Common Household Spiders in New Jersey
The term "house spider" applies to several species that are frequently found in homes. These insects are non-lethal to humans, and may actually be helpful because they consume other unwanted household pests. The webs of a house spider webs are typically funnel-shaped and can be found in windows, cabinets, ceiling corners, and beneath or above fixtures. There are a few different species of spider that take up residence in houses of New Jersey.
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Domestic House Spiders
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House spiders classified as "domestic" commonly found in New Jersey include the funnel weaver, the drain spider, and the lesser house spider. These hairy brown spiders live in the narrow end of their funnel-shaped tunnels. Males and females may remain together for weeks, during which time they mate repeatedly. The male dies after mating and is consumed by the larger female.
American House Spiders
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The arachnid known as the American or common house spider is typically brown or gray in color. It will spin various webs throughout the home, abandoning those that don't catch enough prey. Mature American house spiders live for about one year, during which time the female is capable of laying up to 3,000 eggs. Male and female common house spiders may mate numerous times.
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Daddy Long Legs Spider
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The daddy long legs spider is not to be confused with a true daddy long legs, which is a garden insect. Daddy long legs spiders are in the arachnid family Pholcidae. They are also called granddaddy longlegs, cellar spiders or vibrating spiders, and are frequently found in homes throughout the United States.
Venomous Spiders
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New Jersey has a few venomous species of spiders. Though they prefer to live outdoors, they occasionally find their way into houses, barns and garages, especially when the temperature outside drops in autumn. The Northern black widow is one such species, but only the female's bite is dangerous to humans. The yellow sac spider, named because it builds a sac rather than a web to catch prey, delivers a bite that hurts but is not lethal. The brown recluse has been found in New Jersey. The bite from this spider may cause anything from mild skin irritation to an open, necrotic wound.
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References
- Photo Credit spider image by Dmitri MIkitenko from Fotolia.com
