Which Spiders Are Harmful in the United States?

Do you know which spiders might be hiding in your home or backyard? From Arizona’s hot deserts to Utah’s cool forests, spiders are found everywhere in the United States.

Some spiders are friendly helpers, while others might make you nervous. In this blog post, we’ll talk about the most common spiders in different states.

You’ll learn how to spot them and understand their role in nature. Before you grab a shoe or broom, take a minute to get to know these amazing creatures.

By the end, you’ll know which spiders are safe—and which ones to stay away from.

What Kinds of Spiders Are in the United States?

The United States has many different kinds of spiders. Each type lives in other places, depending on the weather and environment. Knowing about the spiders in your area can help you determine which ones are safe and which ones you should be careful around. Let’s explore some of the spiders you might see in different states.

State	Common Spiders	Type of Spider	Harmful or Harmless
Utah	Hobo Spider	Harmless	Mild discomfort if bitten
	Wolf Spider	Harmless	Large, may bite if threatened
	Black Widow	Harmful	Dangerous, requires medical attention if bitten
Arizona	Tarantula	Harmless	Intimidating but harmless
	Arizona Brown Spider	Harmful	Bite can be painful, reclusive
	Desert Recluse	Harmful	Serious bite, requires medical attention
California	Cellar Spider (“Daddy Long-legs”)	Harmless	Helps control pests, often found in basements
	Domestic House Spider	Harmless	Mild discomfort if bitten
	Jumping Spider	Harmless	Beneficial, hunts small insects indoors
Illinois	Brown Recluse	Harmful	Dangerous, causes significant health issues
	Orb-Weaver Spider	Harmless	Builds large webs, controls insect populations
	Wolf Spider	Harmless	Large, may bite if threatened
Michigan	American House Spider	Harmless	Common indoors, helps control insect populations
	Wolf Spider	Harmless	Large, may bite if provoked
	Jumping Spider	Harmless	Quick, harmless, and beneficial
New Jersey	False Widow Spider	Mildly Harmful	Less potent venom than Black Widow
	Black Widow	Harmful	Dangerous, requires medical attention if bitten
	House Spider	Harmless	Common indoors, harmless to humans
Ohio	Brown Recluse	Harmful	Dangerous, causes significant health issues
	American House Spider	Harmless	Common indoors, harmless to humans
	Orb-Weaver Spider	Harmless	Builds large webs, controls insect populations
Texas	Black Widow	Harmful	Dangerous, prefers dark, undisturbed areas
	Brown Recluse	Harmful	Serious bite, requires medical attention
	Tarantula	Harmless	Large, intimidating but generally harmless
Virginia	American House Spider	Harmless	Common indoors, harmless to humans
	Wolf Spider	Harmless	Large, may bite if threatened
	Black Widow	Harmful	Dangerous, found in rural areas
Wyoming	Black Widow	Harmful	Dangerous, requires medical attention if bitten
	Hobo Spider	Mildly Harmful	Often found in basements, it is harmless to humans
New York	American House Spider	Harmless	Common indoors, helps control insect populations
	False Widow Spider	Mildly Harmful	Less potent venom than Black Widow
	Cellar Spider (“Daddy Long-legs”)	Harmless	Serious bite requires medical attention

We have created this chart to provide you with the best information on the popularity of spiders in the United States. It highlights the most commonly known spiders, ranked from the most to the least popular. We hope you find this visual guide helpful!

How Many Types of Spiders Are in Utah?

Utah has many places where spiders can live, from deserts to forests. Here are some spiders you might find in Utah:

• Hobo Spider: This spider likes to stay in basements or small spaces. It looks like a brown recluse, but it’s not as dangerous. However, its bite can still hurt.
• Wolf Spider: This giant, hairy spider usually hunts outside but might come indoors sometimes. It’s not poisonous but can bite if it feels scared.
• Black Widow: This spider is easy to recognize because its belly has a red hourglass shape. It likes dark, quiet places like woodpiles. Be careful, though, because its bite can be dangerous.

In Utah, knowing about these spiders, especially the black widow, is essential to stay safe.

What Types of Spiders Are in Arizona?

Arizona is very hot and dry, especially in East Valley. Here are some giant spiders you might find there:

• Tarantula: These giant, hairy spiders live in the desert. They dig holes to hide in during the day and come out at night. Even though they look scary, tarantulas are usually harmless to people.
• Arizona Brown Spider: This spider is related to the brown recluse. It has a violin-shaped mark on its back. Its bite can be painful, but it usually tries to avoid people.
• Desert Recluse: This spider is similar to the Arizona brown spider. It hides most of the time, but its bite can be severe.

In Arizona, especially in the East Valley, it’s good to know what these spiders look like so you can avoid getting hurt.

How Many Types of Spiders Are in California?

California has many different climates, so that you can find many spider species, especially in cities like Coalinga, Adelanto, and Imperial County. Common spiders include:

• Cellar Spider: Also known as “daddy long-legs,” these spiders are often found in dark, damp places like basements. They are harmless and can even help get rid of other pests.
• Domestic House Spider: These spiders make messy webs in corners and under furniture. They look a bit like the brown recluse but are not as dangerous. Their bite might sting a little.
• Jumping Spider: These tiny, fast spiders are often seen indoors hunting for bugs. They are harmless to people and good at catching other pests.

These spiders are often found in homes in California, especially in cities like Coalinga and Adelanto.

What Types of Spiders Are in Illinois?

