When removal is reasonable
Verified widows or recluses near sleeping or dressing areas warrant removal and structural review (sealing entry points, decluttering).
Cellar spiders and common house spiders pose no threat and reduce other pest populations.
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.
- 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.
- How can I tell if a spider is a brown recluse?Diagnosis rests on three combined features: six eyes arranged in three pairs (dyads), a uniformly colored abdomen with no pattern, and legs that are also uniform with no banding or spines.
- Is it normal to have spiders in my basement?Yes.