Non-Contiguous · AK

Spiders of Alaska

Alaska has no native medically significant spiders. Most reports involve harmless wolf spiders, sheet-web weavers, and the occasional indoor cellar spider.

Climate: Subarctic to maritime · Peak activity: June–August

Notable concerns

  • No medically significant native spiders

Medically significant species in Alaska

SpeciesScientificSignificanceRange note
Yellow Sac SpiderCheiracanthium inclusumModerateThroughout the continental United States and southern Canada.

All documented species in this index

Species below are present in Alaska according to extension publications and the rangeStates records in our species index. Click through for full profiles.

Seasonal activity in Alaska

Spider activity in Alaska follows the documented peak season of June–August. Indoor sightings often spike in late summer and early fall as males wander to find mates and as cooling outdoor temperatures push synanthropic species toward heated structures.

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
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Dec

Highlighted months reflect the state extension peak-activity window. Individual species (especially indoor recluse populations) may be active outside this range.

Prevention checklist for Alaska homes

  • Seal exterior gaps wider than 1/8 inch around utility penetrations, dryer vents, and weep holes. Install door sweeps on garage and basement entries.
  • Reduce harborage by storing firewood, lumber, and seldom-used boxes off the ground and at least 18 inches from foundation walls.
  • Vacuum webs, egg sacs, and spiders rather than spraying. Mechanical removal outperforms most over-the-counter residual sprays for synanthropic species.

If you are bitten

Nearby states in the Non-Contiguous region

Sources

  1. [1]Alaska spider identification - Alaska Cooperative Extension. Accessed 2026-06-14.
  2. [2]Spiders and scorpions submitted as suspected brown recluse - Vetter RS, 2008. Accessed 2026-06-14.

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