Grass Spiders: Everything You Need to Know

West Virginia is home to grass spiders, recognized for their distinct funnel-shaped webs and rapid movements, commonly found in yards, fields, and around homes. But what do you need to know about these spiders? Let’s take a look at everything about grass spiders in West Virginia to help you feel more confident when encountering them.

What Does a Grass Spider Look Like?

Spotting a grass spider in your West Virginia yard is common, especially near the ground in tall grass or along garden edges. So, what does a grass spider look like?

• Size: These spiders measure between 1/5 inch and 3/4 inch in body length, with females being larger than males.
• Color: Grass spiders in West Virginia typically have light brown to gray bodies, with two dark stripes on their cephalothorax and dark bands on their legs.
• Web Structure: Their funnel-shaped webs are often seen in grass or low vegetation, helping them blend into the natural environment.

Are Grass Spiders Poisonous?

The short answer is no. While grass spiders are venomous, their venom is used to immobilize their insect prey and doesn’t pose a significant risk to humans. If a bite occurs, it’s typically harmless, with only mild symptoms such as localized redness, swelling, or itchiness—similar to a bee sting. Severe reactions are very rare, so you can rest easy knowing that grass spiders aren’t a danger to your family.

What Does a Grass Spider Bite Look Like?

Though grass spiders in West Virginia are not aggressive, bites can happen if they feel threatened. Here’s what to expect from a grass spider bite:

• Appearance: A grass spider bite usually causes mild redness and swelling, similar to a bee sting.
• Symptoms: You may experience slight itchiness or discomfort at the bite site, but these symptoms generally go away quickly. Serious reactions are extremely uncommon.

Grass Spider vs. Wolf Spider: What's the Difference?

In West Virginia, both grass spiders and wolf spiders can be found in similar habitats, which often leads to confusion between the two. Here’s how to tell them apart:

• Webs vs. Hunting: Grass spiders build distinctive funnel-shaped webs to catch their prey, while wolf spiders do not spin webs. Instead, wolf spiders are active hunters that chase down their prey.
• Body Shape: Grass spiders have a more slender, elongated body, while wolf spiders are larger, more robust, and covered in hair.
• Habitat: Grass spiders prefer grassy areas and low vegetation, while wolf spiders are more versatile and may even enter homes during colder months.

How to Prevent Grass Spider Encounters in West Virginia

If you’d rather not have grass spiders taking up residence around your home, follow these simple steps to reduce their presence:

• Maintain Your Yard: Regularly mowing your lawn and trimming vegetation will reduce the habitats where grass spiders like to build their webs.
• Seal Gaps and Cracks: Make sure to seal entry points around doors, windows, and foundations to prevent spiders from getting inside your home.
• Remove Webs: Clear away any webs that appear near your house, particularly around porch eaves or cluttered areas like basements or garages.

Keep Spiders Out with Alford Pest Control