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Common house spiders are not typically the source of anxiety for most home owners who find the little brown or gray creatures in their houses. Not only are they not deadly when it comes to their bite, they can also be great at keeping nuisance insects like flies at bay. In North America alone there are 3,400 species of spiders some house spiders and others not.

The common house spider comprises of a number of species that make up this type of spiders. They include

The long bodied cellar spider

Scientifically known as Pholcus Phalangioides, this spider has a head that looks similar to a human skull. Because of a human looking cephalothorax it is also known as a skull spider. They are typically good guy spiders because they eat insects, centipedes and other pests. Their natural habitat is undisturbed locations of the house with very little to no light like cellars and basements.

The cellar spider has a distant relative known as the daddy long legs spider which looks similar but it is not the same. Perhaps the best thing about a long bodied cellar spider is that it can eat black widows and brown recluse spiders which are woods spider with neocratic venom.

American house spider

Known is scientifically known as the parasteastoda tepidariorum, the American house spider is usually a bland looking grayish brown looking spider which is harmless to humans. They are referred to as cobweb spiders and they hide their webs in closets and other small spaces with human presence. They particularly like to build their webs in between walls in the house.

Their webs look untidy but are very effective in capturing prey. They are usually small to medium sized with a round abdomen.

Sac spiders

These are spiders from the clubionidae, Corinnidae and Miturgidae families. They have oval shaped bodies that feature a row of eight bodies. Their characteristic yellowish beige color gives them excellent camouflage to survive in a human habitat. They love the ceiling in the house which is where they will tend to hover most of their lives. Interestingly, they do not build webs so they will run down their prey and attack it.

Sac spiders are not usually harmful to humans but for people with allergic reactions to such bites they could cause a reaction that needs treatment. These spiders are primarily nocturnal.

Jumping spiders

Jumping spiders belong to the family of spiders known as Salticidae. They hunt during daylight and will jump around on the walls as they move swiftly toward their prey. These spiders have a compact build and will be black, brown or beige or tan in color.

Jumping spiders are generally harmless but if they bite they have the same effect as a bee sting. They are characterized by longer front legs and a hairy stocky body.

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Most house spiders are harmless and will only bite in self-defense when they feel threatened. Unfortunately, among common house spiders you may find venomous spiders like the brown recluse which will slip into the house and make a home in your attic or basement. This is why it is important to always clear out your basement and other areas not frequently used. If you dear an infestation of brown recluse spiders call in a professional to get rid of them for you.