Giant House Spiders in the Pacific Northwest
Giant house spiders are very common throughout the Pacific Northwest. While they were once thought to be venomous, they are not usually aggressive and have little to no venom toxicity. Giant house spiders are drawn to dark areas, which makes human structures – such as sheds, barns, walls, and fences – the perfect area for these arachnids to live. These spiders also prefer to live outdoors, but they may be carried indoors in boxes, firewood, or other items.
Giant House Spider Habitat
Giant house spiders build messy webs with a funnel-like hole in the middle, which they sit in to wait for prey. Most of these spiders look for dark or damp crevices to build their web in, such as in garages, basements, or firewood piles. Giant house spiders are not active climbers, which means they are usually found near the ground and they get stuck easily. If indoors, they may search for water and end up trapped inside sinks or bathtubs. Giant house spiders also typically avoid humans and hide during the day, so they are most often spotted at night.
Giant House Spider Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers
Though giant house spiders are large in size, they are not aggressive and usually quickly scuttle away if startled. Giant house spiders typically only bite if they feel threatened, and their venom is not dangerous unless an individual has a specific allergy. While giant house spiders are not dangerous, they can be frightening and may leave behind messes of webs. If you suspect there is an infestation on or around your property, it is a good idea to contact a professional spider exterminator for help.
