11 Common Spiders in New Jersey

Which Common Spiders Bite?

Are you afraid of spiders? Does the very sight of them make your spine tingle as cold chills run up and down your back? Perhaps your hair might even stand on end when one is in the room, but did you know that your spider fears could be genetically linked? Research has proven that you might be so against spiders due to a trauma that occurred in childhood or from your genetic makeup. Whether you like them or not, living in New Jersey means that you’ll, no doubt, encounter a few. Oddly enough, many people call these common spiders insects or bugs, which is incorrect.

They’re actually an arachnid because they have eight jointed legs and two distinct body parts. Another shocking fact is that they’re relatives of the crayfish, which means they’re related to the lobster too. So, they’re no ordinary bug that lingers in your home.

Many people overlook the importance of spiders. Spiders are predators of insects such as mosquitoes, moths, earwigs, cockroaches, and flies. The spider occupying your window is helping you enjoy your porch as it takes care of the other insects around you.

The good thing is that they capture something that can drive you crazy while trying to enjoy the great outdoors. However, not all spiders are created equal, and you must educate yourself.

Common Spiders Found In New Jersey

An innocent orb-weaver doesn’t hold the power to paralyze you like the black widow or the brown recluse. Still, people kill spiders unnecessarily, so you must know which ones need to go and which ones are safe to have around.

While any infestation of a spider is cause for concern, there’s no need to kill those living in their natural habitat, not bothering a soul. Here are the 11 most common spiders we find in the Garden State.

American Grass Spiders

You’ve probably encountered the American grass spider dozens of times but never knew the proper name. They’re of the larger size, with their bodies getting up to 20 mm. You’ll notice them instantly due to their bizarre arrangement of eyes. These common spiders have eight eyes altogether, and these peepers are categorized into three distinct rows. The first row of eyes has two, the middle section of eyes has four, and on the bottom tier, they have another two. These spiders are primarily brown with a darker pair of bands that run longitude on their eight legs. However, you might see some color variations of yellowish-brown in the mix. They have two spinnerets they use to make their webs, and they’re pretty prominent in their rear section. The bands on their legs also are pretty visible, making them easier to identify. If they should bite you, the venom they release won’t be toxic to humans. However, their prey is paralyzed with one puncture, and they succumb to their web of torture.

Hackle-mesh Weavers

The hackle-mesh weaver is a common spider that won’t typically come into the home, as they prefer to be outside in a woodpile or under leaf litter. You may even spot them if you lift a stone in your yard. These are woodland creatures, and they love the dark and damp conditions they find outside. Hecklemesh Weavers can make their way into your home through your cellar or basement during the moist fall and winter months. These spiders show no aggression toward humans and lack venom. The negative attention these spiders receive is because they look similar to the brown recluse. The dark ‘violin’ silhouette they have on their bodies is the difference. You won’t wonder or awe at the webs they design, as they often lack symmetry and intrigue.

You can identify this arachnid by its color, any variations of red to brown, and the hair covering its body. The average size of these spiders is 6mm to 11mm, and they’re known for their large, bubbled hind side.