Common Spider Myths (and What’s Actually True)

Many people fear spiders because they’re often portrayed as poisonous, aggressive, and out to bite anyone who gets near them. In reality, most spiders you see in Boise-area homes are not dangerous to people or pets—and many are quietly helping by eating other insects.

Understanding what’s true (and what isn’t) can make it easier to decide when to relax, when to take action, and when to call in a professional.

Myth #1: Every Spider Makes a Web

One of the most common beliefs is that all spiders spin big, obvious webs. It’s easy to see why—webs are what most people notice first.

In reality:

• There are tens of thousands of spider species worldwide, and only some build large, visible webs.
• Many spiders are active hunters that don’t rely on webs—they chase, ambush, or stalk their prey instead.
• Web building takes time and energy, so spiders adapt their behavior to whatever works best in their environment.

So if you’re seeing spiders but not seeing big webs, that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re “hiding” webs—it may just be a species that hunts instead of spins elaborate webbing.

Myth #2: If It Has 8 Legs, It’s a Spider

People are often taught that “six legs = insect” and “eight legs = spider.” That’s only partly true.

Spiders are arachnids, which means they share their eight-legged category with other pests, including:

• Scorpions
• Harvestmen (“daddy longlegs” in the non-spider sense)
• Ticks and mites

All spiders start life with eight legs, but it’s not unusual for them to lose a leg or two over their lifetime due to predators, accidents, or old injuries. So:

• Eight legs doesn’t always mean “spider.”
• Not every strange, eight-legged creature in your home is the same risk level or requires the same treatment.

Myth #3: All Spiders Are Venomous and Dangerous to Humans

Not all spiders have venom that can harm people. The term “venomous” refers to animals that use venom to subdue prey, not necessarily to cause serious harm to humans.

What’s more accurate:

• Most spiders have venom adapted for very small prey like flies and other insects.
• Only a small fraction have venom that can cause significant reactions in humans.
• Even when bites happen, many cause only mild, localized pain or irritation.

Some species can cause more serious symptoms—such as increased heart rate, nausea, or significant pain—but these cases are less common and usually involve specific species and specific situations (like being trapped against the skin).

If you are ever worried about a bite, especially if you experience trouble breathing, spreading redness, or other severe symptoms, seek medical care promptly.

Myth #4: Spiders Are Always Aggressive

Most spiders want absolutely nothing to do with you. They prefer to avoid contact and will often:

• Freeze or run away when disturbed
• Hide in cracks, corners, storage areas, and undisturbed spaces
• Only bite if they feel trapped or threatened (for example, inside clothing, shoes, or bedding)

A calm approach—shaking out clothing and shoes, avoiding grabbing spiders with bare hands, and gently removing them or calling a professional—goes a long way toward minimizing risk.

Myth #5: More Spiders Means Your Home Is Filthy

Spiders are often attracted to prey, not dirt. That means:

• If you have lots of other insects (flies, gnats, moths, etc.), spiders may follow the food source.
• Outdoor lighting that attracts nighttime insects can also pull more spiders toward your home.
• Basements, garages, and storage rooms are popular not because they’re “dirty,” but because they’re dark, quiet, and rarely disturbed.

Good housekeeping helps by removing webbing, reducing clutter, and limiting hiding spots—but even clean homes can occasionally host spiders, especially in fall when outdoor temperatures drop.

Myth #6: The Best Way to Get Rid of Spiders Is to Spray Everything

Spraying every surface in your home is rarely necessary—and can be risky if products are misused. A more effective and practical approach usually looks like this:

Step 1: Reduce What Attracts Spiders

• Turn off unnecessary outdoor lights at night or switch to bulbs that attract fewer insects.
• Reduce clutter in garages, basements, and storage rooms.
• Vacuum corners, behind furniture, and along baseboards regularly to remove webs and egg sacs.

Step 2: Seal Entry Points

• Seal gaps around doors and windows with weatherstripping or caulk.
• Check screens on windows, doors, and foundation vents and repair any tears.
• Seal cracks and crevices where spiders and other insects may enter.

Step 3: Use Targeted Control, Not “Wall-to-Wall” Spray

• If using a store-bought product, always follow the label exactly.
• Focus on cracks, crevices, and exterior entry points—never spray products on people, pets, or bedding.
• Vacuuming webs and egg sacs is often the simplest and safest first step indoors.

For homeowners who want a more hands-off, long-term solution, professional pest control is often the most efficient way to reduce spider activity while also addressing the other insects spiders feed on.

Myth #7: You Should Never Call a Professional for Spiders

Some spiders can be managed with simple DIY methods, but there are times when professional help makes sense, especially when:

• You’re seeing a high number of spiders or webs throughout the home
• Family members have strong fears or concerns about spider bites
• You’re not sure what type of spider you’re dealing with
• You’ve tried basic cleaning and sealing but still see regular activity

Spiders do not usually pose a substantial danger to you or your family, but it’s understandable that many people prefer to reduce their presence indoors—especially when venomous and non-venomous spiders can look similar at a glance.

If you’d like professional help managing spiders and other pests in the Treasure Valley, Pestcom Pest Management offers pest control services tailored to local homes and conditions.

How to Reduce Spiders in and Around Your Home

Here’s a quick checklist you can use seasonally or whenever spider activity increases:

• Outdoors: Remove webbing from eaves, porch ceilings, and around entry doors; trim vegetation back from the foundation.
• Indoors: Vacuum webs from corners, ceiling junctions, and behind furniture.
• Storage: Use sealed plastic bins instead of open cardboard boxes in basements and garages.
• Lights: Reduce bright exterior lighting near doors and windows when practical.
• Entry points: Seal cracks, gaps, and torn screens where insects and spiders can enter.

If spiders are making you uncomfortable in your Boise, Meridian, Nampa, or surrounding-area home, a combination of simple prevention steps and a professional treatment plan can give you peace of mind while reducing unwanted pests.