In Illinois, especially in cities like Bloomington, you might find a variety of spiders. Some are harmless, but others, like the brown recluse, must be watched out for. Here are some common spiders:

• Brown Recluse: This spider has a violin-shaped mark on its back. It’s small but can cause severe problems if it bites. It likes to hide in dark, quiet places like closets or attics.
• Orb-Weaver Spider: These spiders make large, round webs. They are harmless and help control insects.
• Wolf Spider: Like in Utah, these giant, hairy spiders hunt outside but can come indoors sometimes. They’re not poisonous but might bite if they feel threatened.

Knowing about these spiders can help people in Illinois stay safe and appreciate the helpful spiders.

How Many Types of Spiders Are in Michigan?

Michigan has a mix of cities and countryside, so it has a variety of spiders. Here are a few you might see:

• American House Spider: This is one of the most common indoor spiders in Michigan. It makes tangled webs in corners and under furniture. It is harmless and helps control other insects.
• Wolf Spider: These large, hairy spiders usually stay outside but might come into houses looking for food. They aren’t poisonous but can bite if bothered.
• Jumping Spider: These small, quick spiders are often seen indoors and are harmless to people.

In Michigan, these spiders are common in homes and gardens. Most of them are harmless and even helpful.

What Types of Spiders Are in New Jersey?

New Jersey has different climates and cities, so it has its share of spiders. In cities like Jersey City, you might find:

• False Widow Spider: This spider looks like the more dangerous black widow but isn’t as harmful. It can bite, but its venom isn’t very strong. These spiders are often found in cities and apartments.
• Black Widow: Although less common, black widows can be found in New Jersey. They are easy to spot with their black body and red hourglass marking. Their bite can be dangerous.
• House Spider: These spiders make webs in corners and under furniture. They are harmless to people.

People in New Jersey, especially in cities like Jersey City, should know about these spiders, particularly the black widow.

How Many Types of Spiders Are in Ohio?

Ohio has many types of spiders, with some more common in cities. Here are a few you might see:

• Brown Recluse: This spider has a violin-shaped marking and is one of the most dangerous spiders in Ohio. It likes to hide in dark places like basements or closets.
• American House Spider: These spiders are often found indoors. They make tangled webs and are harmless to people.
• Orb-Weaver Spider: Known for their large, round webs, these spiders are not harmful to people and help control insects.

In Ohio, knowing about these spiders can help people stay safe and appreciate the helpful ones.

What Types of Spiders Are in Texas?

Texas has a warm climate, so it has a lot of spiders, including some that might come indoors. Here’s what you might see:

• Black Widow: One of the most dangerous spiders in Texas. It has a black body with a red hourglass mark. It likes dark, quiet places like sheds or basements.
• Brown Recluse: Also called the fiddleback spider, the brown recluse is another dangerous spider found in Texas. Its bite can cause serious health issues.
• Tarantula: These large, hairy spiders usually stay outside but might wander into homes. Even though they look scary, they are generally harmless to people.

In Texas, especially in warm, dry areas, it’s important to know about these spiders to stay safe.

What Types of Spiders Are in Virginia?

Virginia has both cities and countryside, so it’s home to several spider species. Some common ones are:

• American House Spider: These spiders are often found in Virginia homes. They make tangled webs and are harmless to people.
• Wolf Spider: These large, hairy spiders usually stay outside but might come indoors when it’s cold. They’re not poisonous but can bite if they feel threatened.
• Black Widow: Although less common, black widows can be found in Virginia, especially in rural areas. Their bite is dangerous and needs medical attention.

Knowing about these spiders can help people in Virginia live safely with these creatures.

What Types of Poisonous Spiders Are in Wyoming?

Wyoming has a lot of open space and a few venomous spiders. The most dangerous ones include:

• Black Widow: This spider is easy to spot with its black body and red hourglass mark. It’s the most dangerous spider in Wyoming, and its bite can cause severe pain. It’s important to get medical help if bitten.
• Hobo Spider: Found throughout Wyoming, the hobo spider’s bite isn’t as bad as the black widow’s but can still hurt. It usually hides in basements or other dark, cool places.

Understanding which spiders in Wyoming are poisonous can help people avoid getting hurt and know when to get help.

What Types of Spiders Are in Homes in New York City?

New York City has lots of people and old buildings, so you might find a few different kinds of house spiders. Some common ones are:

• American House Spider: These small spiders are often found in NYC homes. They make tangled webs in corners and under furniture. They’re harmless to people and can even help control other insects.
• False Widow Spider: This spider looks like the black widow but isn’t as dangerous. It can bite, but its venom isn’t very strong. These spiders are often found in cities and apartments.
• Cellar Spider: Also called “daddy-long-legs,” these spiders are often found in basements and other damp places. They are harmless and help control other pests.

People in NYC can live with these spiders by sealing cracks, reducing clutter, and keeping their homes clean.

Conclusion

Spiders are important because they help control insect populations and keep nature balanced. In the United States, different states have different kinds of spiders. By learning about the spiders in your area, you can live safely with them and appreciate their role in the environment.

Whether you’re in Utah, Arizona, or New York City, knowing the types of spiders that live near you can help you feel more secure in your home.

FAQ’s

1. Can spiders help reduce insect populations?

Yes, spiders are natural predators of many insects, helping to control pest populations in homes and gardens.

2. Do all spiders in the U.S. spin webs?

Not all spiders spin webs. Some, like wolf spiders and jumping spiders, hunt their prey on the ground instead of using webs.

3. What should I do if I find a spider nest in my home?

If you find a spider nest, it’s best to carefully remove it using a vacuum or call a pest control service, especially if you’re unsure about the type of spider.

4. Can spiders survive the winter inside homes?

Yes, many spiders can survive winter indoors by finding warm, sheltered spots inside your home.

5. Why are some spiders more active at night?

Many spiders are nocturnal, meaning they are more active at night to avoid predators and hunt more effectively in the dark.