The Fox Valley area in Wisconsin is home to a variety of spider species, some of which are commonly found in and around homes. While most spiders are harmless and even beneficial by controlling other insect populations, some can be a cause for concern due to their venomous bites. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the types of spiders you might encounter in the Fox Valley, WI area:
Spiders Commonly Found Inside
1. Common House Spider (Parasteatoda tepidariorum)
The common house spider is frequently found indoors and is generally harmless to humans. They build tangled webs in corners, basements, and garages.
- Appearance: They are small, with a body length of about 1/4 inch, and are usually brown or gray with a spotted pattern.
- Behavior: These spiders are non-aggressive and will usually retreat if disturbed. They help control other insect populations within homes.
2. American House Spider (Parasteatoda tepidariorum)
Similar to the common house spider, the American house spider is another frequent indoor resident.
- Appearance: They are small, with a body length of about 1/8 to 1/4 inch, and are usually grayish or brown with various markings.
- Behavior: They are not dangerous to humans and are beneficial for controlling pest insects.
Orb-Weaver Spiders
1. Barn Orb-Weaver (Araneus cavaticus)
Barn orb-weavers are commonly found in gardens and around homes, particularly in sheds and barns.
- Appearance: These spiders are typically about 1/2 inch long, with a round abdomen that can vary in color from brown to orange.
- Behavior: They build large, circular webs to catch flying insects and are generally not harmful to humans.
2. Garden Orb-Weaver (Araneus diadematus)
Garden orb-weavers are often seen in gardens and wooded areas.
- Appearance: They are medium-sized spiders, with a body length of about 1/2 to 1 inch. Their color can range from yellow to brown, and they often have a distinctive pattern on their abdomen.
- Behavior: These spiders are beneficial for controlling garden pests and are not aggressive towards humans.
Jumping Spiders
1. Bold Jumping Spider (Phidippus audax)
Bold jumping spiders are known for their distinctive black and white markings and their jumping ability.
- Appearance: They are small to medium-sized, with a body length of about 1/2 inch. They are black with white or yellow spots and have iridescent green or blue chelicerae (mouthparts).
- Behavior: These spiders are curious and active hunters, using their jumping ability to catch prey. They are not dangerous to humans and can be quite interesting to observe.
2. Daring Jumping Spider (Phidippus audax)
Also known as the bold jumping spider, the daring jumping spider is another common species in the Fox Valley area.
- Appearance: Similar to the bold jumping spider, they are black with white or yellow markings and iridescent chelicerae.
- Behavior: They are non-aggressive and pose no threat to humans.
Wolf Spiders
1. Rabid Wolf Spider (Rabidosa rabida)
Despite their name, rabid wolf spiders are not dangerous to humans. They are ground-dwelling hunters often found in gardens and grassy areas.
- Appearance: These spiders are large, with a body length of up to 1 inch. They are brown with distinctive dark stripes on their body.
- Behavior: They do not build webs but hunt their prey on the ground. They can be fast and agile but are not aggressive towards humans.
2. Tigrosa helluo
Another common wolf spider species, Tigrosa helluo, is often found in wooded areas and around homes.
- Appearance: They are large, with a body length of about 1 inch. They are typically brown or gray with striped markings.
- Behavior: They are nocturnal hunters and are not dangerous to humans. They help control other pest populations.
Venomous Spiders
1. Northern Black Widow (Latrodectus variolus)
The northern black widow is one of the few venomous spiders in the Fox Valley area. They are rare but can be found in undisturbed areas such as woodpiles and sheds.
- Appearance: Female black widows are shiny black with a red hourglass marking on the underside of their abdomen. Males are smaller and less distinctive.
- Behavior: Black widows are shy and typically avoid human contact. However, their bite can be dangerous, causing severe pain and other symptoms.
2. Brown Recluse (Loxosceles reclusa)
While less common, the brown recluse can occasionally be found in the Fox Valley area. They prefer dark, undisturbed areas like basements and attics.
- Appearance: They are light to dark brown, with a characteristic violin-shaped marking on their back.
- Behavior: Brown recluses are not aggressive and will bite only when threatened. Their bite can cause significant medical issues, including necrotic lesions.
The Fox Valley, WI area is home to a variety of spider species, ranging from harmless house spiders to the more concerning black widows and brown recluses. Most spiders are beneficial for controlling other pest populations and pose little threat to humans. However, it’s important to identify the types of spiders in your home and take appropriate action if necessary. Regular cleaning, sealing entry points, and professional pest control services can help manage spider populations and keep your home safe and comfortable. Understanding the types of spiders you may encounter can help you better coexist with these fascinating creatures while maintaining a safe living environment.