Jul 8, 2018
When you see spiders in your garden, you may wonder if they can hurt you or your pets. The good news is, most spiders are not likely to bite or cause lasting harm if they do. Plus, they provide natural pest control! Here are a few spiders commonly found in gardens and landscapes:
Adult orbweaver. (Credit: Jack Kelly Clark)
Garden spiders or orb weavers spin funnel-shaped webs that cover plants or soil. This spider waits for prey to touch its web and then consumes it.
Adult flower or crab spider. (Credit: Jack Kelly Clark)
Crab or flower spiders look like tiny crabs. They use their enlarged front legs to stalk or hunt their prey.
Adult wolf spider. (Credit: Jack Kelly Clark)
Wolf spiders have long, hairy legs and don't build webs. They are often seen running along the ground.
Jumping spiders are hairy and sometimes iridescent. They don't spin webs, instead they hunt and pounce on their prey.
Adult green lynx spider. (Credit: Jack Kelly Clark)
Lynx spiders are active hunters that have spiny legs and a brightly colored body that tapers sharply toward the rear.
Underside of female adult black widow spider. (Credit: Jack Kelly Clark)
Black widow spiders are the only spiders in California that can be harmful to people or their pets. Venom from their bite can cause a mild to painful and serious reaction. However, death is highly unlikely, and symptoms can be alleviated with prompt medical treatment.
Wait, but what about the brown recluse spider? This spider isn't found in California. Yes, really. Read more in the Pest Notes: Brown Recluse and Other Recluse Spiders.
Watch this video to learn more about the spiders commonly found in gardens and sometimes inside the home.
You can also read the Pest Notes: Spiders for detailed information. For a colorful fact sheet, see the Quick Tips Common Garden Spiders.