FAQs About Common House Spiders in Illinois, Indiana, and Kentucky

Do you have an eight-legged pest problem? Spiders are common almost everywhere in the United States. Illinois, Indiana, and Kentucky are home to a variety of these arachnids — including the cellar and brown recluse spider. If you suspect you have one or both of these invaders inside of your home, read on to learn what you need to know about these spiders and your extermination options.

What Is a Cellar Spider?

This spider gets its name from where it is often found — in the cellar (or basement) of a home. While the scientific name for this arachnid is Pholcus phalanhioides, most people refer to the cellar spider as a daddy longlegs because of its notable long, thin legs and smaller-sized body. 

Beyond its leg size, the cellar spider has a yellowish or light brown body. According to the National Pest Management Association's PestWorld website, the body of the male cellar spider is approximately one-sixteenth to one-quarter of an inch long, and the female is between one-sixteenth and five-sixteenths of an inch long.

What Is a Brown Recluse Spider?

Found mainly in the Midwest and Southeast of the United States, the brown recluse spider can be identified by a dark brown violin shape on its back. It prefers to live in warm, dry, and dark environments like woodpiles, basements, attics, and closets. Brown recluse spiders will bite especially when they feel trapped. The venom can cause severe allergic reactions, most notably in children, the elderly or those with preexisting medical conditions.

Coming in at ¼ to ½ inch in size, the brown recluse spider is light to dark brown with the characteristic dark brown violin marking on its back.

What Should You Do If You See a Spider In Your Home?

Both cellar and brown recluse spiders are common in Illinois, Indiana, and Kentucky homes. It is not likely you will need to take action if you only see one cellar spider. However, if you cannot identify the spider, you should contact a professional to give your home a thorough inspection.

Why Do You Need a Professional Pest Control Service In Illinois, Indiana, or Kentucky?

More specifically, why can't you attempt a do-it-yourself fix to your cellar or brown recluse spider problem? Even though you can easily relocate or exterminate one spider from your basement, crawlspace, or other area of your home, a serious pest issue requires professional help. The professional has the experience, knowledge, and equipment to find the spiders and create a treatment plan.

Failure to locate all the spiders or treat the problem correctly could result in a repeat invasion. Beyond the possibility of another pest problem, the wrong type of treatment could pose a safety risk to you, your household members, or pets in your home — especially if you use an over-the-counter chemical pesticide product.

Which Pest Professional Is the Right One for the Job?

Your home does not just have a pest problem. It has a spider problem. Therefore, you need to hire a professional with experience exterminating cellar and brown recluse spiders in a residential setting. 

Before you hire a professional or sign an estimate, ask the inspector about the specific experience or knowledge they have working with house spiders. If the professional typically treats homes for bedbugs and ants or usually only works in commercial spaces, continue your search until you find one that meets your

specific spider needs. 

Does your home have more than just a few spiders? Contact Pass Pest Control for more information.