Utah’s diverse landscape—from desert valleys to high mountain ranges—makes it home to a wide variety of spider species. While some spiders in Utah are completely harmless and even beneficial to the environment, others can pose a threat to your health and peace of mind. Whether you’re a lifelong resident or new to the Beehive State, it’s important to recognize which spiders are harmless, which might bite, and what to do if you encounter an infestation. Let’s walk through the common spiders in Utah, how to identify them, and what steps to take to keep them out of your home for good.
Why Utah Spiders Are a Problem
Utah’s climate provides the perfect environment for spiders to thrive. Many spiders native to Utah prefer dark, undisturbed places such as basements, crawl spaces, and garages. Others find their way into homes in search of food or shelter. While the majority of spiders in Utah are not dangerous, their presence can still be unsettling, especially when their numbers grow out of control.
10 Common Spiders in Utah
Here are the types of spiders in Utah you’re most likely to run into:
1. Wolf Spiders
Wolf spiders in Utah are one of the most recognizable species due to their large size and hairy bodies. With their stout, hairy bodies and long legs, they’re often mistaken for tarantulas. These big brown spiders don’t spin webs to catch prey. Instead, they rely on speed and sharp vision to hunt insects at night. While their bite isn’t considered dangerous to humans, it can be painful and may cause mild irritation. Some people even report seeing a jet-black wolf spider in more shadowy areas of their property. Although intimidating in appearance, wolf spiders generally avoid human contact.
2. Black Widow Spiders
The black widow spider is one of the few spiders in Utah that poses a medical risk. Shiny black with a distinctive red hourglass shape on the underside of the abdomen, this spider prefers quiet, dark areas like garage crawlspaces and woodpiles. Black widow bites can cause muscle cramps, nausea, and other serious symptoms, especially in children or older adults. If you suspect a black widow bite, seek medical attention immediately.
3. Hobo Spiders
The Utah hobo spider, sometimes called the funnel web spider, is a medium-sized brown spider known for its long legs and distinctive chevron (zigzag) patterns on its abdomen. It lacks the violin-shaped marking that sets the brown recluse apart, but because of its similar coloration and body shape, it’s often mistaken for it. Hobo spiders are fast runners and not skilled climbers, so they’re most often found at ground level in basements, crawl spaces, and around home foundations. They build funnel-shaped webs with a narrow retreat at one end where the spider hides, waiting to ambush passing prey. While their bite was once thought to cause necrotic wounds, more recent research suggests their venom is not as dangerous as previously believed. Still, due to their resemblance to more harmful species, it’s best to treat any unfamiliar brown spider in Utah with caution.
4. Desert Recluse Spiders
The desert recluse spider is a venomous but elusive arachnid native to the arid regions of the southwestern United States. Often mistaken for its more infamous relative, the brown recluse spider (which is not native to Utah), the desert recluse is light tan to yellowish-brown in color and features the characteristic violin-shaped marking on its cephalothorax. Preferring dry, undisturbed areas like deserts, sheds, or under rocks and debris, this spider rarely comes into contact with humans. However, when it does bite (typically only when provoked), its venom can cause necrotic skin lesions that may require medical attention.
5. Yellow Sac Spiders
These pale yellow or beige spiders are small but known to bite. Yellow sac spiders are often found on walls or ceilings and are most active at night. Their bites can cause redness, swelling, and, in some cases, blistering. They are among the most common Utah spiders that tend to go unnoticed until they strike.
6. Orb Weaving Spiders
Orb weavers are a diverse group of spiders known for their large, rounded abdomens and striking patterns that can range from bright yellows and oranges to muted browns and blacks. Many species have spiny or bumpy bodies and long, banded legs, giving them a dramatic appearance. Despite their sometimes intimidating look, orb weaver spiders in Utah are non-aggressive and harmless to humans. They’re best recognized by the intricate, wheel-shaped webs they build—often found between trees, bushes, or outdoor structures. In Utah, you’re likely to see orb weavers (sometimes referred to as Utah garden spiders or cat-faced spiders) lingering in these webs near porch lights or garden areas where flying insects are plentiful.
