Plank Termite & Pest Control
Pest ID: Spiders
Too Many Legs in Your Living Room?
Spider Pest Control in Rolla, MO and Central Missouri
Missouri is home to a wide range of spiders, and while many are harmless, some can pose health risks or simply make homeowners uncomfortable. Spiders often enter homes and businesses in search of food, moisture, or shelter—especially during temperature shifts. Whether it’s a venomous Brown Recluse or a fast-moving Wolf Spider, spotting even one can cause alarm. Some spin webs in corners and basements, others prefer hiding behind furniture or inside storage boxes. If spiders are taking over your space, our Spider Pest Control services provide professional identification, targeted elimination, and long-term prevention. We proudly serve Rolla, Osage Beach, Lebanon, Waynesville, Camdenton, and surrounding Central Missouri communities with expert termite inspection, prevention, and treatment, and we bring that same level of care to spider control, too.
Spider Identification
Knowing which spiders are common in Missouri can help you better understand the risks and identify infestations early. While most spiders are harmless and even beneficial, a few pose health risks or indicate underlying pest problems. Here’s a guide to the spiders you’re most likely to see in Rolla and Central Missouri:
Brown Recluse
One of the few venomous spiders in Missouri, the Brown Recluse is shy and often goes unnoticed until a bite occurs.
- Size & Appearance: ¼ to ½ inch body, light brown with a distinctive violin-shaped mark on its back
- Where They’re Found: Common in undisturbed places like attics, closets, cardboard boxes, and inside shoes
- What to Look For: Shed skins, egg sacs, and small webs in dark, cluttered areas
- Risk: Their bites can cause skin damage and require medical treatment
Black Widow
Known for its glossy black body and red hourglass marking, the Black Widow is Missouri’s other medically significant spider.
- Size & Appearance: 1½ inches including leg span, shiny black with a red marking on the underside
- Where They’re Found: Dark, undisturbed corners of garages, crawlspaces, sheds, and beneath outdoor furniture
- What to Look For: Irregular, sticky webs close to ground level; adult sightings at night
- Risk: Venomous bite requiring prompt medical attention
Orb Weavers
Orb weavers are garden-dwelling spiders that build classic spiral-shaped webs.
- Size & Appearance: Up to 1 inch long, often brightly colored or patterned
- Where They’re Found: Outdoors in shrubs, trees, between fence posts, or under porch lights
- What to Look For: Large circular webs early in the morning; not dangerous but startling in appearance
Wolf Spiders
These fast-moving hunters don’t spin webs but instead chase prey on foot.
- Size & Appearance: Large and hairy, usually brown or gray with stripe patterns; up to 1½ inches
- Where They’re Found: Along baseboards, garages, sheds, or under rocks and debris
- What to Look For: Quick sightings at floor level; females sometimes seen carrying an egg sac
Jumping Spiders
Compact and curious, jumping spiders are often spotted on sunny surfaces.
- Size & Appearance: ¼ to ½ inch long, black or brown with iridescent green or blue markings
- Where They’re Found: On walls, windowsills, decks, or patio railings during the day
- What to Look For: Short trails of silk and quick, jerky movement
Garden Spiders
Also called Argiope spiders, these are large, striking spiders often found in late summer.
- Size & Appearance: Bold yellow and black coloring with a large round abdomen
- Where They’re Found: Around gardens, flower beds, and bushes
- What to Look For: Tall, vertical orb webs with a zig-zag pattern in the center
Painted or Spotted Orb Weavers
These colorful spiders help control insect populations in outdoor areas.
- Size & Appearance: Round-bodied with white, orange, or patterned markings
- Where They’re Found: On porch ceilings, fence corners, and outdoor railings
- What to Look For: Decorative webs and adult spiders visible at night around lights
Ready to Reclaim Your Space?
Call or text (573) 368-3333 to schedule a professional spider inspection and treatment with Plank Termite & Pest Control—your local solution for fast, effective pest removal.
What to Watch For
Signs of a Spider Infestation
You may not always see spiders, but they leave behind telltale signs that they’ve moved in.
- Webs in corners, basements, closets, or behind furniture
- Egg sacs in window tracks, closets, or ceiling edges
- Sudden sightings of spiders indoors, especially near windows or vents
- Shed skins or molted exoskeletons
- Increased insect activity (spiders follow their food source)
If you notice multiple signs, there could be a hidden infestation.
Stop Spiders at the Source
How to Prevent Spiders in Homes and Businesses
Spiders usually come indoors in search of food or shelter. You can reduce the risk by making your property less inviting.
- Seal cracks around doors, windows, and utility pipes
- Keep basements, garages, and storage areas clean and clutter-free
- Store items in plastic bins instead of cardboard boxes
- Remove visible webs regularly with a vacuum or broom
- Turn off exterior lights at night to avoid attracting insects (spider prey)
- Schedule regular pest control to reduce insect populations
Our Perimeter Guard Pest Control Plans are ideal for keeping spiders and other pests away all year long.
FAQs About Spiders
Are all Missouri spiders dangerous?
No. While Missouri is home to venomous species like the Brown Recluse and Black Widow, most spiders found indoors are harmless and even beneficial for controlling insects.
How do spiders get into homes?
They can enter through small cracks, gaps in doors or windows, vents, or even hitch a ride on clothing or boxes from garages and sheds.
What attracts spiders indoors?
Food (other insects), moisture, and shelter. A home with lots of insect activity is more likely to attract spiders.
Do spider bites require medical attention?
Most do not, but bites from venomous spiders should be treated immediately. If swelling, pain, or an ulcer forms, contact a medical professional.
Can I prevent spiders without chemicals?
Yes, regular cleaning, sealing entry points, and removing clutter helps. But for larger issues, professional treatments are more effective.
We Guarantee Our Results
At Plank Termite & Pest Control, every service is backed by a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. If spiders are creeping you out, we’re ready to help—quickly and professionally. Call or text (573) 368-3333 today to schedule your spider inspection and elimination service.
Dorothy Hand
Termite inspection, Termite extermination, Cockroach extermination, General wildlife removal
Jacob did a nice job of taking care of the squirrel nest. No chemicals were needed. Personable young man who was clear about what was needed and helped to remedie the problem.
Brian
Awesome service from a very respectable young man will do businesses with them from now on
Joel W Eland
Josh was very professional and willing to work hard - including getting dirty in a crawl space. He also provided practical evaluation of our buildings and next steps.
Larry Lyle
My 2nd time doing business with this locally owned and highly recommended company. The trchs were extremely thorough in the indoor and outdoor assessment and did a great job with answering all questions. Prices are more than reasonable especially when compared to other “big name pest control” businesses. We are subscribed to future services now as well. A+
Brian Molloy
I’ve been using Plank Pest Control for a couple of years now. My experience with them has been not only positive and professional but pleasant as well. I’ve known the Plank family since childhood and seeing the second generation of them do what they do best makes me very grateful for my acquaintance with the company. Not only do they get rid of all the creepy crawlers they make sure to answer any and all questions I might have regarding the job they’ve done.
