10 Biggest and Most Common Spiders in Texas

When it comes to spiders, Texas is home to some of the largest and most common species in the U.S. Whether you’re a resident concerned about spotting them in your home or just curious about the local wildlife, knowing what to expect can be helpful. In this blog post, we’ll break down the 10 biggest and most common spiders in Texas, covering their appearance, behavior, and tips for identifying and dealing with them. Let’s start with number 10 and work our way to the top!

10. Trap Door Spider

The Trap Door Spider is a medium-sized spider that blends well into its environment due to its dark brown color and stocky appearance. These spiders are famous for their underground burrows, which they cleverly hide with a “trap door” to catch prey.

• Size: Typically up to 1.5 inches
• Habitat: Dry, sandy areas with underground burrows
• Diet: Insects and small invertebrates
• Behavior: Ambush hunters, remain hidden most of the time

Do Trap Door Spiders Pose a Threat to Humans?

Trap Door Spiders are not aggressive and are unlikely to bite unless provoked. Their venom is mild, and they do not pose any significant danger to humans.

9. Carolina Wolf Spider

The Carolina Wolf Spider is one of the largest wolf spiders in Texas, recognized for its remarkable speed and hunting skills. It relies on its excellent vision and agility to capture prey, making it a fierce predator in the spider world.

• Size: Up to 4 inches in leg span
• Habitat: Open fields, forests, occasionally near homes
• Diet: Insects and other small creatures
• Behavior: Active ground hunters, no web use

Are Carolina Wolf Spiders Harmful to People?

Despite their intimidating size, Carolina Wolf Spiders are generally harmless to humans. They rarely bite, and their venom does not pose a threat unless a person has an allergy.

8. Giant Crab Spider

The Giant Crab Spider gets its name from the crab-like way it moves, using its legs to scurry sideways. This spider is large and broad, with a body that can grow up to 2 inches in length, and a leg span reaching 5 inches. Its color varies from light brown to tan, helping it blend into its environment.

• Size: Body up to 2 inches, leg span up to 5 inches
• Habitat: Commonly found in homes, under rocks, and in dry environments
• Diet: Insects and small prey
• Behavior: Quick and agile, prefers dark, hidden areas

Are Giant Crab Spiders Dangerous to Humans?

While the Giant Crab Spider can appear intimidating due to its size, it is not dangerous to humans. Its bite is not harmful unless someone has an allergic reaction, and it typically avoids human contact.

7. Jumping Spider

Jumping Spiders are small, but they stand out due to their curious behavior and incredible jumping ability. These spiders are typically only 0.5 inches in size but have excellent vision and are often seen pouncing on their prey rather than using webs to catch them.

• Size: Up to 0.5 inches
• Habitat: Found in gardens, forests, and around homes
• Diet: Small insects and other spiders
• Behavior: Active hunters, known for jumping great distances

Can Jumping Spiders Harm Humans?

Jumping Spiders are not dangerous to humans. Their bites are rare and not harmful, and they are known for their curious but non-aggressive nature. They typically prefer to observe rather than attack.

6. Wolf Spider

Wolf Spiders are often feared due to their large size and fast movements. These spiders can grow up to 2 inches in length and are usually gray or brown with distinctive markings. Unlike most spiders, Wolf Spiders carry their eggs in a sac attached to their abdomen.

• Size: Up to 2 inches
• Habitat: Common in grassy areas, forests, and occasionally inside homes
• Diet: Insects and small prey
• Behavior: Fast-moving, hunts prey on the ground

Are Wolf Spiders Dangerous to People?

Wolf Spiders may look intimidating, but they are not a significant threat to humans. They rarely bite, and even when they do, the venom is not harmful unless someone has an allergic reaction. They are more likely to run away than to attack.

5. American House Spider

The American House Spider is one of the most common spiders you’ll find indoors. These small spiders are known for creating messy webs in corners, attics, or basements. They are typically light brown with a rounded abdomen and can grow up to 0.2 to 0.4 inches in length.

• Size: 0.2 to 0.4 inches
• Habitat: Commonly found in homes, attics, basements, and garages
• Diet: Flies, mosquitoes, and other small insects
• Behavior: Web-builders, prefer dark and secluded areas

Are American House Spiders Dangerous to Humans?

American House Spiders are not dangerous to humans. They are shy and avoid human contact, and their bite is not harmful, making them more of a nuisance than a threat.

4. Huntsman Spider

The Huntsman Spider is large and fast, with a leg span that can reach up to 5 inches. They are commonly mistaken for tarantulas due to their size but have longer, thinner legs. These spiders are often found in homes but are non-web builders, relying on their speed to catch prey.

• Size: Up to 5 inches in leg span
• Habitat: Often found inside homes, under rocks, and in wood piles
• Diet: Insects, small lizards, and even other spiders
• Behavior: Active hunters, fast-moving, non-web builders

Can Huntsman Spiders Harm Humans?

Despite their large size and speed, Huntsman Spiders are not dangerous to humans. They are not aggressive and will only bite if cornered or provoked. Their bites are mild and pose no serious threat to humans.

3. Black Widow Spider

Black Widow Spiders are known for their glossy black bodies and red hourglass markings. These spiders are small but have a potent venom. Females, which are typically larger than males, can grow up to 1.5 inches including their leg span.

