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Spiders in Delaware
Mostly harmless and helpful. Know the two that aren’t.
| Peak season | Aug – Oct |
|---|---|
| Size | Varies |
| Risk | Mostly harmless; black widow bites need medical care |
| Who treats it | Mosquito & Pest Authority (sponsor) |
How to identify them
Eight legs and two body parts. Northern black widows are shiny black with a red mark on the underside.
Spiders in Delaware
Most Delaware spiders are harmless hunters that eat other pests. The northern black widow lives here in woodpiles, sheds and crawl spaces. Brown recluse spiders are not native to Delaware.
When they’re active
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What you can do now
- Clear clutter in basements, garages and sheds.
- Wear gloves when moving firewood or stored boxes.
- Reduce outdoor lights that attract their prey.
When to call a pro
Call a pro if you find black widows, or large numbers of spiders, which usually means another pest problem they’re feeding on.
Spiders: common questions
Are the spiders in my house dangerous?
Most Delaware spiders are harmless and eat other pests. The northern black widow is the one to watch for, and bites need medical care.
Do we have brown recluse spiders in Delaware?
Brown recluse spiders are not native to Delaware. Many spiders get misidentified as recluses, so a photo or sample is useful for a pro.
Why do I suddenly have so many spiders?
A spike in spiders usually means they are feeding on other insects. Fixing the other pest problem and clearing clutter often reduces them.
Where in Delaware
Where spiders rank on each county’s top-pest list:
- New Castle County Not in the county top six
- Kent County Not in the county top six
- Sussex County Not in the county top six
Towns where spiders are on the local top-pest list: