Types of Spiders in Massachusetts
Of the thousands of spider species found across North America, only a few dozen live in Massachusetts. The pests’ coloring, habitats, and hunting tactics vary, but all spiders have eight legs and two body segments. While some arachnids inject venom through bites, only one type of spider in Massachusetts, the northern black widow, is dangerous.
Common Massachusetts Spiders
These pests prefer to be outdoors, but homes and industrial spaces give them shelter as well as meals. Web weavers and ambush spiders hide out around doors and windowsills to capture flies, moths, and other insects as they come indoors. The most common spiders in Massachusetts are:
- House Spiders
- Orb Weavers
- Grass Spiders
- Fishing Spiders
- Jumping Spiders
Wolf spiders are ambush predators that pounce on insects rather than trapping prey in a web. Woodpiles, garages, and attics make perfect hiding places for a wolf spider. Massachusetts factories and warehouses also provide numerous hideouts. Wolf spider bites are usually harmless to humans, but some people can have an allergic reaction.
Harmful Spiders in Massachusetts
The northern black widow is the only Massachusetts spider with venom that affects humans and animals. Unless threatened, this New England spider is not hostile, and bites are rare. Attics, crawl spaces, and sheds are popular black widow hangouts. Consumers and grocery store workers handling imported produce may discover the pests inside bags or crates as well.
Brown recluses are also venomous. Fortunately, this pest is not a native Massachusetts spider. Most reports in New England occur due to mistaken identity. However, brown recluse spiders can hitch rides under cardboard carton lids and inside boxes delivered from other states.
Sealing gaps around door or window frames and removing clutter helps curb issues with spiders in Massachusetts homes and businesses. If you suspect an arachnid infestation, call Waltham Pest Services to get expert advice.