Creepy or Dangerous? Common Spiders Found in North Texas

If you live in the North Texas region and have discovered spiders around your home or yard, you’re not alone. The climate and environment of this area provide ideal conditions for a variety of spider species—some simply look creepy, while a few can pose real risks. In this article by your local humane wildlife control experts at Wildlife X Team Fort Worth, you’ll learn about the most common spiders you might encounter, how to tell which ones are dangerous, and what you can do about them.

Why So Many Spiders in North Texas?

Spiders are an integral part of the local ecosystem. They feed on insects, help keep pest populations down, and often go unnoticed until they don’t. There are nearly 900 spider species in Texas, yet only two groups are considered truly dangerous to humans.

Certain conditions in North Texas drive increased spider activity:

  • Hot summer weather pushes spiders from yards and gardens into cooler, shaded structures like garages and basements.

  • Breeding seasons and hatching cycles increase the number of visible spiders in late spring and summer.

  • Cluttered, undisturbed areas in homes provide ideal retreat zones for spiders.

Understanding which spiders are likely harmless and which need attention helps you make informed decisions. Below are some of the most commonly encountered species in North Texas.

The Truly Dangerous Ones

Brown Recluse Spiders

The Brown Recluse is among the few spiders whose bite can be medically significant.

  • Identification: light brown color, a characteristic violin-shaped marking on the top of the body.

  • Typical habitats: dark, undisturbed areas inside structures (attics, closets, behind boxes), woodpiles, under furniture.

  • Risk: The venom contains necrotizing enzymes and may cause tissue damage around the bite site; immediate medical attention is advised.
    What you can do: Maintain clutter-free storage areas, shake out shoes or boots before wearing them, and seal cracks and gaps around your home.

Black Widow Spiders

The Black Widow is the other major venomous spider of concern in Texas.

  • Identification: glossy black body, with a red hourglass marking on the underside of the abdomen (female).

  • Typical habitats: outdoors in secluded, undisturbed spots like woodpiles, under patio furniture, meter boxes, and sheds—sometimes near the foundation.

  • Risk: While bites are rare, the venom is neurotoxic and can cause significant symptoms such as muscle cramps, nausea, and intense pain, especially in children or older adults.
    What you can do: Reduce clutter outdoors, check woodpiles and storage spaces carefully, and wear gloves when working in areas where they may hide.

Spiders That Look Creepy but Are Generally Harmless

Wolf Spiders

Wolf spiders are large, hairy ground-hunting spiders that don’t build elaborate webs but actively hunt prey. Although they can look intimidating, they are not aggressive toward humans, and bites are rarely serious.
What you can do: Sweep and vacuum corners, reduce ground clutter, and seal gaps in garage doors and window frames.

Jumping Spiders

These small, compact spiders with big forward-facing eyes are active hunters rather than web builders. Jumping Spider bites are extremely rare and they pose virtually no threat to humans.
What you can do: Use screens on windows and reduce lighting that attracts insects (their prey) near doors and windows.

Orb-Weaver or Garden Spiders

Species such as the Yellow Garden Spider build large circular webs in gardens, fields, and around structures. They are beneficial, feeding on flying insects and helping reduce pest populations. While their size and web presence may startle you, their bites are not dangerous to humans.
What you can do: If you don’t mind them, let them be—they help. If you prefer fewer webs, relocate them gently or reduce outdoor lighting.

Common House Spiders

The American House Spider is a small brown or gray spider that builds cobwebs near windows and corners. While they may be unwelcome guests, they are generally harmless and even helpful in controlling insect pests.
What you can do: Regular cleaning, vacuuming of corners, and removing webs keeps their population down.

When to Call in Professionals

At Wildlife X Team Fort Worth, we are experienced in humane wildlife control and spider management across Fort Worth and the surrounding region. You should call a professional if:

  • You have found evidence of brown recluse or black widow spiders (egg sacs, clusters, webs in secluded areas).

  • You or a family member have experienced a bite and are unsure of the spider species or risk.

  • You have recurring spider infestations indicating breeding and hiding zones that are hard to access.

  • Your property has many hiding spots (woodpiles, storage boxes, eaves, sheds) and you want prevention rather than reaction.

We use safe, effective methods that respect wildlife and your home environment.

Tips for Preventing Spiders in and Around Your Home

  • Seal cracks and crevices around windows, doors, utility entry points, and in foundations.

  • Keep woodpiles, debris, and storage boxes away from the house’s foundation and off the ground.

  • Reduce clutter in dark, undisturbed areas such as basements, attics, garages, and closets.

  • Use screens on windows and doors, and check chimney caps and attic vents.

  • Turn off or reduce night lighting near entrances that attracts insects.

  • Perform regular inspections of seldom-used areas such as behind furniture, inside boxes, and under eaves.

  • If you are unsure about a spider or its bite, photograph it safely and call a professional rather than risking direct handling.

Not all spiders are enemies—in fact, many perform valuable pest control functions. But because of the presence of dangerous species such as brown recluses and black widows, it is wise to treat any unknown spider in your home or yard with caution. With good housekeeping, inspections, and professional assistance when needed, you can reduce risks and keep creepy-crawly worries under control.

If you’ve spotted spiders in your home, yard, or business in the Fort Worth area and you’d like help identifying, removing, or preventing them, contact the experts at Wildlife X Team Fort Worth. We’ll assess the situation, safely handle the spiders, and help you protect your space—call today to schedule your inspection.