Common House Spider
Scientific Name: Parasteatoda tepidariorum
Order & Family: Araneae: Theridiidae
Size: Females reach 5 to 6 mm; males are smaller at 3.8 to 4.7 mm.
Natural Habitat
Commonly found in and around human dwellings, including garages, sheds, sheds, and under eaves.
Diet & Feeding
Carnivorous, primarily eating household pests like flies, mosquitoes, ants, and wasps.
Behavior Patterns
They build tangled cobwebs in corners and remain stationary for long periods. They are known for their longevity and can live for more than a year.
Risks & Benefits
Generally harmless to humans; they are beneficial as natural pest control by catching and eating unwanted insects.
Identified on: 3/10/2026