7. Crab Spiders
Crab spiders are small to medium-sized arachnids known for their flat, wide bodies and extended front legs, which give them a crab-like appearance. Unlike web-building spiders, crab spiders are ambush predators. They often hide in plain sight among flower petals, blending in with their surroundings thanks to their natural camouflage—which can range from white and yellow to green or even pink. Their sideways walking motion and front-leg posture add to their crustacean-like behavior. In Utah, crab spiders are commonly spotted perched on blossoms in gardens and meadows, lying in wait for unsuspecting insects to come close. While they do possess venom to immobilize prey, they are harmless to humans.
8. Woodlouse Spiders
Woodlouse spiders are easily recognized by their striking appearance—featuring a glossy, dark red cephalothorax, pale beige to the orange-brown abdomen, and large, forward-facing fangs. These nocturnal hunters typically measure between 11 and 15 millimeters in length and have six eyes arranged in a tight semicircle. Unlike web-builders, woodlouse spiders actively roam at night in search of prey, especially in moist environments like rotting logs, mulch, or undertones. In Utah, spotting a red spider might lead you to one of these reclusive arachnids. Though their appearance can be startling, they are typically not aggressive unless provoked.
9. Jumping Spiders
Jumping spiders are small, compact arachnids known for their excellent vision and energetic movements. They typically range from 4 to 10 millimeters in size and are often covered in short, dense hairs that give them a fuzzy appearance. Most species have bold color patterns, including black, brown, and sometimes iridescent greens or blues, and are easily identified by their large, forward-facing eyes that give them a curious, alert expression. Instead of spinning webs to catch prey, these spiders rely on their agility and keen eyesight to stalk and pounce on insects. In Utah, you might find a jumping spider exploring sunny windowsills, garden leaves or even hopping across your porch. While they’re capable of biting, they are more inquisitive than aggressive.
10. Golden Huntsman Spiders
The golden huntsman spider in Utah may appear frightening but is generally non-aggressive. This large, fast-moving species is known for its striking golden-brown coloration and long legs. It is non-venomous to humans but can be intimidating due to its size and speed.
Spider Identification in Utah
Misidentifying a spider can lead to either unnecessary panic or dangerous underestimation. Many brown spiders in Utah look alike, but only a few require medical attention if you’re bitten. If you’re unsure, always consult an expert Utah spider identifier to be safe.
Spider Prevention Tips
If you’ve noticed spiders scurrying across the floor or are constantly clearing away webs from corners and ceilings, prevention becomes key. Spiders often sneak indoors through small gaps, so sealing cracks in doors, windows, and foundations is essential. Installing weather tripping can further help block their entry points. Spiders are also drawn to cluttered storage areas, which provide the perfect hiding spots, so keeping these organized and clean can go a long way. Regular cleaning helps disrupt webs and nesting areas and turning off outdoor lights at night can reduce the number of insects—and, therefore, spiders—drawn to your property.
Spiders gravitate toward dark, damp environments, which makes basements, crawl spaces, attics, and storage boxes their favorite hiding spots. While DIY solutions might eliminate the visible spiders, they often miss hidden eggs or harder-to-reach nesting sites—leading to a repeating cycle of infestations. At Preventive Pest Control, we rely on professional-grade products and comprehensive inspections to target not just the spiders you see but those you don’t.
Call in the Pros for Spider Control in St. George
Dealing with spiders can be frustrating. They’re quick, elusive, and often unaffected by typically over-the-counter pesticides. Although there are around 4,000 spider species in the U.S., only a handful are actually dangerous to humans. That said, even non-venomous spiders can become a serious nuisance when infestations go unchecked. For effective and lasting results, it’s best to call in professionals who understand the habits of these pests and have the tools to remove them properly.
Knowing the warning signs can help you catch an infestation early. If you’re frequently spotting spiders on your Utah property, it might be time to take action. Repeated spider bites are another red flag that a hidden population may be lurking inside your home.
Tired of dealing with these creepy crawlers? Regardless of what type of spider you’ve encountered, you don’t have to face extermination alone. For trusted and effective spider control, St. George residents rely on Preventive Pest Control. Contact us today and take the first step toward a spider-free home.