Washington's Giant House Spiders

Category

Let’s explore the characteristics and more for Washington's giant house spider

Size

Up to 2 inches in body length, with a leg span of approximately 4-5 inches

Venom and Danger

Possess venom but not considered dangerous to humans; bites are rare and result in minor symptoms similar to a bee sting

Preferred Locations

Dark, undisturbed areas within buildings, such as basements, crawl spaces, garages, and dark corners

Web Construction

Skilled weavers of funnel-shaped webs, primarily used to capture prey

Behavior and Diet

Timid demeanor, retreat to dark corners when threatened; feed on insects and small arthropods

Habitat

Found in the Pacific Northwest, including Washington state; commonly encountered in homes and buildings

Prevention and Control Keep living space clean and tidy, seal openings in walls or baseboards

Arrow

Prevention and Control

Use vacuuming to eliminate spiders and webs; prevent them from re-entering the indoor environment

Uniqueness

Impressive appearance with bright colors and sharp fangs; fascinating and unique spider species commonly found across Washington

While often feared, they play an important role in controlling pest populations, contributing to ecosystem balance

Importance in Ecosystem

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