Spider Webs In South Florida Garages: Normal Or Infestation?
If you notice spider webs in your garage, you’re not the only one. Spiders move into many Florida homes during the warmer months. Garages, attics, and crawl spaces make perfect spots for them to hide and hunt insects.
Some webs are harmless and come from common house spiders or cellar spiders (often called daddy long-legs). Others, such as webs from black widows or spiders that resemble brown recluse spiders, can pose a bigger problem. Knowing the difference tells you when to call a pro.
This guide covers common Florida garage spiders, signs of an infestation, and when to get help from Native Pest Management.
Key Takeaways
- Garages, attics, and basements provide dark, quiet spaces where spiders build webs and thrive.
- Cellar spiders, wolf spiders, and jumping spiders are the most common in Florida homes.
- Dangerous species, such as the southern black widow and spiders resembling the brown recluse, require prompt action, and their bites necessitate medical attention.
- Regular cleaning, sealing gaps, and professional pest control help keep your garage pest-free.
Why Garages Attract Spiders In Florida
Spiders in Florida love dark corners, garages, storage areas, and woodpiles. These spots are home to numerous insects and provide many places to hide. When a spider finds a good spot, it quickly spins a web and waits for a meal.
South Florida’s heat and humidity foster a year-round insect population. More bugs in your garage means more spiders. Keep the space clean, dry, and sealed to make it less inviting.
Even undisturbed areas, such as shelves, boxes, or window sills, can harbor spiders. Regular cleaning and checking for signs of webs help you prevent spider infestations in Florida or spot them early.
Common Spider Species Found In Florida Garages
Florida homes are home to many kinds of spiders, and some of these spiders prefer garages. Learning how to recognize their webs and body shapes helps you tell which spiders are harmless and which need control.
Cellar Spiders (Daddy Long Legs)
Also known as daddy long-leg spiders, these thin-bodied arachnids have slender legs and a light brown or tan color. They build their tangled webs in corners or ceilings of attics, crawl spaces, and basements. Although they may look creepy, they’re harmless and actually help catch prey, such as mosquitoes and flies.
Wolf Spiders
Unlike web-builders, wolf spiders in Florida homes roam the ground hunting insects. You’ll see them near woodpiles or under boxes. They’re dark brown or gray, with strong legs and a sturdy body. While they can bite, wolf spiders are not venomous, though their bites may require medical attention if swelling or pain occurs.
Jumping Spiders
Jumping spiders in Florida are small, fuzzy, and active hunters often spotted on windowsills or walls. Their compact black body and quick movements make them easy to recognize. They don’t rely on webs to catch prey but may create small silk nests in storage areas.
Southern House Spider
This spider species is often mistaken for a brown recluse spider due to its light brown color and similar body shape. However, it lacks the violin-shaped mark found on the brown recluse. These common house spiders typically stay near the entry point, such as door frames or corners.
Tarantulas And Harvestmen
Tarantulas rarely come indoors, but one may wander into a garage for shelter. They’re large and slow-moving, and they’re not aggressive. They can startle you, but they help control other pests.
Harvestmen (often confused with spiders) are harmless. They don’t spin webs or bite. They also help reduce pests around your home.
Dangerous Spiders To Watch For
While most spiders in your garage are harmless, a few dangerous spiders in Florida need attention right away.
Brown Recluse Spider
Brown recluse spiders are small and brown, characterized by a violin-shaped mark on their backs. They hide in quiet places, such as attics and basements. Many common spiders that look like brown recluses live in Florida homes, but they’re usually not dangerous.
Knowing how to tell them apart from the actual brown recluse can help you handle your spider problem more efficiently and effectively. Brown recluse bites can cause severe skin reactions and always require medical attention. If you suspect an infestation in your home, contact a professional residential pest control service in Florida immediately.
Black Widow Spider
The southern black widow, also known as the black widow spider, is easily identified by its shiny black body and a distinctive bright red hourglass marking on its underside. They prefer crevices and corners in garages, crawl spaces, or woodpiles. A black widow bite can cause severe pain, muscle cramps, and other symptoms that need urgent medical attention.
Sac Spider
You can find these small, pale yellow spiders near windowsills and entry points. Sac spiders are among the most common house spiders in Florida. While sac spider bites are generally mild compared to those of black widows or recluse spiders, they can still be irritating. They don’t spin webs to catch prey but create small silk sacs where they rest during the day.
Orb Weaver Spider
Orb-weaver spiders are responsible for large circular webs often seen near lights or in the outdoor corners of Florida homes. They’re not harmful and help reduce pest populations around your property.
Are Spider Webs A Sign Of Infestation?
A few cobwebs do not mean an infestation. Spiders build webs to catch insects and may move on when the food supply is low. However, if new webs appear every few days or you notice many spiders, investigate further.
Large clusters of tangled webs, shed skins, or egg sacs in quiet areas, such as attics and crawl spaces, indicate a growing problem. More webs often mean more insects are around to attract spiders.
In South Florida, insects thrive year-round, so spiders often move indoors. Keep your garage tidy, seal gaps, and check corners to prevent buildup.
How To Get Rid Of Spiders In Your Garage
Wondering how to get rid of spiders in your Florida garage? Start by removing their hiding spots and food sources.
First, sweep away cobwebs and clean storage areas regularly. Move boxes off the floor and check behind tools, shelves, and woodpiles. You should also vacuum cracks, crevices, and corners where spiders’ webs form.
Next, seal entry points with caulk or weather stripping. Spiders often sneak in through gaps around garage doors or vents. Reducing humidity can also help; spiders prefer moist crawl spaces and corners.
If spiders continue to return, consider calling a professional pest control company. At Native Pest Management, we provide pet- and environmentally friendly spider control in South Florida. Our exterminators employ proven methods to remove webs and prevent re-entry, ensuring your garage remains pest-free throughout the year.
Making The Right Pest Control Choice For South Florida Homeowners
For most Florida homeowners, occasional spider webs are a common occurrence. However, if you notice tangled webs multiplying in your garage or around storage areas, it may be time to consider professional pest control services.
At Native Pest Management, we serve West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Port St. Lucie, Miami, and nearby areas with trusted spider control services. We’ll inspect your home, identify the spider species, and customize a plan to remove them for good.
Contact us today for a free quote. Our team can help you stay safe, comfortable, and pest-free, without harming your family or pets.
FAQs
Are spider webs in my garage normal?
Yes, a few webs are normal. Spiders often move in to catch prey, such as flies or mosquitoes. Frequent new webs, however, may signal an infestation.
Which spiders are dangerous in Florida garages?
The southern black widow and brown recluse spider are the two most venomous spiders in Florida. For your safety, let professional pest control technicians handle these spiders instead.
How can I prevent spiders from coming back?
Keep your garage clean, reduce clutter, and seal entry points. Schedule regular treatments with Native Pest Management to keep your home pest-free.