• Size: Up to 1.5 inches in leg span
• Habitat: Dark, undisturbed areas such as woodpiles, garages, or basements
• Diet: Small insects and other arthropods
• Behavior: Web-builders, prefer secluded places

Are Black Widow Spiders Dangerous to Humans?

Yes, Black Widow Spiders can be dangerous. Their venom is potent, and a bite can cause serious symptoms such as muscle pain and cramping. However, bites are rare, and fatalities are extremely uncommon. Immediate medical attention is recommended if bitten.

2. Brown Recluse Spider

The Brown Recluse Spider is infamous for its potentially dangerous bite. It’s small, typically around 0.5 inches, with a tan to dark brown body and a distinct violin-shaped mark on its back. These spiders are shy and prefer to live in quiet, undisturbed areas.

• Size: Up to 0.5 inches
• Habitat: Dark, quiet places like attics, basements, or woodpiles
• Diet: Small insects
• Behavior: Nocturnal, web builders, prefer hidden spots

Are Brown Recluse Spiders Dangerous to Humans?

Yes, Brown Recluse Spiders can be dangerous. Their venom can cause serious skin reactions, including necrotic wounds. Bites are rare but require medical attention.

1. Texas Brown Tarantula

The Texas Brown Tarantula is the largest spider in Texas, with a body length of up to 4 inches and a leg span that can reach 5 inches. They are usually dark brown or black and are more docile compared to other spiders.

• Size: Up to 4 inches in body length, 5 inches in leg span
• Habitat: Grasslands, forests, and occasionally near homes
• Diet: Insects, small mammals, and other small creatures
• Behavior: Solitary, ground-dwelling, non-aggressive

Can Texas Brown Tarantulas Harm Humans?

Texas Brown Tarantulas are not dangerous to humans. While they may bite if provoked, their venom is mild and typically not harmful. They are more likely to flee than attack when disturbed.

When is Spider Season in Texas?

As we move through September 2024, much of the spider season in Texas has already passed, but the warmer temperatures still drive significant spider activity. During the late summer and early fall, species like the Texas Brown Tarantula and Carolina Wolf Spider are still highly visible. With temperatures remaining relatively high, spiders continue to seek cooler indoor spaces, making encounters inside homes more likely. As the fall progresses, spider activity will gradually decrease, but for now, you can expect to still see them in gardens, fields, and homes.

To effectively prevent spiders from entering your home, it’s important to focus on both indoor and outdoor strategies.

Spider Prevention Tips

To successfully keep spiders out of your home, it’s essential to use a combination of indoor and outdoor prevention methods. Below is a helpful table with practical tips to guide you.

Tips	Description
Seal Cracks and Openings	Close gaps around windows, doors, and walls.
Declutter Regularly	Clean storage areas like attics and basements.
Remove Webs Frequently	Clear webs from corners and ceilings.
Use Natural Repellents	Apply essential oils like peppermint or vinegar.
Maintain Outdoor Areas	Trim plants, keep firewood away from walls.
Install Door Sweeps	Prevent entry under doors.
Keep Lights Off	Outdoor lights attract insects.
Use Proper Screens	Ensure windows and vents are screened.
Store Food Securely	Reduce insects that attract spiders.
Vacuum Regularly	Clean carpets and hidden areas.
Keep Humidity Low	Spiders thrive in moisture.
Fix Leaks Promptly	Water attracts insects and spiders.
Use Sticky Traps	Place traps in common spider areas.
Close Unused Vents	Block unnecessary openings.
Store Trash Properly	Keep lids sealed to avoid attracting insects.
Avoid Piling Clothes	Spiders hide in undisturbed clothing.
Limit Outdoor Debris	Clear fallen leaves, logs, and clutter.
Remove Old Cardboard	Spiders hide in boxes and papers.
Cover Chimney Tops	Prevent entry through open chimneys.
Apply Insecticides Sparingly	Use spider-specific sprays for problem areas.

Conclusion

Texas is home to a wide variety of spiders, from small common house spiders to the large Texas Brown Tarantula. While some, like the Black Widow and Brown Recluse, pose a potential danger to humans, most spiders are harmless and even beneficial by controlling insect populations. Understanding how to identify and differentiate these spiders can help ease concerns and promote safety. Whether you’re curious or cautious, knowing the spiders around you can help you feel more informed and prepared for any encounters.

FAQ’s

1. What is the biggest spider found in Texas?

The Texas Brown Tarantula is the biggest spider found in Texas, with a body length of up to 4 inches and a leg span reaching 5 inches.

2. Are spiders a big problem in Texas?

While spiders are common in Texas, most are not a major problem. They help control insect populations, and only a few species, like the Brown Recluse and Black Widow, pose any real threat to humans.

3. What is the most dangerous spider in Texas?

The Black Widow Spider is considered the most dangerous due to its potent venom. However, bites are rare, and fatalities are extremely uncommon.

4. How can I prevent spiders from entering my home?

To prevent spiders, keep your home clean, seal cracks, and remove webs regularly. Reducing clutter, especially in basements and attics, will limit spider hiding places.

5. What should I do if I get bitten by a spider in Texas?

If you suspect a spider bite, especially from a Brown Recluse or Black Widow, wash the area with soap and water and seek medical attention immediately if symptoms worsen or if you feel unwell.