If you’ve ever walked into your garage, basement, or attic and noticed dense, sheet-like webs tucked into the corners, chances are you’ve encountered a funnel weaver spider. These spiders are common across the United States, especially in homes throughout Colorado. While generally harmless to humans, their webs can be unsightly and unsettling, especially when they appear in areas where people live or work. Understanding why funnel weaver spiders in Colorado build webs in corners and what you can do about them is key to keeping your space pest-free.
What Are Funnel Weaver Spiders?
Funnel weaver spiders, also known as grass spiders or funnel web spiders (not to be confused with the dangerously venomous Australian funnel-web), belong to the family Agelenidae. They are fast-moving, web-building spiders that are most active during late summer and early fall.
These spiders construct flat, dense, horizontal webs with a distinctive funnel-shaped retreat on one side. This funnel serves as a hiding spot where the spider waits for prey to walk across the sheet. When movement is detected, the spider quickly rushes out, captures the prey, and pulls it back into the funnel.
Why Do They Build Webs in Corners?
1. Structural Support
Corners offer excellent support for web-building. The right angles between walls, floors, and ceilings help anchor the sheet-like structure of the funnel weaver’s web. These sturdy surfaces provide multiple attachment points, which makes the web stronger and more effective at catching prey.
2. Low Human Disturbance
Spiders prefer to build webs in areas where they are less likely to be disturbed. Corners in basements, garages, attics, and crawl spaces are generally low-traffic areas, making them ideal for web construction and safe retreats.
3. Abundant Insect Activity
Corners, especially in dark or damp environments, often have higher insect activity. These areas can attract flies, ants, beetles, and other small insects perfect prey for a funnel spider in Colorado. By building webs in these strategic spots, the spider increases its chances of catching food efficiently.
4. Temperature and Humidity Control
Corners in indoor environments often offer a more stable microclimate. Cooler temperatures and higher humidity in certain areas like basements or crawlspaces help maintain web integrity and support spider survival.
Are Funnel Weaver Spiders Dangerous?
In general, funnel weaver spiders are not considered dangerous to humans. They are shy, non-aggressive, and rarely bite. If they do, the bite is typically less severe than a bee sting, causing only mild irritation or redness. However, their presence can be alarming, especially if they’re mistaken for more harmful species due to their speed and web structure.
Despite their benign nature, an infestation of funnel weaver spiders can be unpleasant. Large populations indicate that other pest problems may be present, as spiders typically follow their food sources.
How to Identify Funnel Weaver Spiders
To effectively control and prevent these spiders, you first need to know how to identify them:
- Color:Brown to gray with darker stripes on the cephalothorax (the front body segment)
- Size:Body length between ¼ to ¾ inches, with leg spans reaching over an inch
- Webs:Horizontal sheet webs with a funnel-like retreat
- Habitat:Corners of rooms, garages, sheds, basements, tall grasses, and shrubs
How to Stop Funnel Weaver Spiders
Controlling funnel weaver spiders involves a combination of habitat modification, cleaning, and, in some cases, professional pest control.
1. Eliminate Webs Regularly
Use a vacuum cleaner or broom to remove spider webs from corners, ceilings, and other affected areas. Regular cleaning discourages spiders from settling and building new webs.
2. Seal Cracks and Entry Points
Inspect your home for cracks, gaps, and crevices around doors, windows, vents, and foundations. Sealing these entry points can significantly reduce the number of insects and therefore spiders entering your home.
3. Reduce Outdoor Vegetation Near the House
Trim bushes, tall grasses, and shrubs that touch or are near your house. These outdoor hiding spots can act as bridges for spiders to enter your home.
4. Control Indoor Insects
Since spiders follow their food, reducing indoor insect populations will naturally deter spider activity. Use traps or hire professionals to eliminate common household pests like flies and ants.
5. Use Proper Lighting
Outdoor lighting can attract insects, which in turn attract spiders. Use yellow or sodium vapor bulbs to reduce insect attraction around windows and doors.
6. Consider Professional Pest Control
If you’re seeing an increasing number of webs or spiders, or if DIY methods aren’t effective, it’s time to call in professionals. A licensed pest control service can assess your home, identify the infestation level, and provide targeted treatments to eliminate the issue.
Seasonal Considerations
Funnel weaver spiders are most visible from late summer through early fall when mature males begin wandering in search of mates. This is often when homeowners notice an uptick in spider activity. Taking preventive measures in late spring or early summer can help reduce their appearance during peak months.
Preventing Funnel Weaver Spiders Year-Round
To keep your home spider-free year-round, establish a routine:
- Vacuum and dust frequently, especially in corners and less-used rooms
- Keep windows and doors screened and closed
- Store firewood, boxes, and other clutter off the floor and away from walls
- Dehumidify basements and crawl spaces to make them less hospitable to pests
About Falkin Pest Control
Falkin Pest Control is a trusted name in professional pest management throughout Colorado. We specialize in the safe, effective, and environmentally responsible treatment of spiders, insects, rodents, and more. Whether you’re dealing with a funnel weaver spider in Colorado or other pest problems, our experienced technicians provide customized solutions tailored to your needs.
