Lawn Spiders Identification + How to Get Rid of Them

Spiders help control insect pests. They commonly feed on roaches, earwigs, grasshoppers, mosquitoes, and flies, among others. They use a web to trap their prey or hunt and capture it. Spiders use venom to immobilize their prey and sometimes use it as a defense mechanism from attacks.

The most common spiders found in yards are the grass spiders. They are often confused with wolf spiders and hobo spiders. Let’s look at the characteristics of each one of them, and how to get rid of spiders in your lawn.

Grass Spider 

The American grass spiders are brown with dark parallel lines running from the cephalothorax to the abdomen. Their length varies from 10 to 20 millimeters, with males being smaller in size. They live in grass and groundcovers or in shrubs. 

Grass spiders are perfect funnel-web weavers. The sheet-like web with a funnel located off to one side is usually not sticky, and they make up for that by running very fast. During autumn, these spiders enter many homes as they seek warmth and protection from declining temperatures.

Although shy, these spiders can bite when threatened, and human victims have reported pain, swelling, redness, and itching, which can last up to a week. There are no serious medical cases reported from the grass spider bite and venom.

Wolf Spider

Wolf spiders do not spin webs but use small holes and burrows as a shelter and hiding place, waiting to pounce on their prey. Unlike most spiders, these agile hunters have excellent night vision for hunting in the dark. They can easily be detected at night due to their eyeshine.

Wolf spiders are usually dark brown or tan, with dark or grey markings. Their coloring is effective camouflage, which helps them to easily catch their prey and keep safe from predators. Their size ranges from 0.24 to 1.2 inches, with males being smaller than females.

According to the Pennsylvania State University Entomology Department, wolf spiders will bite when provoked, but their venom is not very dangerous to humans. A Human victim may exhibit some pain, redness, or swelling that subsides within 24 hours. No serious medical cases have ever been reported.

Hobo Spider

Hobo spiders are common in areas with holes, cracks, and crevices where they build funnel webs. The hobo spider is light brown with pale markings, with a body length ranging from 7–14 mm. Unlike most agelanids, this spider does not have colored bands or the two distinct parallel dark stripes on the top side of the cephalothorax.

According to the University of California Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program, there is no distinctive proof that Hobo spiders are potentially toxic to humans. The symptoms of the bite have been confused with those of a venomous brown recluse spider or with some medical conditions.

However, taking a precaution is important as the spider will bite to defend itself against aggressors.

How to Get Rid of Spiders in Your Lawn

Spiders in your lawn can be very helpful in the management of insect pests. However, they can become a nuisance and a threat to your family members. Spider webs all over the yard are an eyesore. Sometimes spiders make small holes in the lawn overnight, making it appear unsafe and unkempt.

If you need to get rid of spiders in your yard, here are some of the effective methods to use.

1. Remove the spider webs

Spider webs act as traps for prey, and removing them discourages the spider in your lawn. Clean your yard, remove all debris such as bricks and stones, and tear up those webs. You may need to be cautious while doing this. Wear a long-sleeved shirt, or a working overall, and boots to avoid any contact with a spider.

2. Keep the yard kempt

Spiders love tall grasses and shrubs where they can anchor their web and also hide. To discourage spider activity in your lawn, embark on healthy lawn mowing practices. Cut the grass short and trim overgrown vegetation in your yard. Mowing your lawn also discourages other lawn insects and pests that spiders prey on. 

3. Remove all food remains

Food remains usually attract other insects such as ants, flies, and roaches. Spiders like such areas where they can easily pounce on their prey. Clean all dishes after meals, remove any food remains and debris on the ground, and keep away any remains of pet food.

4. Apply a pesticide

A pesticide can help get rid of arachnids and other insects in the grass. When using an insecticide, read and follow safety protocols to protect kids and pets. Since pesticide control can also harm other useful insects in your garden including pollinators, only use it when it is really necessary. 

5. Invite pest control professionals

You can call certified pest control professionals to visit your home. They will assess the situation and come up with a safe strategy for controlling spiders in your lawn. They have the skills and equipment for dealing with pests. This can be at a fee, and you will like the excellent results.

Are Grass Spiders Poisonous?

Spiders are not poisonous, but they are venomous. They produce a toxic substance that they inject into a prey or aggressor to immobilize it. However, a few can bite and penetrate the human skin to deliver the poisonous venom.

Grass spiders are shy, and it is uncommon to find them attacking human beings. A spider can bite you only as a defense mechanism. Highly venomous spiders, such as black widows and brown recluses, generally live in undisturbed areas, such as attics or sheds, and don’t bite unless agitated.

What to do for a Grass Spider Bite 

Although venomous, grass spider bites don’t really need special attention. If bitten, simply wash the affected area with soap and water, then apply a cold compress to reduce pain and swelling. Kids can become a soft target for spider bites, and symptoms may be a little more severe.

Final Thought

Spiders are an important part of the ecosystem and helpful in controlling the population of insect pests. Since they use venom to immobilize their prey, they can also bite you when they feel provoked. A large number of spiders can become a threat and thus necessary to get rid of them in a safe way without affecting other lives in your yard.