Common Spiders in California: Identification & Safety Guide
Jun 3, 2011, 19:14 PM
by
Fred Speer
Clark Pest Entomology Team | Last Updated: December 2, 2025
Key Takeaways
Most California spiders are harmless. The only medically significant spider commonly found in California homes is the Black Widow. Brown Recluses are extremely rare in the state. Other common spiders like Wolf Spiders, Cellar Spiders (Daddy Longlegs), and Yellow Sac Spiders are beneficial predators that pose little threat to humans.
Quick answer: If you live in California, you likely encounter spiders daily. While they look scary, most are your allies against other pests. Use the visual guide below to identify which spider is in your home and determine if you need to call a professional.
Visual ID Guide: Who is in Your House?
Identify your spider quickly using this comparison of the four most common species we treat in California and Nevada.
1. Black Widow
ID: Shiny black with red hourglass.
Risk: HIGH. Painful bite, neurotoxic venom.
Photo: Rodolfosalinas, CC BY-SA 4.0
2. Wolf Spider
ID: Hairy, brown/gray, hunts on ground.
Risk: LOW. Scary looking but harmless.
Photo: Bidgee, CC BY-SA 3.0
3. Cellar Spider
ID: Long skinny legs, messy webs.
Risk: NONE. "Daddy Longlegs" are harmless.
Photo: Daniel Ullrich, CC BY-SA 3.0
4. Yellow Sac Spider
ID: Pale yellow/beige, black "feet."
Risk: MODERATE. Can bite; painful but not deadly.
Photo: Austin Campbell, CC BY-SA 4.0
The Real Threat: The Black Widow (Latrodectus hesperus)
The Western Black Widow is the most common harmful spider in California. You will typically find them in dark, undisturbed areas like woodpiles, garages, and meter boxes.
- Appearance: Shiny black body with a distinct red hourglass on the underside.
- Web: Messy, strong, "sticky" silk (it makes a crackling sound if you tear it).
- Bite Symptoms: Severe muscle cramping, nausea, and abdominal pain. While rarely fatal to healthy adults, medical attention is required.
Mythbuster: The Brown Recluse
We get calls about "Brown Recluse" spiders every day. The good news? They are almost non-existent in California.
The Brown Recluse (Loxosceles reclusa) is native to the Midwest and South. In California, you might encounter the native Desert Recluse in the dry southeastern deserts, but they rarely infest homes. Most "brown spiders" homeowners see are actually Wolf Spiders or grass spiders.
Watch: The Truth About Black Widows
Separate fact from fiction in this educational guide by Animal Fact Files.
Video: Animal Fact Files
Clark's Expert Insight
"If you see a spider wandering around the floor in the middle of the day, it's almost certainly a Wolf Spider hunting for bugs. Black Widows are shy and stay in their webs. Don't panic about the wanderers—they are free pest control!"
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do Wolf Spiders bite?
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They can if provoked or handled, but they are not aggressive. Their bite is similar to a bee sting—painful and itchy, but not medically dangerous. They prefer to run away.
How do I get rid of spiders?
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The best way to control spiders is to control their food source (other insects). Regular de-webbing, sealing cracks, and reducing outdoor lighting (which attracts bugs) will force spiders to move elsewhere.
What if I am bitten by a Black Widow?
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Seek medical attention immediately. While fatalities are extremely rare, the symptoms (cramps, nausea, sweating) can be severe. Apply ice to the bite area to slow the spread of venom while you travel to a doctor.
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