Spiders are one of the most misunderstood pests — while many species are harmless (and even helpful in controlling other bugs), they don’t belong inside your home. In Middle Tennessee, we see a wide range of spiders, from harmless orb weavers to venomous brown recluses and black widows.

Whether you’re dealing with one eight-legged intruder or a full-blown infestation, Perimeter Pest has your back.

Active Seasons

Spiders are active year-round, especially indoors. Outdoor spider activity increases in spring and summer, with more indoor sightings in fall and winter as they seek warmth and food sources.

Lifespan

• Most common house spiders live 1–2 years

• Some species, like orb weavers and wolf spiders, may only live a single season

• Female spiders often lay hundreds of eggs at once, and those egg sacs can hatch within weeks

Reproduction Rate

Spiders reproduce fast — especially indoors.

• One egg sac may contain 100+ spiderlings

• Depending on the species, multiple sacs can be produced in a year

• Spiderlings disperse quickly, making infestations hard to control without a strategic approach

How to Identify

Common Middle Tennessee Spiders:

• House spiders: Small, brown or gray, found in corners, basements, and ceilings

• Wolf spiders: Large, fast-moving, and hairy — found on floors or in garages

• Orb weavers: Outdoor web-builders with long legs and colorful markings

• Brown recluse: Light brown with violin-shaped mark (already covered in detail)

• Black widow: Shiny black with red hourglass marking, prefers dark, undisturbed areas like crawlspaces and woodpiles

Signs of Infestation:

• Webs in corners, windows, or basements

• Sightings of live spiders (especially large ones)

• Egg sacs tucked away in storage, closets, or under furniture

• Increase in flying insects — spider food sources

Health Concerns

• Most spiders are not dangerous, but brown recluse and black widow bites can require medical attention

• Spider bites can cause swelling, pain, and allergic reactions in some individuals

• Spider infestations may indicate underlying pest problems — since spiders go where the bugs are

Property Concerns

• While spiders don’t cause structural damage, they do:

  • Leave unsightly webs and egg sacs

  • Trigger fear or discomfort in residents and guests

  • Hide in storage boxes, clothes, and clutter

• Their presence usually means there’s plenty of other insect activity in or around the home

Why You Need Perimeter Pest

Spiders aren’t just creepy — they’re often a sign of a larger pest ecosystem inside your home. That’s why Perimeter Pest focuses on more than just spraying:

• We eliminate spider habitats and hiding places
• Target the insects they feed on, cutting off the food supply
• Treat indoor and outdoor areas, including attics, crawlspaces, basements, and exterior walls
• Offer routine maintenance to prevent re-infestation

Keep the webs outside where they belong. Call Perimeter Pest — Nashville’s trusted spider control experts — and say goodbye to surprise sightings.