If you live in the Kansas City area, chances are you’ve come across a spider or two in your home. While most spiders are harmless and even beneficial for keeping other pests in check, it’s still unsettling to find one lurking in a corner or scurrying across the floor. Understanding the types of Kansas City spiders that are common in the area can help you feel more at ease and know when it’s time to call in pest control. From the infamous brown recluse to the harmless house spider, this guide will help you identify the most common spiders in Kansas City homes and how to prevent them from becoming unwanted house guests.
Here Are Some Kansas City Spiders You Might find in your home
Kansas City is home to a diverse range of spiders, including the Common House Spider, Cellar Spider (Daddy Long-Legs), Jumping Spiders, Wolf Spiders, Brown Recluse Spiders and Black Widows. While some of these spiders may be harmless, others can be dangerous and should be avoided. In this article, we’ll provide you with information about the spider species found in the Kansas City area, including their identifying features, favorite hiding spots and whether or not they’re a threat.
Below are a few of the creepiest crawlers that love to Haunt Your House once fall hits. We’ll help you identify spiders native to Kansas City that you may find and that we’re happy to help treat!
Common House Spider
Commonly found in homes across Kansas City, house spiders are small, harmless arachnids that spin webs in corners, windows, and other quiet areas. They are usually brownish-yellow and are not considered dangerous. These are normally the spiders we receive calls about.
Identifying Features
- House spiders are small, with adult females typically measuring around 5-8 mm (0.2-0.3 inches) in body length, and males slightly smaller at 4-6 mm (0.16-0.24 inches).
- They are usually yellowish-brown with a dirty white or cream-colored abdomen. The abdomen often has darker chevron markings, but their coloration can vary depending on their environment.
- House spiders have an oval-shaped body with a relatively small cephalothorax (the front part of the body where the legs attach) and a larger, rounded abdomen.
- Their legs are relatively long and thin compared to their body. The legs often have faint dark bands, but the coloration may differ slightly.
Favorite Hiding Spots
Common house spiders tend to seek out quiet, undisturbed areas within homes where they can build their webs and wait for prey. These spiders are often found in the corners of ceilings, behind furniture, and around windows or doorframes, where other insects might enter the home. They also favor basements, attics, and garages, as these spaces tend to have less human activity and offer plenty of hidden nooks. House spiders may hide under furniture, in closets, or even inside storage boxes, where they can stay unnoticed. Dark, damp areas like bathrooms or laundry rooms can also attract them, as these environments often harbor other insects that house spiders feed on.
Are They a Threat?
No, common house spiders are not a threat to humans. They are generally harmless and are not aggressive, often preferring to avoid contact with people. While they do have fangs and can technically bite, bites from common house spiders are rare and usually only occur if they feel directly threatened. Even in those cases, their bites are mild and comparable to a bee sting, causing little more than slight redness or irritation for most people.
In fact, house spiders can be beneficial to have around, as they help control other pests by trapping and feeding on insects like flies, mosquitoes, and moths. While some people find their webs unsightly, house spiders pose no real danger and contribute to keeping your home free from other unwanted pests.
Cellar Spiders (or Daddy-Long-Legs)
Cellar spiders seem to fare better in areas with higher relative humidity. These spiders build loose, irregular, tangled webs in corners, and hang upside down on the underside of them. The webs are not cleaned but rather new webs are continually added. This habit can result in extensive webbing in a relatively short time. When disturbed on its web, the cellar spider has the habit of rapidly shaking its body in a rotary movement to confuse and entangle the prey.
Identifying Features
- Color = pale yellow to light brown in color
- Equipped with long, skinny legs and a small body
Favorite Hiding Spots
Long-bodied cellar spiders and their webs are usually found in dark and damp places, such as cellars, basements, and crawl spaces. They can also be found in the corners of garages, sheds, barns, and warehouses, on eaves, windows, and ceilings, and in closets, sink cabinets, and bath traps.
Are They a Threat?
No, cellar spiders are not a threat to humans. While there’s a common myth that they have the most potent venom of any spider but can’t bite humans due to their small fangs, this is actually false. Cellar spiders are not dangerous to people.
