Bug Identifier
Common House Spider (Likely Parasteatoda tepidariorum)
Community identification

Common House Spider (Likely Parasteatoda tepidariorum)

Parasteatoda tepidariorum

Order & Family
Araneae, Family Theridiidae
Size
Females typically 5 to 6 mm, males smaller (3.5 to 4.5 mm)
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Found worldwide, often inside or near human dwellings, garages, and sheds

Diet & Feeding

Insects and other small invertebrates caught in webs

Behavior Patterns

Builds irregular cobwebs; females can live for several years and produce multiple egg sacs

Risks & Benefits

Benefits humans by eating pests (flies, mosquitoes); generally harmless, but may bite if threatened, though not medically significant