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Washington’s Giant House Spiders

Giant House Spider
This is a male Giant House Spider Tegenaria gigantea now called Eratigena atrica. It is typical to see the male as the female remains hidden and the male is usually only seen when in search of the female.

Have you ever had a close encounter with an overly large spider? If yes, then you’re likely familiar with the giant house spiders of Washington. This arachnid species is one of the most common in homes across Washington and can grow quite large – up to three inches in size! 

Seeing these spiders alone can give anyone chills, let alone an actual sighting or, even worse, feeling their legs on your skin. However, they aren’t scary as many think them to be; understanding more about them can help us appreciate how important they are for our ecosystems. 

In this article, we’ll unearth the reality behind these undeniably creepy-looking insects and learn why it’s better not to fear but understand and respect our eight-legged neighbors!

Giant House Spider
Detail of giant house spider eratigena artica on stones

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Introducing Washington’s Giant House Spider – A Species of Arachnid Found in the Pacific Northwest

Giant House Spider
Giant House Spider

The Pacific Northwest is home to various fauna. Still, few strikes fears into people’s hearts like the Washington Giant House Spider. This arachnid, which can reach sizes approaching three inches in diameter, has a reputation for being an unwelcome guest in homes and other buildings throughout the region. 

Despite its intimidating size, the Washington Giant House Spider is generally harmless to humans, preferring to feed on smaller insects such as moths and flies

While some people may still find the spider’s presence unnerving, it’s important to remember that these fascinating creatures play an important role in controlling pest populations in the area.

What Do Giant House Spiders Look Like, and Where Are They Found

Giant House Spider
Side view of a Giant House Spider (Eratigena atrica), featuring its long hairy legs, isolated against a white background

Giant house spiders are fascinating creatures that can grow up to 12 cm long! With their long, spindly legs and distinctive markings, they are often considered one of the most alarming spiders to find in your home. 

But fear not, as they are usually harmless and helpful in keeping other pesky insects at bay. These spiders can be found across the United Kingdom, Europe, and North America, primarily in dark, damp places such as basements and crawl spaces, as well as sheds and garages. 

If you come across one of these creatures, take a moment to admire their unique physical features before gently removing them to a more appropriate outdoor location.

Check out: Washington’s Western Rattlesnake.

How Big Can These Spiders Grow, and Are They Dangerous?

Spiders have fascinated people for a long time with their intricate webs and long slender legs. However, one question always arises how big these eight-legged arachnids can grow? 

Depending on the species, some spiders can grow up to a foot long, including their legs! That’s bigger than most people think. But the real question on everyone’s mind is whether or not these giant spiders are dangerous. While many spiders have venom, most aren’t harmful to humans. 

However, it’s always important to be cautious and avoid contact with unfamiliar spiders, especially if they’re huge.

Common Behaviors of Giant House Spiders

Giant House Spider
Giant house spider (Eratigena atrica) on a tiled kitchen floor in a UK house

Giant house spiders, or Eratigena Atrica, are familiar creatures in homes. These arachnids are called giant house spiders for a good reason – they can grow up to 120mm in size, including their leg span. 

Despite their intimidating size, giant house spiders are not known to be aggressive toward humans and often retreat to dark corners when they feel threatened. 

However, their presence alone can be enough to give anyone with arachnophobia the chills. Giant house spiders are nocturnal hunters and typically feed on insects, such as flies and moths. 

Additionally, their mating behavior is fascinating, where males often perform elaborate dances to attract female partners. If you ever encounter a giant house spider, don’t be too scared – they help keep your home free of other creepy crawlies.

Check out: The Bloodhound.

Ways to Prevent Giant House Spiders From Entering Your Home

There’s nothing quite as jarring as coming face-to-face with a giant house spider in your own home. These arachnids can be around 4 to 5 inches in size and are known for frightening people. 

Luckily, there are ways to prevent them from entering your house in the first place. First and foremost, keeping your living space clean and free of clutter is essential. Spiders love to hide in piles of clothes or boxes, so keeping these areas tidy can go a long way. 

