TLDR: House spiders are small (5 to 8 mm), build messy webs in corners, and move slowly. Wolf spiders are much bigger (18 to 35 mm), hairy, and hunt by running fast across floors. Neither is dangerous to people. To control both, seal entry points, reduce moisture, switch to yellow outdoor lights, and vacuum webs regularly.
Finding spiders in your home can be startling, especially when you don’t know what type you’re looking at. In Northern Virginia, two species show up most often: common house spiders and wolf spiders. Both are harmless, but knowing the difference helps you pick the right approach.
I’ve been a licensed pest control tech since 2015, and spider calls spike every fall across the DMV area. Homeowners are usually more alarmed by big, fast wolf spiders, even though both types pose very little risk.
Size and Body Structure
The biggest difference between house spiders and wolf spiders is size.
House spiders have body lengths of just 5 to 8 mm, with leg spans around 25 mm. They are small enough to go unnoticed as they tuck into corners and crevices.
Wolf spiders are much bigger. Common indoor species have body lengths of 18 to 35 mm, with leg spans that can reach 75 mm or more. Some coastal specimens stretch over 3 inches across. You won’t miss one when it runs across your floor.
Body texture also differs. House spiders have smooth, shiny bodies with mottled tan-brown bellies. Wolf spiders are hairy and stocky with striped patterns along their backs. Their legs are covered in thick bristles that help them hunt.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | House Spider | Wolf Spider |
|---|---|---|
| Body Size | 5 to 8 mm body, 25 mm span | 18 to 35 mm body, 75 mm+ span |
| Body Texture | Smooth, shiny | Hairy, stocky |
| Hunting Method | Web-building | Active hunting |
| Movement Speed | Under 5 cm/second | Up to 1 meter/second |
| Eye Pattern | Two equal rows | 4-2-2 pattern with large central eyes |
Eye Arrangement
One of the best ways to tell these two apart is their eye pattern.
House spiders have 8 eyes arranged in two rows with all eyes roughly the same size. You need a magnifying glass to see them clearly.
Wolf spiders have a 4-2-2 eye pattern. Four small eyes in front, two large eyes in the middle, and two medium eyes on top. The large middle eyes have a reflective layer that causes the green eye shine you see at night with a flashlight.
Web-Building vs Hunting
How each spider catches food is very different.
House spiders spin messy tangle webs in undisturbed corners, under furniture, and along basement rafters. These sticky webs (sometimes called cobwebs) catch flying bugs that blunder into them. The spiders feel vibrations in the web and rarely leave it.
Wolf spiders don’t build webs at all. They stalk or chase down prey on floors, in mulch, and across grass using their sharp eyesight. When you see a spider actively running around your home, it’s likely a wolf spider.
Where They Live
Knowing where each species hangs out helps you find and treat them.
House spiders prefer quiet indoor corners, basement ceiling joists, and porch overhangs. They keep year-round populations indoors, with numbers spiking in summer when warm weather brings more bugs.
Wolf spiders normally live outdoors in leaf litter, mulch, lawns, and near foundations. But they often push inside during September and October looking for shelter from the cold. Basements and ground-level rooms are their most common indoor spots.
From what I’ve seen on jobs, wolf spiders turn up most in basements and garages where they hunt for prey. House spiders stick to their corner webs where you’ll find them all year.
How They Reproduce
House spiders hang papery egg sacs inside their webs and don’t care for babies after they hatch.
Female wolf spiders carry their egg sacs attached to their bodies, then let newly hatched babies ride on their backs for 1 to 2 weeks. This is a common sight that alarms homeowners who don’t expect to see dozens of tiny spiders riding on a big one.
Are They Dangerous?
Neither species is a real threat to people.
House spider venom is weak. Most bites go unnoticed. Only rare allergic reactions have been documented.
Wolf spider bites feel like a bee sting with mild redness and swelling. Symptoms clear up within 48 hours with basic first aid.
The CDC says wolf spider bite symptoms include localized pain, temporary redness, and minor swelling that goes away within 48 hours. The CDC classifies both house spiders and wolf spiders as medically insignificant species.
Neither species causes tissue damage or serious health problems. Both would rather run away than bite. Severe reactions are rare and tied to individual allergies, not venom strength.
How to Get Rid of Spiders
Remove Webs
Vacuum webs and wipe surfaces with a damp cloth to remove silk anchors. This stops them from rebuilding in the same spot. Focus on corners, window frames, and basement areas.
Reduce Their Food
House spiders follow their prey. Cut down on flies, gnats, mosquitoes, and moths by switching to yellow outdoor lights, fixing moisture problems, and keeping food sealed.
Seal Entry Points
Caulk gaps around windows and foundations. Install door sweeps. Screen vents with fine mesh.
Block Their Way In
Wolf spiders enter through ground-level gaps. Install tight door sweeps, caulk foundation cracks, and seal gaps around utility lines. Focus on basement doors and garage thresholds.
Remove Shelter Near Your Home
Keep mulch and leaf litter away from foundation walls. Trim dense plants that touch your siding. Store firewood at least 20 feet from your home.
Reduce Indoor Prey
Wolf spiders go where the food is. Treat for other bugs like ants, crickets, and stink bugs to make your home less appealing.
Individual Removal
For single wolf spiders, use a glass and piece of paper to trap and move them outside. Avoid grabbing them with your hands.
Whether you’re dealing with house spiders or wolf spiders, the same core prevention steps apply to both.
- Moisture control: Use dehumidifiers in basements, fix leaky pipes, keep humidity below 50%
- Lighting: Switch to yellow LED bulbs near entry points to attract fewer bugs
- Barriers: Install door sweeps and seal gaps around windows and foundations
- Cleaning: Vacuum webs weekly and reduce clutter in storage areas
- Outdoors: Keep mulch and leaf litter away from foundation walls
These prevention steps handle most spider problems. But if activity keeps up despite your efforts, it’s time to bring in a pro.
When to Call a Pro
Call a pro for spider problems when:
- Webs keep rebuilding despite regular cleaning
- You see wolf spiders inside on a regular basis
- Heavy web buildup covers eaves and entry points
- You’re not sure what species you’re dealing with
At Better Termite & Pest Control, our techs physically remove webs and egg sacs, then apply non-repellent perimeter treatments along the foundation to stop new spider activity. We also check for the moisture problems and entry points that draw spiders in.
With 57+ years in the DC metro area and 1,000+ five-star reviews, we know the local spider species and what works against them. We’ve removed nine of the harshest chemicals from our programs and use products we’d use in our own homes.
If you’re dealing with spiders in your Northern Virginia, Maryland, or DC area home, call us at 703-683-2000 or email info@bettertermite.com. We’ll ID the species, find the source, and put together a plan that works.
