If you say “spider” most people develop “arachnophobia.” In fact, spiders are important, as predators, in the balance of certain insect populations within an ecosystem.
That ecosystem may be your own home. The house spider, Achaearanea tepidariorum (Koch), finds its fame from the fact they are most often seen in-doors. Statistically, you are more likely to see this spider’s “web-work” than the spider itself.
Appearance
Eight legs, no wings or antennae.
Habit
Some spiders like moisture and are found in basements, crawl spaces and other damp parts of buildings. Others like dry, warm areas such as subfloor air vents, upper corners of rooms and attics. Hide in dark areas.
Diet
Feed on insects.
Reproduction
Produce an egg sac.
Other
Only two species are harmful to humans in the United States. Sanitation is the best control measure.
