Types of Spiders Commonly Found in California

California is home to a variety of spider species, some of which are frequently encountered in and around homes and businesses in Temple City, Pasadena, Arcadia, and San Gabriel. Understanding these common types is the first step in effective spider control.

• Black Widow Spider: Easily recognized by its shiny black body and distinctive red hourglass marking on the underside of the abdomen. Female black widows are more dangerous and their venom is potent, though bites are rare and usually occur when the spider feels threatened. They prefer dark, undisturbed areas like garages, sheds, and woodpiles.
• Brown Widow Spider: A relative of the black widow, the brown widow is typically lighter in color, ranging from tan to dark brown, with an orange or yellow-orange hourglass marking. They are less aggressive than black widows, but their bites can still cause discomfort. Brown widows are often found in outdoor areas like under eaves.
• Wolf Spider: These robust, agile hunters do not spin webs to catch prey but instead actively stalk insects. They are often mistaken for tarantulas due to their hairy appearance and can be found throughout California. Wolf spiders are generally harmless to humans, though they may bite if handled.
• Orb Weaver Spider: Known for their intricate, circular webs often seen in gardens, fields, and near outdoor lights. Many orb weavers are brightly colored and play a crucial role in controlling insect populations. They are non-aggressive towards humans.
• Cellar Spider (Daddy Longlegs): Characterized by their small bodies and very long, thin legs. They are commonly found in damp, dark environments like basements, cellars, and corners of rooms. They often carry their egg sacs in their webs or mouths.
• Jumping Spider: Small, active spiders with excellent vision and impressive jumping abilities. They are active hunters and do not build webs for prey capture. Many have vibrant colors and are generally non-threatening to humans.
• Yellow Sac Spider: Pale yellow and small, these spiders are common both indoors and outdoors. They construct silken sacs where they hide during the day. Their bites can cause minor irritation.
• Brown Recluse Spider: While more common in the central and southern United States, occasional sightings occur in California, often due to accidental transportation. They are identifiable by a violin-shaped marking on their back and prefer warm, dry, undisturbed locations. Their bites can lead to skin damage in rare cases.
• False Black Widow Spider: Often mistaken for true black widows due to their dark brown color and globe-shaped abdomen, but they lack the red hourglass. They are common in North America and frequently found in sheds, garages, and basements.
• Tarantulas: Large, hairy spiders found in certain regions of California, particularly in dry, desert-like areas. While intimidating in appearance, they are generally not aggressive and their bite is not considered dangerous to humans unless an allergic reaction occurs.