Their venom is not harmful to humans, and their fangs are indeed small, but even if they were able to bite, their venom would not cause significant harm. In fact, cellar spiders are considered beneficial in homes because they feed on other insects and spiders, including potentially harmful ones like mosquitoes or even more dangerous spiders like the brown recluse.
Jumping Spiders
Jumping spiders are one of the most fascinating spiders you might encounter around your home in Kansas City. Known for their quick, agile movements and curious behavior, these spiders are often spotted near windows, doors, or outdoor areas as they hunt for small insects. While their sudden jumps might startle you, jumping spiders are actually harmless to humans and can even be helpful by keeping other pests in check.
Identifying Features
- Jumping spiders are small, usually ranging between 4-10 mm (0.16-0.39 inches) in length. Their compact bodies make them easy to spot on surfaces like windowsills or walls.
- They have a stout, stocky body with relatively short legs compared to other spiders. This gives them a robust, almost “fuzzy” appearance.
- One of the most distinctive features of jumping spiders is their eye arrangement. They have four large, forward-facing eyes, with the middle two being particularly large, giving them excellent vision. These eyes are often described as “cute” and give them a curious, expressive look. They also have four smaller eyes located on the sides and top of their head, providing them with nearly 360-degree vision.
- Jumping spiders come in a variety of colors, often black, brown, or grey, with some species having iridescent scales or bright-colored markings. Many have distinctive patterns, such as stripes or spots, that help with identification.
- Though relatively short compared to other spiders, jumping spiders’ legs are muscular and designed for quick, powerful jumps. You’ll often see them move in short bursts or sudden leaps from surface to surface.
Favorite Hiding Spots
Jumping spiders prefer to stay in well-lit, open areas rather than dark, hidden corners like many other spiders. Their favorite hiding spots in homes are typically near windows, doorframes, or on walls where they can hunt small insects attracted to the light. You might also find them on windowsills, curtains, or indoor plants where they can bask in the sunlight and observe their surroundings.
Unlike web-building spiders, jumping spiders don’t construct webs to catch prey, so they tend to hide in locations that offer a good vantage point for hunting. Occasionally, they can be found around cluttered surfaces like bookshelves or countertops, where they can easily dart out to capture prey. While they may seem bold due to their curious nature and visibility, they generally prefer undisturbed areas where they won’t be frequently handled or disturbed.
Are They a Threat?
They may spook you with their sudden jumps, but they are completely harmless and do not pose any danger to humans or pets. While jumping spiders do have fangs and can bite if they feel threatened, their bites are rare and typically result in mild symptoms like a small red bump or slight irritation. Their venom is not dangerous to humans and is primarily used to subdue their insect prey.
Jumping spiders are actually considered beneficial in homes because they help control pest populations by feeding on small insects like flies, mosquitoes, and ants.
Wolf Spiders
Wolf spiders are a common sight in Kansas City homes and yards, known for their large size and fast, ground-hunting behavior. While their appearance can be intimidating, these spiders are generally harmless to humans and prefer to stay hidden. Unlike many other spiders, wolf spiders don’t spin webs to catch prey—they are active hunters that rely on their speed to capture insects. If you’ve spotted one of these large spiders in or around your home, there’s no need to panic. Our pest control professionals are also ready to assist with effective, humane spider management if you prefer to keep your home spider-free.
Identifying Features
- Wolf spiders are relatively large compared to other common spiders, with adults typically ranging from 10 to 35 mm (0.4 to 1.4 inches) in body length. Their size, combined with their fast movements, makes them noticeable when they are out in the open.
- They are usually brown, gray, or tan with darker, mottled markings on their bodies, helping them blend into their surroundings. Many wolf spiders have two dark stripes running lengthwise down their back, though these markings can vary by species.
- Wolf spiders have a robust, hairy body and long, thick legs, giving them a rugged appearance. Unlike other spiders, they have a solid, ground-dwelling build rather than a spindly, delicate frame.
