About American House Spiders

The American house spider (Parasteatoda tepidariorum) is one of the most common spiders in Boston households and commercial buildings. These spiders are small, with round bodies only about ¼ inch long, and are typically brownish with darker markings. They are known for spinning messy, irregular webs in corners, window frames, basements, and garages.

Risks & Concerns

American house spiders are not aggressive and pose no serious medical threat, though they may bite if threatened. Their webs, however, quickly accumulate in undisturbed areas and can make a space appear unclean. For many people, the presence of spiders indoors is unsettling, even when they are harmless.

Prevention & Control

Regular cleaning, vacuuming corners, and reducing clutter can help discourage web-building. Sealing gaps around windows and doors also reduces entry. While these spiders can provide some natural pest control by catching flies and mosquitoes, most people prefer to minimize their presence indoors.