Common House Spider
Scientific Name: Parasteatoda tepidariorum
Order & Family: Araneae: Theridiidae
Size: Females: 5 to 6 mm; Males: 3.8 to 4.7 mm

Natural Habitat
Found globally in or near man-made structures, including houses, sheds, and garages, often in corners, under furniture, or near window frames.
Diet & Feeding
Carnivorous; feeds primarily on insects like flies, mosquitoes, ants, and other small spiders caught in its web.
Behavior Patterns
Builds irregular, tangled cobwebs. They are generally solitary and can live for more than a year; females produce multiple pear-shaped, tan egg sacs during their lifespan.
Risks & Benefits
Benefits humans by providing natural pest control for indoor insects. They are non-aggressive and their venom is not considered medically significant to humans, though a bite may cause localized redness or swelling.
Identified on: 3/29/2026