Southern House Spiders in Memphis TN Metro Area
In Memphis TN Metro Area, you can often come across Southern house spiders, also known as crevice spiders. These spiders are sometimes mistaken for brown recluse spiders, although there are distinct differences. Male Southern house spiders have eight closely grouped eyes, while females have a velvety black appearance resembling miniature tarantulas. Despite these characteristics, both genders are commonly misidentified as recluse spiders. Southern house spiders create a cottony web on flat surfaces, utilizing it as a hiding spot within a hole as they patiently await their prey.
Southern House Spider Habitat
The southern house spider has a strong preference for nesting within the masonry of buildings, particularly in dark corners of windowsills, shutters, and overhangs. While females and young spiders occasionally construct specialized webs under tree bark, they are commonly observed on houses, barns, bridges, and other human-made structures. These spiders tend to spin their webs in elevated locations, often in the cracks and crevices of homes, garages, and sheds. Additionally, they may also create their webs outdoors, among plants, cacti, and other vegetation. The webs of southern house spiders have a distinct flat and tangled appearance, resembling a woolly texture.
Southern House Spider Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers
Despite their resemblance to the potentially dangerous recluse spiders, southern house spiders pose no harm to humans. They are generally uninterested in biting and their venom is not of medical concern. However, it can be disconcerting as they have a tendency to crawl across objects in their way. Male southern house spiders may display aggressive behavior at times, but they typically won’t bite unless they are trapped, and their mouthparts are too small to easily pierce human skin.
During winter, these spiders can become a nuisance, particularly in neglected areas of houses, outbuildings, warehouses, and similar structures, as well as in outdoor habitats, leading to an increased population. If you are dealing with southern house spider problems on your Memphis TN Metro Area property, contact your local spider exterminators.
