Catch of the Week: Marbled Orb Weaver Spiders

October 30, 2015

With most of the spiders found in Iowa relatively harmless, it is always interesting to come across a spider such as this Marbled Orb Weaver spider our technicians saw this week while on a job. Though this particular spider looks like it could pose a threat - it is completely harmless.

The Most Common Spiders in Iowa

In Iowa, we break up spiders into two categories: hunting and web building spiders.\

Hunting Spiders:

• Wolf Spiders - These spiders are about 1/8 - 1 inch long with dark brown hair. You will most likely find them on the foundation of your house or around landscaping.

• Sac Spiders - This specific type of spider is small to medium in size and will typically be found on the ground or in foliage.

• Fisher Spiders - You will normally see this spider by swamps, ponds, or slow-moving streams. These spiders are the largest spiders in the Midwest growing to about 1-4 inches and tend to be dark colored.

Web Building Spiders:

• House Spiders - This is the most common spider found indoors. They tend to be darker gray or brown in color with chevron markings on their abdomen. They build loosely tangled webs within secluded areas of a home.

• Brown Recluse Spiders - The brown recluse spider is very rare throughout Iowa and is not afraid to bite if they are disturbed.

• Cobweb Spiders - These spiders are common both inside and outside.They are relatively small and brown/gray in color. Their webs are build as the familiar irregular, tangled webs we are used to seeing around wood and stone piles and in basements.

• Cellar Spiders - Commonly found in dark, secluded areas cellar spiders tend to make webs that are loose and irregular near ceilings and the floor. You will notice that their color is pale gray to light tan in color.

• Orb Weaver Spiders - This type of spider will be spotted outside within gardens and other landscapes. Orb weaver spiders make the 'typical' spider web that looks like many circles and lines. These spiders have bright colors and appear to have a swollen abdomen.

• Funnel Weaver Spiders - These spiders tend to build their webs around steps, foundations, window wells and low shrubs. They are normally brown or gray with stripes near their head, a pattern on their abdomen.

Interested in more information about Iowa spiders? Learn more in our pest library!

Des Moines Spider Control

Is your home or business struggling with a spider infestation? Preferred Pest Control can take care of the problem! As the leading Des Moines exterminator, our technicians will efficiently and effectively handle the infestation. Schedule an appointment online or call us at (515) 276-7277 today!