Seal any cracks or gaps in doors or windows to prevent spiders from sneaking that way, and make sure to keep your outdoor lighting to a minimum as it attracts insects that spiders feed on. 

By following these tips, you can enjoy a spider-free home environment.

Necessary Steps If You Have an Infestation of Giant House Spiders

Giant House Spider

No one likes to share their living space with pests, especially when those pests are giant house spiders! These eight-legged creatures can make anyone’s skin crawl but don’t panic. There are some necessary steps that you can take to evict these unwanted guests from your home. 

First things first, assess the extent of the infestation. You’ll want to inspect your living space to locate all the spiders carefully. Once you’ve found them, it’s time to eliminate them. Vacuuming is a great way to eliminate spiders and webs they may have spun. Just dispose of the vacuum bag or empty the canister outside your home. 

Fixing openings in your walls or baseboards is another must-do to prevent spiders from returning inside. And last but not least, keep your living space clean and tidy, as it will deter spiders from returning. With these necessary steps, you can bid farewell to your giant house spider infestation.

Check out: Washington’s Unseen Danger: The Ticks and Lyme Disease.

Frequently Asked Questions 

How big do Giant House Spiders in Washington State typically grow?

Giant House Spiders (Eratigena Atrica), found in the Pacific Northwest, including Washington state, can grow up to 2 inches in body length, with a leg span of approximately 4-5 inches. They are one of the larger spider species commonly encountered in homes and buildings in the region.

Are Giant House Spiders venomous or dangerous to humans?

Giant House Spiders indeed carry venom and may resort to biting if provoked or cornered; however, they pose no significant danger to humans. Their venom primarily serves the purpose of immobilizing their prey, which predominantly includes insects and other tiny arthropods.
Instances of bites from Giant House Spiders are infrequent, and when they do occur, they typically yield minor symptoms akin to a bee sting. This might involve localized pain, redness, and some swelling. In such cases, it’s recommended to clean the affected area with soap and water and keep an eye out for any allergic reactions or more severe symptoms.

Where do Giant House Spiders typically build their webs and nests?

Giant House Spiders prefer to establish their webs and nests in quiet, undisturbed areas within buildings, such as basements, crawl spaces, garages, and dark corners. They are often found near windows, doorways, or other openings where insects are likely to enter. 
These spiders are skilled weavers and construct funnel-shaped webs, which they use to capture their prey. Their presence indoors is primarily driven by the abundance of insects attracted to artificial lighting and warm environments.

Key Points

The Pacific Northwest is home to various fauna, but few strike fears into people’s hearts like the Washington Giant House Spider. 
The Reality of Washington’s Giant House Spiders help you understand more about them and can help us appreciate how important they are for our ecosystems. 
Giant house spiders are fascinating creatures that can grow up to 12 cm long! With their long, spindly legs and distinctive markings, they are often considered one of the most alarming spiders to find in your home. 
Depending on the species, some spiders can grow up to a foot long, including their legs! That’s bigger than most people think.
Giant House Spiders prefer to establish their webs and nests in quiet, undisturbed areas within buildings, such as basements, crawl spaces, garages, and dark corners. 

The Final Take

YouTube video

To conclude, Washington’s Giant House Spiders are fascinating arachnids that live throughout the Pacific Northwest. 

Homeowners should take the necessary steps to prevent them from entering their homes. If an infestation occurs, they can control them. These eight-legged spiders have an intimidating appearance with bright colors and sharp fangs. Yet they rarely pose a direct threat to humans due to their timid demeanor. It is incredible how these creatures can grow up to five inches long and blend effectively with their environment. 

With its cryptic nature and ability to survive in its surrounding environments, it’s no wonder Giant House Spiders are some of the most widespread spiders across Washington. Although much more research is needed on these creatures, we can now appreciate them as one of the state’s most unique spider species!

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Kennedy

Saturday 5th of August 2023

I’m living in my childhood home in Washington and I’ve finally made peace with these spiders. In fact they’ve gotten so big I think of them as small, quiet animals. We don’t spray, we co exist.