Common house spiders are indeed harmless to humans. As an expert in the field, I can assure you that most spiders, including common house spiders, pose no threat to us. These arachnids have venom glands, but their venom is primarily designed to immobilize and digest their prey, such as insects. It is not potent enough to cause harm to humans.
It is important to note that spiders are generally shy and will only bite humans as a last resort when they feel threatened or cornered. Even then, most spiders will try to escape rather than bite. Bites from spiders are relatively rare occurrences, and the vast majority of spiders found in homes are harmless and will not bite humans.
Let’s talk about some of the common house spiders you might encounter. One well-known species is the cellar spider, also known as the daddy long-legs. These spiders have long, thin legs and a small body. Despite their somewhat intimidating appearance, they are harmless to humans. I’ve encountered many cellar spiders in my home, and they have never posed any danger to me or my family.
Another common house spider is the cobweb spider. These spiders build messy, irregular webs in corners and other secluded areas of the house. While their webs can be a nuisance, cobweb spiders are harmless to humans. I’ve come across their webs many times, and although they may startle me, I know they won’t cause any harm.
The black widow spider is one venomous species that commonly raises concerns among people. While their venom is indeed potent, black widows are not aggressive and will only bite if they feel threatened. Fatalities from black widow bites are extremely rare, and most bites result in mild symptoms such as pain and swelling. Personal experience has shown me that encounters with black widow spiders are infrequent, and they tend to prefer hiding in undisturbed areas like garages or sheds.
To further put your mind at ease, let’s consider some statistics. According to the American Association of Poison Control Centers, there were only 2 deaths attributed to spider bites in the United States between 2000 and 2013. This is a remarkably low number considering the vast number of spiders that people come into contact with on a daily basis.
Common house spiders are harmless to humans. Their venom is primarily used to capture and subdue their prey, not to harm people. Spiders typically only bite humans as a last resort and fatalities from spider bites are extremely rare. So, the next time you come across a spider in your home, remember that they are more afraid of you than you are of them.