Crevice Weaving Spiders

Filistatidae

Crevice Weaver Spider

Southern house spider (Kokako, Wikimedia Commons)

Crevice Weaver Spider

Male southern house spider (Edward L. Manigault, Clemson University, Bugwood.org)

Crevice Weaver Spider web

Crevice weaving spider web (Marshal Hedin, Wikimedia Commons)

Identification

  • females: large bodies with velvety brown or black coloration; sometimes mistaken for small tarantulas
  • males: thin bodies and long legs with tan coloration; sometimes mistaken for brown recluse spiders

Nesting Habits

  • make webs in small holes or crevices around structures
  • active at night
  • more common in southern Utah

Diet

  • small insects

Significance

  • can become a nuisance in and around buildings

IPM Recommendations

  • If this spider is found indoors, inspect for webs associated with a hole or crack in exterior walls.
  • Clear away vegetation in contact with the building foundation.
  • Find and seal cracks and holes along the building’s exterior.
  • Catch and release (with a glass jar) spiders found indoors.
  • Step on or swat unwanted spiders outdoors.
  • Change exterior lighting to sodium vapor bulbs.

Additional Resources:

IPM for Spiders: Integrated Pest Management in Sensitive Environments (University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension)