Common false positives
Many harmless spiders share a vaguely violin-shaped dorsal pattern. Eye count and lack of leg banding are stronger diagnostic features. When in doubt, photograph (do not handle) and submit to a local university extension or your state arachnologist.
References
- [1]Spider Myths - Burke Museum, University of Washington. Accessed June 2026.
Related in FAQ
- What spider is in my house?The most common indoor spiders in North America are cellar spiders, common house spiders (Parasteatoda tepidariorum), and in the Pacific Northwest, giant house spiders..
- Do spiders actively hunt or seek out people?No.
- Should I kill spiders I find in my house?For most species the practical answer is no: indoor spiders consume other pest arthropods.
- How do I know if I was actually bitten by a spider?You almost certainly do not, unless you saw the spider bite you.
- I found a spider in my bed - is that a problem?Spiders do not seek out beds or sleeping people.
- Is it normal to have spiders in my basement?Yes.