Washington state is home to over 950 different species of spiders. While the majority of these spiders are harmless to humans there are a few venomous species that Washington residents should be aware of. This article will provide an overview of the most common spiders found in Washington how to identify them, the habitats they prefer, and tips for prevention and control.
Venomous Spiders in Washington
Of the 950+ spider species in Washington. only two are considered medically significant
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Western Black Widow – The female black widow spider has a distinctive red hourglass shape on its abdomen Their venom can cause muscle spasms, nausea, and pain at the bite site While rare, bites can be serious and even fatal.
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Yellow Sac Spider – Yellow sac spiders have a light green or tan body with dark brown chelicerae. Their venom can cause redness, swelling, blisters, and discomfort lasting up to a week.
While other Washington spiders may bite if provoked, these two species pose the biggest risk and require medical attention for bites.
Most Common Spiders in Washington
Below are 12 of the most frequently encountered spiders in Washington homes and yards:
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Giant House Spider – Large, fast-moving brown spiders reaching up to 2 inches. Build messy webs in corners.
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Hobo Spider – Brown spiders with a chevron pattern, up to 1/2 inch long. Build funnel webs in dark corners.
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Common House Spider – Small brown spiders with darker specks. Build messy “Halloween” cobwebs in corners.
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Wolf Spider – Hairy, brown spiders that chase down prey. No webs.
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Jumping Spiders – Small, hairy spiders that jump on their prey. Many species, often black/brown.
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Orbweaver Spiders – Spiders that spin large, circular webs. Many color variations.
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Cellar Spiders – Long-legged, spindly spiders that build webs in ceilings and rafters.
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Crab Spiders – Spiders that can walk forwards, backwards, and sideways. Hide in flowers.
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Grass Spiders – Funnel weavers that build sheet webs in lawns and fields.
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Sac Spiders – Green or tan spiders that build sac-like retreats.
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Fishing Spiders – Large, semi-aquatic spiders that hunt along water edges.
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Woodlouse Spiders – Reddish spiders with yellowish abdomens that prey on woodlice.
Spider Habitats in Washington
Different spiders in Washington thrive in certain habitats:
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House Spiders – Basements, attics, crawl spaces, corners inside homes
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Orbweavers – Gardens, shrubs, woodland edges
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Jumping Spiders – Forest leaf litter, tree trunks, parks, wood piles
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Crab Spiders – Gardens, flower beds
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Wolf Spiders – Forest floors, beaches, meadows, suburban lawns
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Fishing Spiders – Along ponds, lakes, rivers and streams
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Cellar Spiders – Ceilings, rafters, sheds, porches
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Sac Spiders – Leaf litter, logs, gardens, around homes
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Black Widows – Undisturbed places like wood/rock piles, tree stumps
Knowing what habitats certain spider species prefer can help you locate and remove their webs or egg sacs.
Tips for Spider Prevention and Control
While most spiders in Washington are harmless, no one wants large numbers invading their home. Here are some tips to prevent and get rid of spiders:
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Seal cracks, crevices, vents, and gaps around windows/doors to block spider entry points.
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Remove piles of debris, rock/wood piles, dense vegetation near your home.
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Install yellow bug lights which are less attractive to insects (and the spiders that prey on them).
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Vacuum and clean regularly to remove webs and egg sacs.
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Use desiccant dusts like diatomaceous earth in wall voids and crawl spaces.
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Employ natural spider repellents like essential oils, vinegar, garlic, citrus peels.
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Install weatherstripping under doors to block ground access.
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Shake out items left in garages or sheds before bringing indoors.
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Consult a pest control professional for severe infestations or venomous species. They can target key areas with insecticides and do full property perimeter treatments.
By understanding where spiders live, sealing up access points, and keeping your property free of debris, you can reduce spider populations around your Washington home. If bites do occur or you need help eliminating black widows or other hazardous species, contact a licensed exterminator for assistance. With vigilance and proper prevention, you can have fewer uninvited arachnids this season.
How to Prevent Spider Bites
- Brush spiders off you, dont crush them. Bites happen when a spider is squished or pressed against your skin.
- Check or shake out clothing and shoes before putting them on, particularly if your clothes have been stored or hung in the garage, shed, or barn.
- Wear protective clothing such as a long-sleeved shirt and long pants, hat, gloves, and shoes when handling stored firewood or boxes. Also when cleaning your sheds, garages, barns, basements, attics, and crawl spaces.
- Use tight-fitting screens on windows and doors. Seal small cracks and openings to your house using caulk or other sealants.
- Vacuum regularly, particularly around door and window frames, behind furniture, and along ceiling and floor edges.
- Clear away clutter, such as old furniture, boxes, or clothes that sit in undisturbed areas of your home or garage.
- Keep spiders from crawling into bed with you. Move beds away from the walls, and remove bedskirts and items stored under the bed.
- Inspect firewood, potted plants, and other objects before bringing them inside your house.
- Keep wood piles, rock piles, shrubbery, and other objects away from the outer walls of your house.
- Use a broom to move spiders and their webs from the foundation, eaves, windows, and door frames to areas away from your house.
If Bitten by a Spider
- Seek medical attention immediately if you suspect a black widow spider bite. Bring the spider with you, if possible. Identification will aid in medical treatment.
- Wash the bite area with soap and water.
- Icing the bite area will reduce swelling and provide pain relief.
- Wrapping a stretchable bandage around the bite site may help reduce swelling further. Loosen the bandage if it feels too tight or causes throbbing.
- Elevate the bite area if possible.
- Do not attempt to remove venom.
- If symptoms dont improve, seek medical attention.
Species Of Spiders In Washington State
FAQ
Are there any poisonous spiders in Washington?
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These spiders are easily recognizable by their shiny black bodies and a red hourglass marking on their underside. While they are venomous, they are not aggressive and typically only bite when they feel threatened.
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Yellow Sac Spider:These spiders are known for their painful bites, which can cause an ulcerative sore, but are not usually fatal.
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Other Spiders:While other spiders exist in Washington, like the hobo spider, giant house spider, and funnel weaver, they are generally not considered to be medically significant.
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It’s important to note that brown recluse spiders are not native to Washington state.
What is the most common spider in Washington state?
Among the most frequently encountered are the giant house spider, funnel weaver, yellow sac spider, and the infamous black widow.
What is the largest spider in the Pacific Northwest?
The biggest spider in the Pacific Northwest is the giant house spider.
What spider looks like a brown recluse in Washington state?
The hobo spider and the elusive brown recluse, both species similar in appearance, often dominate these discussions. However, while the hobo spider thrives in our region, the brown recluse remains elusive in the Pacific Northwest.