Northeast · NH

Spiders of New Hampshire

No established populations of brown recluse or black widow are documented in New Hampshire.

Climate: Humid continental · Peak activity: June–August

Notable concerns

  • No established medically significant species

Medically significant species in New Hampshire

SpeciesScientificSignificanceRange note
Yellow Sac SpiderCheiracanthium inclusumModerateThroughout the continental United States and southern Canada.
Northern Black WidowLatrodectus variolusMedically significantEastern North America from southern Canada through New England and the Appalachian region

All documented species in this index

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

Seasonal activity in New Hampshire

Spider activity in New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire 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.
  • For widow-active areas, wear gloves when handling outdoor electrical boxes, irrigation valves, and stacked materials. Widows favor undisturbed voids.
  • 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 Northeast region

Sources

  1. [1]UNH spider identification - UNH 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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