Can someone ID this spider - Ask Extension
I have an infestation of this spider in my porch ceiling. If I confront one of them it will straighten its legs so that it becomes a line, similar to...
Knowledgebase
Can someone ID this spider #870277
Asked May 27, 2024, 1:57 PM EDT
I have an infestation of this spider in my porch ceiling. If I confront one of them it will straighten its legs so that it becomes a line, similar to a squid. Can someone identify this for me and let me know if the infestation is something I need to act on? Thanks
Howard County Maryland
Expert Response
This looks like a spider in the Tetragnathidae family (long-jawed orb weavers). According to Maryland Biodiversity, Maryland has about 10 Tetragnathidae species. They typically live in vegetation along bodies of water and feed on other insects. They're great at controlling pests! When they are not in their web they can be found taking shelter in buildings, under branches or railings, etc.
These are docile spiders and rarely bite (only if threatened and/or handled). The bite and injected venom are comparable to that of a bee sting, with no long-term implications unless the bite victim is hyper-allergic to the venom. It is recommended that they not be picked up or handled. You don't need to take any action against them -- if anything, they can help lower fly populations in/on your porch. If you don't want to have them around, though, you could vacuum them up and discard them.
Christa
These are docile spiders and rarely bite (only if threatened and/or handled). The bite and injected venom are comparable to that of a bee sting, with no long-term implications unless the bite victim is hyper-allergic to the venom. It is recommended that they not be picked up or handled. You don't need to take any action against them -- if anything, they can help lower fly populations in/on your porch. If you don't want to have them around, though, you could vacuum them up and discard them.
Christa
