Crevice Weaving Spiders
Filistatidae
Southern house spider (Kokako, Wikimedia Commons)
Male southern house spider (Edward L. Manigault, Clemson University, Bugwood.org)
Crevice weaving spider web (Marshal Hedin, Wikimedia Commons)
Identification
- females: large bodies with velvety brown or black coloration; sometimes mistaken for small tarantulas
- males: thin bodies and long legs with tan coloration; sometimes mistaken for brown recluse spiders
Nesting Habits
- make webs in small holes or crevices around structures
- active at night
- more common in southern Utah
Diet
- small insects
Significance
- can become a nuisance in and around buildings
IPM Recommendations
- If this spider is found indoors, inspect for webs associated with a hole or crack in exterior walls.
- Clear away vegetation in contact with the building foundation.
- Find and seal cracks and holes along the building’s exterior.
- Catch and release (with a glass jar) spiders found indoors.
- Step on or swat unwanted spiders outdoors.
- Change exterior lighting to sodium vapor bulbs.