What Types Of Spiders Are In Dallas, TX? (ID Guide)

Garden Spider

Spiders show up across Dallas, from Southlake neighborhoods to older homes near Fort Worth. Most are not aggressive, but seeing them in basements or garages can still be unsettling.

Understanding the types of spiders in Dallas helps you spot harmless species, flag risky ones, and know when to call a pro. Many residents call after finding cobwebs along baseboards or a fast wolf spider crossing the floor. Others worry about a brown recluse in storage boxes or a black widow in a woodpile. In North Texas, warm weather and steady insect food make these concerns common.

This guide covers the most common spiders in Dallas, how to ID them, and where they hide. By the end, you will know when it is a simple spider problem and when to call Forterra Pest Control.

Key Takeaways

  • Dallas and Fort Worth homes see a mix of harmless and venomous spiders.
  • Wolf spiders, house spider species, and orb weavers are frequent visitors.
  • Black widows and brown recluses need prompt attention when found.
  • Prevention and professional pest control keep homes spider-free long term.

Common Spiders In Dallas Homes

You’ll see many spider species in Dallas year-round, most of which are more annoying than harmful. Here are the ones homeowners spot most:

  • American house spider: Small, light brown, and known for messy cobwebs in corners, closets, and crawl spaces.
  • Garden spiders and orb weavers: Large outdoor web-builders found near fences and porch rails, especially in late summer.
  • Wolf spiders: Fast, active hunters that don’t build webs. They may enter homes while searching for shelter or food.

If you’re seeing these spiders often or finding them in basements or bedrooms, our team at Forterra Pest Control provides a spider extermination service in Dallas, TX, that includes an inspection of entry points and measures to prevent future activity.

Brown Recluse Spiders In Dallas

brown recluse spider hanging

The brown recluse spider is one of the top concerns for Dallas and Fort Worth homeowners. Key traits and habits include:

  • Appearance: Smooth, light brown body with a clear violin-shaped marking. Some adults appear darker brown.
  • Habits: Hides in undisturbed areas such as boxes, closets, and storage rooms. Does not build thick webs.
  • Common locations: Attics, crawl spaces, basements, and other quiet, low-traffic spots.
  • Risk: As one of Texas’s most venomous spiders, a brown recluse spider bite can lead to swelling or irritation. It’s essential to seek medical attention if symptoms such as swelling or irritation develop or worsen.

If you think you’ve found a recluse, avoid touching it. Our experts at Forterra Pest Control can inspect hiding spots, remove webs, and seal gaps to keep these spiders out of your home.

Black Widows Around North Texas

Black Widow Spider on a Web (1)

The black widow spider is one of the easiest spiders to identify in North Texas. Here’s what Dallas homeowners need to know:

  • Appearance: Shiny black body with a clear red hourglass marking on the abdomen.
  • Webs: Messy, low webs with no real pattern.
  • Common outdoor spots: Woodpiles, sheds, under patio furniture, and around foundation gaps.
  • Indoor hiding areas: Quiet, dark places like garages and utility rooms.
  • Risk: A black widow spider bite causes pain and other symptoms, so take every sighting seriously.

If you see a black widow, avoid disturbing it. We can remove the spider, inspect hiding areas, and check for other species around your home.

Tarantulas In North Texas

Tarantula

Tarantulas live in parts of North Texas and sometimes wander into yards in Dallas and Fort Worth. They prefer dry soil, warm weather, and quiet spaces. While their size can be alarming, they aren’t aggressive and rarely enter homes.

  • Large, slow-moving spiders that stay outdoors.
  • Usually dark brown or black.
  • Bites are uncommon and typically mild.

If tarantulas begin appearing near entry points, we can inspect your property and prevent them from entering.

Outdoor Spiders Homeowners Commonly See

Most Texas spiders stay outdoors and rarely enter homes. They help control insects, but their colors and webs stand out. Homeowners often see:

  • Orb weavers: Large, bright spiders that build wide circle webs between bushes, fences, and porch rails. They are harmless and often sit near porch lights.
  • Garden spiders: Create big, visible webs and often show a healthy yard with steady insect food.
  • Jumping spiders: Small hunters that hop across window sills, railings, and outdoor furniture. They are quick but not aggressive.

If outdoor spiders enter your home or appear in large numbers, something is attracting them. Common causes include easy entry points or insects that serve as food. 

Why Spider Infestations Happen In Dallas

Several factors in North Texas increase the risk of spider infestations. Warm weather keeps insects active longer, which feeds spider growth. Shaded yards, dense vegetation, and cluttered storage areas provide spiders with easy hiding places.

Spiders gather where pests are present. If ants, flies, or other insects are indoors, spiders follow the food source. People often find more spiders in basements, attics, and garages.

DIY sprays or other home remedies that repel pests, such as peppermint,  may help for a short time, but spiders return if conditions stay the same. Professional pest control treats the source and helps keep your home spider-free year-round.

Our team checks crawl spaces, door seals, and other gaps to stop spiders before they spread.

When To Call For Professional Spider Control

Most outdoor spiders do not need removal. Call a local expert if you find a black widow or brown recluse, see spiders each week, or keep finding new webs.

Homes near lakes, creeks, or woods around Dallas and Fort Worth often get more spiders in warm months. Regular treatments reduce populations and prevent bigger problems.

At Forterra Pest Control, we use family-friendly products, seal small gaps, and remove webs and nesting sites. If you want long-term prevention, our pest control services provide steady protection for Texas homes.

Making The Right Spider Control Choice For Your DFW Home

Spiders are part of Texas life, but they should not take over your home. Knowing the types of spiders in Dallas helps you decide when it is harmless and when to call for help. With steady prevention and the right treatments, you can keep your home spider-free.

If you’ve noticed increased spider activity or think you’ve found a dangerous species, our team at Forterra Pest Control is ready to help. 

Contact us today or request a free quote. Our local technicians understand the insects and arachnids in Dallas and know how to keep them out for good.

FAQs

Where do spiders usually enter my Dallas home?

Most spiders slip in through small cracks around doors, windows, garage seals, and utility lines. They also use vents or gaps near rooflines, especially if your attic or crawl space has open access points.

Are most spiders in Dallas dangerous?

No. Most species in Dallas are harmless and avoid people. The most dangerous ones are black widows and brown recluse spiders. Let trained professionals handle these spiders. 

How can I reduce spiders around my home in Dallas?

Keep storage areas tidy, remove old boxes, clear yard debris, and reduce indoor insects through regular cleaning. Professional pest control provides long-lasting protection and reduces the insects and spiders that feed on them.

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    Forterra Pest Control
    935 S Kimball Ave, #162
    Southlake, TX 76092