Midwest · MN

Spiders of Minnesota

Minnesota has no established populations of brown recluse or black widow. Reports typically involve common house and cellar spiders.

Climate: Humid continental/subarctic · Peak activity: June–August

Notable concerns

  • No established medically significant species

Medically significant species in Minnesota

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

All documented species in this index

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

Seasonal activity in Minnesota

Spider activity in Minnesota 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 Minnesota 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 Midwest region

Sources

  1. [1]UMN spider identification - UMN 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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