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If you’ve ever spotted a spider web in your eaves around Mt. Vernon, you might wonder, are arachnids insects? You’re not alone. Many people group spiders with bugs, but that’s not accurate.
In my years as a licensed pest control technician in the DC metro area, I’ve seen how spiders behave and how they need different treatments. Arachnids and insects share some features, but they fall into separate classes.
Both arachnids and insects belong to the Phylum Arthropoda. Arachnids sit in Class Arachnida, home to about 120,000 described species, from spiders to scorpions. Insects fall in Class Insecta, with over 1 million species.
Modern research shows arachnids split from insects over 450 million years ago. Insects group with crustaceans, while arachnids belong to Chelicerata.
Spotting the difference is simple if you know what to look for. Use these traits to tell arachnids from insects:
Arachnids grow by molting and often pass through several instars. Insects may go through simple nymph stages or a full metamorphosis with larva and pupa.
Arachnida includes more than just spiders. Here are the main orders to know:
Homeowners often mix up arachnids and insects. Here are common myths and the real facts:
In our region, you’ll see a mix of arachnids and insects. Knowing who’s who helps with control:
Knowing the difference between arachnids and insects guides treatment steps. Here’s a general approach:
When treating spiders, I follow a proven process that works in Northern Virginia:
To reduce spider entry, lower bright lights, fix moisture issues, and seal small gaps around your home.
Mixing up arachnids and insects can lead to wrong treatments. Here’s why proper ID matters:
We built our program to deliver clear, honest, and targeted pest control:
Interested in a quote? Call 703-683-2000 or email [email protected] to talk with a licensed technician.
Knowing the answer to “are arachnids insects?” helps you pick the right pest control approach. Different body plans, life cycles, and habits require different tools.
If you have any questions or want an estimate, give us a call at 703-683-2000 or email [email protected]. Our team of licensed technicians is ready to help.
No. Spiders belong to the class Arachnida, not Insecta. For more on this, see our article on why spiders aren’t true bugs.
Arachnids have two body regions, eight legs, pedipalps, and no wings. Insects have three body segments, six legs, and often wings.
Adult arachnids have eight legs, but spiderlings and mites may look like they have fewer until their last molt.
Not always. Arachnids respond differently to chemicals, so we use non-repellent sprays and targeted methods for spiders.
Reduce moisture, seal gaps, and limit bright lights at night. Regularly vacuum webs for mechanical control.
No. Ticks and mites fall under the order Acari within Arachnida. They’re arachnids but not spiders.
Both are small, creepy, and often appear indoors. Visual similarities and shared habitats cause mix-ups.
Consistent treatments, web removal, and addressing attractants like moisture and insects for prey help keep spiders away.
With five years of hands-on experience in the pest control industry, George Schulz is a registered technician with the Virginia Pest Management Association and a proud third-generation professional in a family business that’s been protecting homes for over 57 years. He manages and trains a team of service pros while also leading internal research efforts—recently spearheading a deep-dive review of thousands of documents on pest control materials to hand-pick the most kid and pet friendly, most effective solutions tailored specifically for homes in the DC metro area. Read his bio.
