Spiders come in all shapes and sizes, but the ones that tend to catch our eye the most are the big, hairy spiders that lurk in our homes and businesses. Their fuzzy appearance can be alarming, but not all of them are as dangerous as they might look. Some are common in and around homes, especially in Southern California, where the warm climate is ideal for a variety of spider species. Let’s jump in to explore the top 5 different types of furry arachnids you might encounter, what to look out for, and how to keep your home spider-free with Preventive Pest Control of Southern California.
5 Types of Big, Hairy Spiders You Might Encounter in Southern California
Spiders come in various shapes, sizes, and textures, but hairy spiders tend to stand out due to their distinct appearance. From big, intimidating ones to smaller, fuzzier types, understanding the common species can help you manage them more effectively. Many of these spiders play a beneficial role by controlling insect populations, but their presence can be unsettling. Let’s take a closer look at 5 types of hairy spiders you might encounter in Southern California and how to identify them.
1. Hairy Wolf Spider
One of the most common types of hairy spiders you’ll come across is the wolf spider. These brown, hairy spiders are typically found outdoors but sometimes make their way inside homes in search of food or shelter. Wolf spiders can vary in size, but they’re known for their large, hairy legs and robust bodies. Unlike other spiders, wolf spiders don’t spin webs to catch prey—they hunt their food on foot. While their bite can be painful, they aren’t considered dangerous to humans unless someone has an allergic reaction to their venom.
If you spot a hairy wolf spider or other fuzzy brown spiders lurking around your home, it’s a good idea to take action to prevent an infestation. Wolf spiders are solitary creatures, but having one in your home could be a sign that others are nearby.
2. Tarantulas
The tarantula probably comes to mind when you think of a big, hairy spider. Tarantulas are the iconic large, hairy spider species and are widely recognized for their size and distinctive hair bodies. Southern California is home to a variety of tarantulas, and although they might look intimidating, they are generally docile creatures that prefer to avoid humans. These spiders tend to stay close to the ground, hiding under rocks or burrowing in the earth. Despite their fearsome reputation, tarantula bites are not deadly but can be painful and cause irritation.
If you encounter a big, hairy brown spider resembling a tarantula, it likely poses little danger. However, if tarantulas are becoming frequent visitors to your yard, it might be time to consider preventive measures to keep them at bay.
3. The Trapdoor Spider
Another spider you might come across in Southern California is a black, hairy spider called the trapdoor spider. These nocturnal pests spend most of their time hidden underground, emerging at night to hunt. The trapdoor spider gets its name from the silk-covered trapdoor it creates to ambush its prey. While they might look like tarantulas, they’re much smaller in size.
Trapdoor spiders are shy creatures and typically won’t enter homes unless their habitat is disturbed. Despite their unthreatening nature, their hairy legs and stout bodies can give them an intimidating appearance.
4. Orb Weavers
You might also encounter fat, brown, hairy spiders, which are often orb-weaving spiders. These spiders are usually found outdoors, where they spin large, intricate webs in gardens and near homes. Their round, plump bodies make them look fat compared to other spiders. Orb weavers come in various colors, but some of the most common ones in Southern California are furry brown, hairy-legged spiders.
Despite their appearance, orb weavers are generally harmless to humans. Their bites are rare and only occur if they’re provoked, such as when someone accidentally brushes against their web. However, their presence around homes and businesses can be bothersome, especially when their webs become a nuisance.
5. The Huntsman Spider
A rare sight, but still worth mentioning, is the huntsman spider, a gray-hairy spider. These long-legged, hairy spiders are among the largest in the world. They’re called huntsmen because of their ability to move quickly and hunt prey on foot rather than relying on webs. While they’re more commonly found in tropical regions, there have been sightings of these big fuzzy brown spiders in Southern California.
If you spot a large gray, hairy spider in or around your property, don’t panic. Huntsman spiders are typically non-aggressive toward humans and only bite in self-defense. Still, their size and speed can be unsettling. Contact a professional pest control company right away to rid your property of these unwanted visitors.
4 Tips to Prevent Spiders from Entering Your Home
If you want to keep spiders out of your house, here are 4 few steps you can take to prevent them from setting up residence in your home:
- Seal Cracks and Gaps: Spiders often enter homes through small cracks in walls, windows, and doors. Sealing these gaps will reduce the chance of a spider sneaking inside.
- Reduce Outdoor Lighting: Outdoor lighting attracts insects, which in turn attract spiders. Reduced outdoor lighting or switching to insect-repelling bulbs can help.
- Declutter Your Home: Spiders like to hide in dark, cluttered areas. Keeping your home tidy will limit the number of hiding spots for spiders to take refuge in.
- Regular Pest Control Services: One of the most effective ways to keep spiders and other pests out of your home is to invest in regular pest control services. Professional pest control can help eliminate spider populations around your home, reducing the likelihood of them finding their way indoors.
If you’re dealing with big, hairy spiders or any other unwanted pests in your home, Preventive Pest Control in Orange County and the Inland Empire is here to help. Our experts are trained to handle even the most stubborn infestations, ensuring your home remains safe and spider-free.
Get Rid of Hairy Spiders For Good
Getting rid of hairy spiders in your home or yard doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you’re dealing with a small hairy spider or a large brown fuzzy spider, the best way to keep them away is through consistent, professional pest control measures. Here’s how you can effectively manage hairy spider populations:
- Keep Outdoor Areas Clear: Spiders, like the hairy wolf spider, love to hide in debris, woodpiles, and dense vegetation. Keeping your yard clear of these areas will reduce their sheltering spots.
- Eliminate Food Sources: Spiders feed on insects, so reducing the number of bugs around your home can help prevent spiders from moving in. Using insect repellents and maintaining cleanliness can help control populations.
- Use Natural Spider Repellents: Some natural repellents, such as peppermint oil, are known to repel spiders. Spraying these around your home’s perimeter can help deter spiders from entering.
When spiders are more than just an occasional sighting, it’s time to seek professional help. Preventive Pest Control in Southern California offers comprehensive, personalized pest control solutions designed to eliminate spiders and other pests from your home.
Professional Spider Control in Southern California
Spotting a big, hairy spider in your home can be alarming, but you can minimize your encounters with proper prevention and control measures. Whether you’re dealing with a fuzzy brown spider or a hairy legged spider, addressing the issue early will help you maintain a safe, spider-free environment.
Preventive Pest Control offers expert spider control services to free your home or business from unwanted pests. Don’t let spiders take over your space—get started today to schedule a professional inspection and take the first step toward a spider-free home.