- One of their most distinguishing features is their eye arrangement. Wolf spiders have eight eyes in three rows: four small eyes on the bottom row, two large prominent eyes in the middle, and two medium-sized eyes on top. This eye configuration, particularly the large middle eyes, gives them excellent night vision and a reflective glow when light is shined on them in the dark.
Favorite Hiding Spots
Wolf spiders prefer to stay close to the ground and typically seek out hiding spots that provide both cover and easy access to their hunting grounds. Inside homes, they often hide in basements, garages, and crawl spaces, where they can find dark, undisturbed areas to rest during the day. They also favor cluttered spaces, such as piles of boxes, firewood, or clothing, which offer plenty of places to conceal themselves.
Outdoors, wolf spiders might hide under rocks, logs, and leaf piles, but they can wander indoors in search of prey or shelter, especially during cooler months. They do not build webs, so they rely on these hiding spots for protection and as a base for their nocturnal hunting activities. Because they are fast-moving ground hunters, wolf spiders tend to stay close to walls, baseboards, or under furniture, making these areas common hiding places in homes.
Are They a Threat?
No, wolf spiders are not a threat to humans. While they may look intimidating due to their size and fast movements, they are generally non-aggressive and prefer to avoid human interaction. Wolf spiders can bite if they feel threatened or cornered, but their bites are rare and usually only cause mild symptoms like redness, swelling, or itching. In most cases, their venom is not harmful to humans and poses no serious health risk.
Wolf spiders are another arachnid that can be beneficial to have around as they help control insect populations by hunting pests like flies, beetles, and other small insects. However, their presence indoors can be unsettling for some homeowners. If you’d prefer to keep your home spider-free, professional pest control can help manage wolf spiders and other unwanted pests.
The Brown Recluse Spider
The brown recluse spider is one of the most well-known and feared spiders in the Kansas City area, and for good reason. Known for its venomous bite, this spider can pose a serious health risk if disturbed. Identifying and understanding the habits of the brown recluse is essential for ensuring your safety and knowing when to take action. Brown Recluse spiders in Kansas City are spotted mostly in older homes and businesses. These spiders are rarely found outside their range in the south-central and central Midwestern States.
Identifying Features
- Brown recluse spiders are medium-sized, typically measuring about 6-20 mm (0.25-0.75 inches) in body length, though their legs make them appear larger.
- They are usually light to dark brown with a uniform color on the legs and body, though some may appear slightly yellowish.
- One of the most notable characteristics is the dark, violin-shaped marking on their back. The “neck” of the violin points toward the rear of the spider, with the “body” of the violin located near the head. This marking is often what sets them apart from other similar-looking spiders.
- Unlike most spiders, which have eight eyes, the brown recluse has six eyes arranged in pairs. These are positioned in a semi-circle on the front of the head.
- The brown recluse has a relatively flat, oval-shaped body with long, slender legs that are uniform in color without spines, though they may have fine hairs.
Favorite Hiding Spots
Brown recluse spiders tend to seek out dark, undisturbed areas in homes where they can remain hidden and build their webs. They are most commonly found in basements, attics, and closets, as these spaces provide the quiet, secluded environment they prefer. Brown recluses often hide inside boxes, under furniture, behind baseboards, or in piles of clothing or shoes that are left untouched for long periods. They can also be found in corners, crevices, or even within walls. In warmer months, they may venture into garages or sheds. Their reclusive nature means they are rarely out in the open, making it important to be cautious when handling items that have been stored in these spaces for a while.
Are They a Threat?
Yes, brown recluse spiders can be a threat due to their venomous bite, but they are not aggressive and generally only bite when they feel threatened or trapped, such as when they are accidentally pressed against the skin. While many bites result in mild symptoms like redness and itching, the venom of a brown recluse can occasionally cause more severe reactions. In some cases, their bites may lead to necrotic skin lesions, which can result in tissue damage and require medical treatment.
