9 Common Spiders in Virginia – Harmless vs. Poisonous Spiders
If you live in Virginia Beach, Alexandria, or nearby areas, you’ve probably spotted your fair share of spiders—especially during the spring and fall. While most spiders in Virginia are harmless and even helpful in keeping other pests away, a few can cause concern due to their size or venom.
At Alta Pest Control, we help Virginia homeowners understand which spiders are common, which ones to watch out for, and how to keep them outside where they belong.
1. Black Widow
Black widows are one of the few poisonous spiders in Virginia. They’re shiny, black, and easy to recognize thanks to the red hourglass shape on their belly. You’ll usually find them in dark, quiet areas like sheds, garages, and woodpiles. Bites are rare, but they can be serious—so it’s best to avoid handling them.
2. Wolf Spider
These big, fast-moving brown spiders are hard to miss. Wolf spiders are often seen in basements, garages, or crawling across the floor. While they can look intimidating, they’re not dangerous to humans. They don’t build webs—instead, they hunt their prey, which sometimes brings them inside.
3. Jumping Spider
These small, fuzzy spiders have excellent vision and are often spotted on windowsills or near light sources. They tend to be black or brown with white markings. Despite their bold appearance, jumping spiders in Virginia are harmless and non-aggressive.
4. Orb Weaver
If you’ve walked through a web strung across your porch or garden, an orb weaver was probably behind it. These spiders spin large, wheel-shaped webs and are usually orange, yellow, or brown. They’re among the most common spiders in Virginia and completely harmless.
5. Fishing Spider
Fishing spiders are some of the largest spiders in Virginia, often found near water sources like ponds or wooded creeks. They can even walk on water and dive below the surface to catch prey. While their size can be surprising, they’re not venomous and rarely enter homes.
6. Brown Recluse
The brown recluse is not native to Virginia, but there have been occasional reports, mostly in the far western part of the state. People often confuse other brown spiders in Virginia for a recluse. True brown recluse bites are extremely rare but can be serious if left untreated.
7. House Spider
These are the small, web-building spiders you’ll find in corners, closets, and crawl spaces. Sometimes called black house spiders, they can also appear gray or brown. They’re common throughout Virginia and completely harmless.
8. Yellow Sac Spider
Often found on ceilings or inside bedding, yellow sac spiders are pale and can be mistaken for other indoor spiders. Their bite may cause mild irritation but isn’t considered medically significant.
9. Cellar Spider (Daddy Long Legs)
These long-legged spiders are often seen in basements, under sinks, or hanging from ceilings. Despite the myths, they aren’t dangerous and don’t bite people.
Why You Might Be Seeing More Spiders
Spiders usually become more active when temperatures change—especially in the spring and fall. They might be looking for food, shelter, or a quiet place to lay eggs. If you’re noticing more webs or unexpected spider sightings indoors, chances are other pests are drawing them in.
Homes in Virginia Beach, Alexandria, and surrounding areas are especially prone to seasonal increases in spider activity. That’s where we come in.
How We Handle Spider Control
At Alta Pest Control, we do more than just knock down webs. Our spider treatments are designed to keep pests out long-term. Here’s what’s included:
- Brushing and removing webs from eaves and entry points
- Spraying the base of the home with a commercial-grade product
- Applying yard granules to form a barrier around your home
- Free re-treatments between visits if spiders return
Because spiders are often a sign of other pests, our home pest control service also helps control ants, roaches, silverfish, and other bugs that attract them. After your first treatment, you might actually notice an increase in spider activity—that’s normal. It just means they’re coming out of hiding as their food source disappears and the treatment starts working.
Why Families Across Virginia Trust Alta
We serve Virginia Beach, Alexandria, and nearby areas with honest, reliable pest control that puts you first. Here’s what makes us different:
- 100% satisfaction guarantee – If pests come back, we will too
- 48-hour response time – You won’t be left waiting
- Quarterly service – Year-round protection with unlimited free re-treatments
- Friendly, knowledgeable technicians – You’ll always know what was done and what to expect
Need Help with Spiders? We’ve Got You Covered
Whether you’re worried about venomous spiders in Virginia, trying to identify a large brown spider, or just tired of walking through webs, we’re here to help. Contact Alta Pest Control at 866-201-7787 for Virginia spider control backed by expertise, communication, and care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there venomous spiders in Virginia?
Yes. The black widow is native to Virginia and is considered venomous. Brown recluse spiders are not native but have been occasionally reported. Both are rare in homes and usually avoid people.
What’s the biggest spider in Virginia?
Wolf spiders and fishing spiders are among the largest spiders found in Virginia. While their size can be alarming, they aren’t harmful.
Are brown recluse spiders common in Virginia?
No. Brown recluse spiders are not commonly found in Virginia. Most brown spiders seen in homes are harmless and are often misidentified.
Why do I have so many spiders in my home?
Spiders typically show up where there are other bugs to eat. If your home has ants, flies, or other small insects, spiders will likely follow.
What’s the best way to get rid of spiders in Virginia?
The most effective method is professional pest control that treats both spiders and the insects they feed on. We offer quarterly treatments, web removal, and free re-treatments if spiders return.
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