top of page

Spiders

There are many different species of spiders that can be found in households in Edmonton, Alberta. Some of the most common household spiders in the area include the yellow sac spider, the brown recluse spider, and the black widow spider. Other common household spiders found in Edmonton include the common house spider, the cellar spider, and the wolf spider. Spiders found in homes typically come inside looking for food or shelter. Most of common house spider are not dangerous and are beneficial since they help control insects population, however it is important to identify venomous spiders in order to take proper precautions and keep your family safe.

common spiders

Wolf spider

Wolf spiders are a type of hunting spider that can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, fields, and gardens. They are also commonly found in and around homes, particularly in basements and crawl spaces.

Wolf spiders are typically brown in color and can range in size from 0.5 to 1.5 inches in length. They have long legs and can move quickly, which makes them effective hunters. They also have good eyesight, which they use to locate their prey. Wolf Spiders are found all over the world, and are found in almost every habitat.

Most species of wolf spider are not considered dangerous to humans, They generally bite only in self-defense, such as if someone accidentally picks them up. These bites are usually harmless, but some people may experience mild symptoms such as pain and swelling.

They will not typically bite unless handled and are beneficial since they help control pests population, their venom is not considered medically significant and usually not harmful, however it is always best to keep an eye and avoid from handling, should in case you are uncertain of the specie or have allergy concerns.

Yellow sac spider

Yellow sac spiders, or Cheiracanthium spiders, are a type of spider that are commonly found in and around homes in North America, including the Edmonton, Alberta area. They are small, yellowish-green spiders that measure about 6-10mm in body length.

Yellow sac spiders are nocturnal, and they spend most of the day hiding in their silk sacs, which are small, flattened, and typically found in protected areas such as folded leaves, under rocks, or in crevices. They come out at night to hunt for small insects and other spiders, which they paralyze with venom before eating.

Their venom is considered to be medically significant, they can bite humans if they feel threatened and will do so if trapped against the skin, However the bites are usually painless and not serious. The venom contains a neurotoxin that can cause symptoms such as localized pain, redness, and swelling, as well as more severe symptoms such as headaches, muscle cramps, and nausea in some individuals.

It is best to keep an eye and avoid from handling, should in case you are uncertain of the specie or have allergy concerns.

Brown recluse spider

The brown recluse spider, also known as the violin spider or fiddleback spider, is a venomous spider that can be found in the southern and central United States, as well as parts of Canada, including Alberta. It is brown in color and has a distinctive violin-shaped mark on its back, which is how it gets its common name. The brown recluse spider is typically about 6-20mm in body length.

Brown recluse spiders are usually found in dark, undisturbed areas such as closets, basements, attics, and crawl spaces, but they can also be found in outbuildings and sheds. They are reclusive and nocturnal, so they are not commonly seen.

Bites from brown recluse spiders can cause serious injury, and if left untreated, can lead to serious tissue damage and even death. They are not aggressive, but may bite if they feel threatened, or if they are accidentally touched. If a brown recluse spider bite is suspected, immediate medical attention is recommended.

Symptoms of a brown recluse spider bite can include severe pain, itching, and redness at the bite site, as well as fever, chills, nausea, and muscle pain. These symptoms can develop within a few hours of the bite and may worsen over the next two to eight hours.

Please take note that brown recluse spider is a rare species in Canada and its presence in Edmonton is not well documented and it's not common, however it's always important to be aware of any spider and take precautions.

Black widow

The black widow spider is a venomous spider that is commonly found in North America, including Canada. It is easily recognizable by its shiny black body and the distinctive red hourglass shape on the underside of its abdomen. The female black widow spider is typically about 1.5 inches in length, while the male is about half the size.

Black widow spiders are typically found in dark, undisturbed areas such as basements, crawl spaces, sheds, and outbuildings. They build their webs in corners or other tight spaces, and they are most active at night.

The venom of the black widow spider is toxic to humans, and a bite can cause serious symptoms such as muscle pain, cramping, and spasms, as well as symptoms of nerve damage, such as tremors, stiffness, and difficulty breathing. In some cases, a bite can also cause seizures, high blood pressure, and chest pain.

Symptoms of a black widow spider bite can appear within a few hours of the bite and can include pain, redness, and swelling at the bite site, along with muscle cramps and spasms, nausea, and headache. Black widow spider bites can be life-threatening, especially for young children, the elderly, or those in poor health. If you suspect you have been bitten by a black widow spider, seek medical attention immediately.

Black widow spiders are rare in Canada and you might have difficulty to find them in Edmonton, however, it is always good to be aware of any spider and take precautions.

Common house spider

The common house spider is a type of spider that is commonly found in and around homes in many parts of the world, including Edmonton, Alberta. They are usually small, usually around 6mm in body length, and are typically light brown or gray in color, with long, slender legs. They are harmless to humans and beneficial to have them in the home because they help control insect population.

Common house spiders can be found in a wide variety of habitats, but they are most commonly found in the corners of rooms, ceilings, and other protected areas in homes, such as attics, basements, and closets. They are nocturnal creatures, and they build their webs in areas where they will be undisturbed.

The web of common house spiders is usually irregular in shape and is made of a fine, strong silk. They are opportunistic hunters, meaning they will eat whatever insects or small arthropods are available. They are harmless to humans and will not bite unless handled and feel threatened.

Common house spiders can be easily managed, by vacuuming or removing their webs, sealing of cracks and crevices to prevent entry, and by keeping the environment dry and free of clutter. If a person does have an aversion to have them around, chemical or natural control methods could be used.

Cellar spider

Cellar spiders, also known as Daddy Longlegs or Long-bodied Cellar Spiders, are common arachnids found in most parts of the world, including Edmonton, Alberta. They are known for their long, thin legs and small body size, usually around 10mm in body length. Their color can vary from pale yellow-brown to dark grey or brown.

Cellar spiders are found in a variety of habitats, but they are particularly common in damp, dark places such as basements, cellars, crawl spaces, and other undisturbed areas of homes and buildings. They are also often found around windows and doors, as they tend to build their webs in these areas to catch flying insects.

Cellar spiders have poor eyesight, but they can sense vibrations in their webs, which they use to locate prey. Their venom is not dangerous to humans and they are not harmful, it is not known to have any significant effect on humans.

Like other spider they are beneficial since they help to control insect population and they are not aggressive and bites are rare, they are likely to be harmless. However, if you find them too close to your living area, the webs can be removed with a vacuum or by physically removing them, using natural or chemical methods to keep them away.

bottom of page