It’s important to note that severe reactions are rare, and most bites heal without significant complications. However, if you suspect you’ve been bitten by a brown recluse, it’s always best to seek medical attention, especially if the bite area becomes painful or shows signs of infection. The key to preventing bites is being cautious in areas where these spiders are likely to hide, such as basements, closets, and storage spaces.
The Black Widow Spider
Black widow spiders are one of the most well-known and potentially dangerous spiders in Kansas City. Recognizable by their shiny black bodies and the signature red hourglass marking on their abdomen, black widows are venomous and can pose a serious threat if they bite. While they tend to stay hidden in dark, undisturbed areas like basements, garages, and sheds, it’s important to be cautious around these spaces. If you suspect black widows are present in your home or yard, our pest control experts can provide safe, effective solutions to keep your living spaces spider-free.
Identifying Features
- Adult female black widow spiders are glossy, jet-black in color, which makes them stand out from other spiders. Males are typically smaller and lighter in color, often brown or gray, and are less likely to be seen.
- The most iconic feature of the black widow is the bright red, hourglass-shaped marking on the underside of the female’s abdomen. This marking is a key characteristic and signals that the spider is potentially dangerous. Males and juvenile black widows may have less distinct markings, such as red or white spots on their abdomens.
- Adult female black widows are about 1.5 inches long, including the legs, with a round, bulbous abdomen. Males are much smaller, typically about half the size of females, and less often encountered by humans.
Favorite Hiding Spots
Black widow spiders prefer dark, secluded areas where they can build their irregular webs and remain undisturbed. In homes, they are commonly found in basements, garages, and crawl spaces, where there is minimal human activity. They often hide in corners, behind stored items, or underneath furniture, especially if the area is cluttered.
Outdoors, black widows like to hide in sheds, woodpiles, and under decks, but they may venture indoors during cooler months in search of warmth. They can also be found in low-traffic areas like under sinks, in utility rooms, or even in window wells. These spiders favor spaces that provide shelter from light and frequent disturbances, making them difficult to spot until their webs become noticeable.
Are They a Threat?
Yes, black widow spiders can be a threat to humans due to their venomous bite. The venom of a black widow is potent and can cause a variety of symptoms, including muscle pain, cramping, nausea, and in rare cases, more severe reactions like difficulty breathing or increased blood pressure. However, while their bite is dangerous, it is rarely fatal, especially with prompt medical attention.
Black widows are not aggressive and tend to bite only when they feel threatened or trapped, such as if someone accidentally disturbs their web. Most bites occur when a person unknowingly reaches into dark areas like garages, basements, or woodpiles. It’s important to exercise caution in areas where black widows may be present, especially in homes or outdoor storage spaces. If you suspect black widow activity in or around your home, contacting a pest control professional can help ensure your family’s safety and peace of mind.
Common Spiders Found In Kansas City FAQs
Are There Poisonous Spiders In Kansas City?
There are two species of poisonous spiders in Kansas City, the brown recluse and the black widow. Their bites are extremely rare, but here's what to look out for.
What Is The Most Common Spider In Kansas?
This aptly-named insect is the most common type of spider to be found in Kansas homes. They have a brownish-yellow color, with dark lines angled on their legs and bodies. At full adult size, house spiders can grow to be about 5/16th of an inch in length.
What Are Common House Spiders In Missouri?
Common house spiders (Parasteatoda tepidariorum), cellar spiders (Pholcus spp.), crab spiders (Xysticus spp.), and yellow garden spiders (Argiope aurantia) are frequently seen in gardens or residential areas.
How Common Are Brown Recluse Spiders In Kansas City?
Are brown recluse spiders found in Kansas City? Yes. Brown Recluse spiders in Kansas City are spotted mostly in older homes and business. These spiders are rarely found outside of its range in the south-central and central Midwestern States.
Are There Any Dangerous Spiders In Missouri?
There are two medically significant spider species native to Missouri, the black widow and the brown recluse. If bitten by one of these spiders seek medical help immediately. It is not worth waiting to see if you have any reaction to the bite.
**If you have an infestation in your home, call us (816) 444-2847to inspect and treat your spider problem.**
Be sure to schedule your residential pest control service.
