CLOSED: Spider identification in Dallas, Texas

Dallas, TX

I moved into an apartment around a month ago, and I've begun to notice a specific species of spider taking residence everywhere inside - and by everywhere I mean there's a different one in almost every corner of every room. I don't want to disturb them, but they've got a nasty look to them and I'd hate to get a case of necrosis because I kept a colony of brown recluses as roommates. Can anyone put my fears to rest?

Every picture is a different spider in my apartment, but I'm pretty sure they're all the same species.

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Dallas, TX

Here's a couple more pictures. These things are EVERYWHERE. I'm seriously spooked.

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(Zone 5a)

I wonder if this is the Common House Spider. The shape looks about the same that I can tell. These are not harmful to people.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_house_spider

One thing about a recluse is it is usually well hidden and you would more likely come across one if moving boxes around in storage, rather than seeing them out in the open in your home.

This has been a great year for the House Spiders here. They are all around the house, mostly outside by windows. But yesterday I found one in the kitchen wrestle a fly about 2-3 times its size and it won!

I leave most spiders be. I actually told my husband I have a new policy about cleaning cobwebs. I will leave them alone unless they are coated in dust. That means they've not been used in awhile. My husband thinks I am nuts as he knew someone who was bit by a recluse and had a bad time of it.

(Zone 5a)

The first picture on the second post looks different, but doesn't look recluse-ish to me. Another can maybe help you more.

If these are bothering you, and you are not squeamish about doing so, try catching them to release outside. I've done this a lot.

Dallas, TX

Thanks for the input. I'll see if there's a bit of a consensus before closing the case on this.

I do have a bit of a phobic reaction to spiders, but my logic can generally overpower my terror - so if I'm well-assured that it's a common house spider I imagine I'd muster the strength to snag them with a cup. I was tempted to leave them be if they were harmless, but the more I look around the more I realize it's going to look like a haunted house attraction if I keep letting them build all of these webs.

Liberty Hill, TX(Zone 8a)

Nothing bothers me but that would give ME the creeps!

Dallas, TX

Last picture, I swear. I checked my currently empty coat closet. What a mistake that was. I have no chance of sleeping tonight after learning how many spiders think my apartment is a sweet crash pad. But I did get a pretty decent picture of one, so I'm putting it here in case it helps.

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Liberty Hill, TX(Zone 8a)

Lol Now you are making me laugh, I know it's not funny but your narration is. Can't you talk to the Apartment Management, NOW!

Liberty Hill, TX(Zone 8a)

Well? How is the spider situation?

(Zone 5a)

Was this apartment vacant for awhile before you moved in? That is the only reason I can think of that so many spiders would take up residence.

About calling management, all they'll do is bug bomb, or something like that and chemicals are not good for any one. Especially in a smaller area.

Liberty Hill, TX(Zone 8a)

Can't imagine how spiders in your clothes, bed, kitchen etc....can be good either....lol the spiders are going to have to be removed some how.

Dallas, TX

Yeah, chillybean, the apartment was vacant for about a month after I signed the lease, and likely a while before I did that. I'm not as surprised by the spider infestation as I am that I didn't notice it for weeks.

Thanks again to everyone for the input. After comparing the photos to some identification charts and taking chillybean' advice into account, I'm willing to conclude that these are most likely harmless house spiders. I'm still batting around whether or not I'll move them, as the alarming number of bugs in their webs suggests I'll have a whole new problem if I get rid of the spiders. Whether or I evict them or not, I don't intend to kill them, and knowing that they're passive and not at all deadly puts my concerns to rest. Thanks again to everyone.

Liberty Hill, TX(Zone 8a)

They may leave on their own as you live there and the bug population decreases. We live with spiders but I do remove the egg sacs. Glad you the info you needed just warn any visitors. Lol

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