Spiders are common in Alabama, but they can still surprise you indoors. Birmingham’s warm, humid weather supports many species, from big garden orb weavers to small brown recluses in basements.
It’s easy to worry if you don’t know which spiders are safe. Black widows and brown recluses can bite when disturbed. Wolf spiders and jumping spiders help by eating other pests. Learning the difference enables you to stay calm. If you notice an increase in spider activity, consider scheduling spider control services in Birmingham, AL, to identify and remove them safely.
This guide covers common spiders in Birmingham and Huntsville, including where they hide, and provides simple steps and services to keep your Alabama home spider-free.
Key Takeaways
- Black widow and brown recluse spiders are the most venomous spiders in Alabama.
- Harmless spiders, such as orb weavers, jumping spiders, and wolf spiders, help control other insect populations.
- Spiders often hide in basements, garages, crawl spaces, and woodpiles.
- Regular pest control services keep your home free from pests and spiders throughout the year.
Common Spiders In Birmingham Homes
When people think of spiders in Alabama, they often picture the black widow or the brown recluse. While those do live here, most spiders you’ll see are harmless. Common spiders in Birmingham basements include the orb weaver, the common house spider, the cobweb spider, the cellar spider, the jumping spider, and the wolf spider.
The common house spider and cobweb spider both build tangled webs in corners, attics, and basements. These small arachnids eat flies, gnats, and mosquitoes that sneak indoors. You may also spot the fast and curious jumping spider, which doesn’t spin webs to catch food. They stalk and leap on prey with sharp aim.
Orb weavers in Birmingham make large, round webs near porches and gardens. They appear prominent but are not harmful and help control other pests. Wolf spiders in Alabama do not build webs. They run across floors and lawns to hunt at night.
Venomous Spiders In Alabama
Most spiders are harmless, but a few can cause painful or medically essential bites. These include the black widow, southern black widow, brown recluse, and brown widow.
Black widow spiders are shiny black with a red hourglass mark on the underside of their abdomen. They live in garages, crawl spaces, and woodpiles. Their bite can cause pain, cramping, and nausea. The southern black widow resembles the northern black widow closely and prefers dark, sheltered areas.
The brown recluse (Loxosceles reclusa) is characterized by its light brown color and a distinctive violin-shaped mark on its back. It hides in quiet, dry places, such as basements, closets, and boxes. Bites may irritate and, in rare cases, cause tissue damage.
The brown widow spider resembles the black widow, but it is lighter in color, with orange or yellow markings rather than the characteristic red markings. Brown widow spiders are less aggressive, but you should still avoid them.
Outdoor Spiders Around Alabama Yards
Not all spiders live indoors. Many spider species prefer Alabama’s mild outdoor climate. Because of this, you have the chance to encounter over 88 species of spiders in Alabama. You’ll often see orb weavers, crab spiders, grass spiders, green lynx spiders, yellow garden spiders, and fishing spiders around your yard or garden.
The yellow garden spider is one of the most eye-catching species in Alabama. Its bright yellow and black markings make it easy to recognize. These spiders spin large, circular webs near gardens or fences, where they catch flying insects.
Crab spiders wait on flowers for their prey and can change color to blend in. Green lynx spiders, characterized by their bright green color and long, spiny legs, are another common garden dweller that feeds on flies and moths.
Grass spiders build flat, sheet-like webs across the ground or in tall grass. They hide in a tunnel-shaped section of the web, waiting to ambush passing insects. Fishing spiders live near ponds or creeks and can even skim across the water’s surface. Some are so large that they’re often mistaken for tarantulas, though true tarantulas are rare in Alabama.
Where Spiders Hide In Alabama Homes
Spiders prefer dark, quiet areas with a steady food supply. Common spots include basements, garages, crawl spaces, and attics. They also hide behind boxes and furniture, as well as near gaps around windows and doors.
Outdoor lights attract flying insects, which in turn bring spiders closer to the house. Turn off the lights you do not need and trim the bushes. Move woodpiles and clutter away from the foundation. Black widows often use these spots.
In the fall, cooler weather prompts many spiders to seek warmth indoors, resulting in an increase in webs in Birmingham homes.
How Pest Control Helps Keep Spiders Away
Professional Birmingham pest control services target both spiders and the insects they feed on.
At Magic City Pest Control, our spider control services start with a detailed inspection of your home. We inspect common areas, such as basements, garages, crawl spaces, and attics, for webs, egg sacs, and other signs of spider activity.
After we confirm the species, our trained technicians apply safe, targeted treatments to remove current spiders and block new ones. We also seal entry points to reduce future activity.
Routine visits year-round help keep your Alabama home free of pests and spiders. In Birmingham, Huntsville, and the surrounding areas, our team is well-versed in handling every common local species.
Preventing Spiders In Your Alabama Home
Whether you want to keep spiders out of your Alabama home during the rainy season or want to keep spiders from overwintering in your home, taking some preventative measures can go a long way. You can start by cleaning regularly and decluttering your space.
Vacuum up webs, egg sacs, and corners where spiders might hide. Seal minor cracks or openings around doors and windows to block entry points.
Move woodpiles and outdoor storage away from your home. Trim plants that touch your house to limit hiding spots. Keeping basements and garages organized makes these areas less appealing to spiders.
If you continue to see spiders or notice frequent spider bites, it’s time to call a professional pest control company.
At Magic City Pest Control, we offer seasonal pest control services to help keep Birmingham homeowners safe and comfortable throughout the year.
Making The Right Pest Control Choice For Your Alabama Home
Spiders belong outdoors, not inside your home. A tidy, well-sealed house makes it harder for them to settle in, but sometimes professional help is still needed.
At Magic City Pest Control, we offer trusted local services across Birmingham, Huntsville, and nearby areas, utilizing safe treatments that effectively remove spiders and prevent their return.
Need a hand keeping your home spider-free? Contact us today to schedule an inspection or request a free quote.
FAQs
Are black widow spiders common in Birmingham, AL?
Yes. Black widow spiders, including the southern black widow, are found throughout Alabama. They prefer dark places such as garages, crawl spaces, and woodpiles.
What should I do if I get a spider bite?
Wash the area with soap and water, apply ice, and monitor for any signs of swelling or pain. If you suspect a brown recluse or black widow bite, seek medical attention and contact a pest control professional for an inspection.
How can I prevent spiders from entering my home?
Seal cracks, reduce outdoor lighting that attracts insects, and keep basements and garages clean and organized. Scheduling regular pest control services is the best long-term solution.
