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As fall creeps in, you may notice some creepy crawly spiders around your home. These friendly, or not-so-friendly, eight-legged friends can hide in the nooks and crannies of your home or yard. With 40,000 known species of spiders worldwide and 3,000 calling North America home, learning the difference between friend and foe is crucial. Here’s a list of everything you need to know about common house spiders in Arkansas. 

1. You may have seen these creatures, also called Harvestmen, walking around on your porch or near your home in wooded areas during the fall. Daddy Longlegs have eight long, skinny legs that extend off of a tiny, round body. It’s actually their round body, sporting only two eyes, that lets us know they’re actually not spiders at all. Although these critters are one of the creepiest looking on this list, they are harmless and contain no venom. 

2. While you may not like to think about it, the American House Spider is very common in the south – recognizable by their small and gray size, often smaller than a nickel. You may notice them in tight, dark corners, inside closets and cabinets, or along the windows, and this species can live for years after they mature. These spiders are harmless at least, and an annoyance at worst. 

3. Like most spiders, Brown Recluses like to hide in out-of-the-way spots. You might find them underneath furniture, in small corners, in the basement, in closets, and inside clothing. As the name suggests, they are brown and have a violin-shaped marking on their back. A single bite from this creepy crawler can lead to symptoms such as fever, chills, serious pain, nausea, necrosis at the site of the bite, and can be life-threatening.

4. Black Widows have a characteristic bright red, hourglass shape on their undersides, and if you see one, stay back! One bite from this venomous spider can cause serious pain, muscle stiffness, and nausea. If these spiders get into your house, they’ll mostly stay in dark, hidden areas. However, you might see them in corners as well. 

5. Hobo Spiders are most noticeable in the fall when their dew-covered webs are visible in the morning hours. They will build their webs in a variety of places including windows, doorways, and cellars. While reactions vary from person to person, Hobo Spiders are considered nontoxic to humans. 

6. Yellow Sac Spiders use their silk to construct tent-like coverings in low corners. They hide behind these structures during the daytime, resting up for nocturnal hunting. These pests vary drastically in coloring and are sometimes confused for other spiders due to their varying characteristics. Keep your distance from these spiders, as their venom contains cytotoxin that is toxic to humans. 

Since 1995, Command Pest Control has been providing Arkansas property owners and commercial managers with exceptional services to help safely eliminate pests. Our exterminators can diagnose your spider issue and determine the best solution for your home or business. With our advanced treatments, those unwanted pests will be gone in no time! Protect your family from dangerous home invaders like these poisonous spiders when you book an appointment today at https://commandpest.com