these threads to capture prey, which it immobilizes with a bite from its venomous fangs.

The common house spider is known to exhibit cannibalistic behavior, particularly among siblings or when resources are scarce. In some cases, the larger spider may prey on its smaller siblings. Spiderlings of the common house spider disperse by using a technique called ballooning, in which they release a strand of silk and are carried away by the wind.

The common house spider (Parasteatoda tepidariorum), also known as the American house spider, is a species of spider that is found in North America, Europe, and Asia. This spider is a member of the family Theridiidae, which is commonly known as the cobweb spider family.

The common house spider is a small spider, with adults typically measuring between 4 and 8 mm in body length. Their bodies are oval-shaped, and they have eight legs. The spider's body is usually a light brown or grayish color, with darker markings on the cephalothorax (head and thorax) and abdomen. These markings can vary between individuals and can be used to identify different morphotypes of the species.

The common house spider has eight eyes arranged in two rows of four. The front row of eyes is larger than the back row, and the eyes are arranged in a rectangular pattern.

The spider's body is divided into two parts, the cephalothorax and the abdomen. The cephalothorax is the front part of the spider's body that contains the head, eyes, fangs, and legs. The abdomen is the back part of the spider's body where the organs are located.

The cephalothorax of the common house spider is covered in fine hairs and has a slightly darker color than the abdomen. It is also slightly flattened in shape, with a raised ridge down the center.

The abdomen of the common house spider is slightly rounded and covered in fine hairs. It is usually a lighter color than the cephalothorax, with darker markings that can vary in shape and size between individuals.

The legs of the common house spider are relatively long and slender, with the first two pairs of legs being longer than the last two. The spider's legs are covered in fine hairs, which help the spider to detect vibrations and movement in its environment. The first pair of legs, also known as the pedipalps, are used to capture prey and are longer than the other legs. The pedipalps are also used during mating, and males have enlarged pedipalps that they use to transfer sperm to the female.

The common house spider, Parasteatoda tepidariorum, undergoes four stages in its life cycle: egg, spiderling, juvenile, and adult. The female spider lays her eggs in an egg sac, which hatch after two to three weeks. Spiderlings disperse by using ballooning and undergo several molts during the juvenile stage, which lasts several months. The adult stage is characterized by mating and reproduction and can last several months to several years. Here is some more information about each stage:

1. Egg Stage: The common house spider lays its eggs in an egg sac, which is made of silk and is usually found in the spider's web or in a sheltered location near the web. The female spider can lay several egg sacs in her lifetime, each containing up to several hundred eggs. The eggs typically hatch after two to three weeks, depending on environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity.
2. Spiderling Stage: After hatching, the spiderlings emerge from the egg sac and begin to disperse. They are tiny, about 1mm in size, and resemble miniature versions of the adult spider. Spiderlings typically disperse by using a technique called ballooning, in which they release a strand of silk and are carried away by the wind.
3. Juvenile Stage: As the spiderlings grow, they shed their exoskeletons in a process called molting. During each molt, the spiderling grows a new exoskeleton underneath the old one, which then splits open to allow the spiderling to emerge. The spiderling's new exoskeleton is soft at first but hardens within a few hours. The juvenile stage lasts several months, and the spiderlings undergo several molts during this time.
4. Adult Stage: After reaching maturity, the common house spider is ready to mate and reproduce. Male spiders typically seek out females by following pheromone trails or by locating their webs. After mating, the female will lay eggs and begin the cycle anew. The adult stage can last several months to several years, depending on the individual spider's lifespan and environmental conditions.

The common house spider, or Parasteatoda tepidariorum, is a small spider that is known for its web-building abilities and its ability to capture prey. As an insectivorous spider, the common house spider primarily feeds on small insects, such as flies, mosquitoes, ants, and other spiders.

The spider uses its web to capture prey, creating a sticky trap that immobilizes insects when they come into contact with the web. Once the prey is trapped, the spider will approach it and deliver a venomous bite to subdue it. The spider will then wrap the prey in silk and either consume it immediately or store it for later consumption.

The common house spider is an opportunistic feeder and will consume any small insect that gets trapped in its web. In addition to insects, the spider may also consume other small arthropods, such as mites and springtails.

The spider's diet is influenced by several factors, including the availability of prey, the spider's size, and its reproductive status. Female spiders require more nutrients when producing eggs, so they may consume more food during this time.

Overall, the common house spider is an important predator in its ecosystem, playing a crucial role in controlling populations of insects and other small arthropods.

While Parasteatoda tepidariorum is a venomous spider, it is generally not considered dangerous to humans. Its venom is relatively mild and its bites are typically not felt by humans. The spider's venom is used to immobilize and kill its prey, which it then consumes. If you do encounter a common house spider, it is generally best to leave it alone or remove it carefully and gently.

The fangs of the common house spider are relatively small, and their bites are usually not felt by humans. In the rare cases where a bite does occur, symptoms are typically mild and may include minor pain, redness, and swelling at the site of the bite. These symptoms usually resolve on their own within a few days without medical treatment.

It is important to note that while the common house spider is generally not dangerous to humans, it can be harmful to small prey such as insects. The spider's venom is used to immobilize and kill its prey, which it then consumes. In this way, the common house spider is an important predator in its ecosystem.

If you do encounter a common house spider, it is generally best to leave it alone. Spiders play an important role in controlling populations of insects and other pests, and they are generally not aggressive towards humans. If you need to remove a spider from your home, it is best to do so carefully and gently, using a cup or other container and a piece of paper to gently guide the spider outside.

The common house spider, Parasteatoda tepidariorum, is a web-building spider that is found in homes and other structures around the world. Here are some of the habits and behaviors that are commonly observed in this species:

• Web building: The common house spider is known for its intricate webs, which it uses to capture prey. The spider spins silk threads to create a web that is typically found in corners, along walls, or in other sheltered locations. The spider may also spin silk to create egg sacs or to line its retreat area.
• Prey capture: Once the spider has built its web, it waits for prey to become entangled in the silk threads. The spider then approaches the trapped insect and immobilizes it with a bite from its venomous fangs. The spider may wrap the prey in silk to make it easier to handle and to protect it from other predators.
• Nocturnal activity: The common house spider is most active at night, when it emerges from its retreat area to hunt for prey. During the day, the spider may remain hidden in its web or in other sheltered locations.
• Dispersal: Spiderlings of the common house spider disperse by using a technique called ballooning. They release a strand of silk and are carried away by the wind. This allows them to disperse over long distances and colonize new areas.
• Adaptability: The common house spider is adaptable to a wide range of environments and can thrive in both urban and rural settings. It is commonly found in homes, barns, sheds, and other structures, as well as in outdoor locations such as gardens and fields.
• Cannibalism: The common house spider is known to exhibit cannibalistic behavior, particularly among siblings or when resources are scarce. In some cases, the larger spider may prey on its smaller siblings.
• Reproduction: Male spiders seek out females by following pheromone trails or by locating their webs. After mating, the female will lay eggs and begin the cycle anew.

The common house spider, Parasteatoda tepidariorum, is a web-building spider that is active at night and uses its webs to capture prey. The spider is adaptable to a wide range of environments and can exhibit cannibalistic behavior. Spiderlings disperse by using ballooning, and after mating, the female will lay eggs and begin the cycle anew.

The common house spider can reproduce several times during its one-year lifespan, producing multiple egg sacs with 40-50 eggs per sac. The development time of the eggs is around 10-14 days, and the spiderlings will grow rapidly, reaching sexual maturity within a few months. However, the reproductive rate can vary depending on environmental conditions and individual health.

Generally speaking, the common house spider has a relatively short lifespan of about one year. However, they can reproduce several times during their lifetime. The reproductive cycle of the common house spider begins when the male spider reaches sexual maturity, which usually occurs between two to four months after hatching. Female spiders typically mature slightly later than males, reaching sexual maturity between three to six months after hatching.

During the breeding season, males will begin to search for females to mate with. They will spin a small web around the female to prevent her from escaping during the mating process. Once mating is complete, the male will generally die within a few weeks.

After mating, the female will begin to produce egg sacs. The number of eggs in each sac can vary, but it typically ranges from 40 to 50 eggs per sac. The female can produce several egg sacs during her lifetime, with intervals of several weeks to several months between each sac. The development time of the eggs can also vary, but generally takes around 10-14 days for the eggs to hatch.

Once the spiderlings have hatched, they will remain in the egg sac for a few days before emerging. They will then begin to disperse and build their own webs. The spiderlings will grow rapidly, with males reaching sexual maturity within two to four months, and females within three to six months.

It is worth noting that the reproductive rate of the common house spider can vary depending on several factors. For example, if food is scarce, the female may delay producing egg sacs until conditions improve. Additionally, environmental factors such as temperature and humidity can also impact the reproductive rate of the spider.

If you are looking for DIY methods to get rid of the common house spider, there are several options available. However, it is worth noting that spiders are an important part of the ecosystem and can help control other pests in your home, so consider the impact of any method on the environment and other organisms before proceeding. Here are seven DIY methods to get rid of the common house spider:

1. Remove clutter: Spiders like to hide in cluttered areas, so removing clutter from your home can help to reduce their hiding places.
2. Seal cracks and gaps: Spiders can enter your home through small cracks and gaps. Sealing these gaps with caulk or weather stripping can help to prevent spiders from entering your home.
3. Keep your home clean: Spiders are attracted to dirt, dust, and the bugs they attract, so keeping your home clean and tidy can help to reduce their presence.
4. Vacuuming: One of the simplest and most effective methods of spider control is to vacuum them up. Regularly vacuuming your home can help to remove any spiders and their webs. Be sure to dispose of the vacuum bag or canister outside your home to prevent any spiders from escaping.
5. Vinegar: Vinegar is another natural remedy that can help repel spiders. Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle and spray it in areas where spiders are found. This method can also be repeated every few days.
6. Peppermint oil: Spiders are known to dislike the smell of peppermint oil. Mixing a few drops of peppermint oil with water in a spray bottle and spraying it in areas where spiders are commonly found can help to repel them. This method can be repeated every few days.
7. Essential oils: Other essential oils such as tea tree, lavender, and eucalyptus can also be used to repel spiders. Mix a few drops of essential oil with water in a spray bottle and spray in areas where spiders are commonly found.

It is worth noting that while these DIY methods can help to reduce the presence of spiders in your home, they may not completely eliminate them. If you have a severe spider infestation, or if you are uncomfortable with spiders, it may be best to consult a professional pest control service.