Spiders in Wichita and Kansas City: The Complete Guide

Spiders get a bad reputation. Most of the spiders you see are not a problem. But Kansas does have two that deserve respect: the brown recluse and the black widow. Here is how to tell what you are looking at, and what to do.

Quick Answers

• Are most spiders dangerous? No. Most eat other bugs. Still, K-State says to avoid handling any spider.

• How do I spot a brown recluse? Look for a dark, violin-shaped mark on its back. The body is up to about 1/4 inch long.

• How do I spot a black widow? The adult female is shiny black with a red or orange hourglass under her belly.

• When are they around? K-State says brown recluse and black widow spiders are rarely seen from mid-October to mid-March. They return around March or April.

• Do bites happen a lot? Most bites happen when a spider gets pressed against skin, like in a shoe or a pile of clothes.

Which Spiders Live Around Wichita and Kansas City Homes?

• Brown recluse. Found indoors in quiet, dark spots. Native to our part of the country.

• Black widow. Likes garages, sheds, woodpiles, and crawl spaces.

• Orb and garden spiders. Big and showy, with large webs outdoors. K-State says they lay eggs and die off before winter.

• Common house spiders. Most are harmless and eat flies, gnats, and other pests.

Want a closer look at the everyday ones? Read Common Spiders in Wichita Homes or Common Spiders in Kansas City Homes.

Where Do Brown Recluse and Black Widow Spiders Hide?

Brown recluse spiders like dark, still places. K-State lists spots like under boxes, stacked papers and books, behind furniture, in shoes and clothing piles, and in attics and upstairs rooms. Older homes with cracks and clutter are more likely to have them.

Black widows like quiet spots too. K-State lists woodpiles, rocks, meter boxes, unused equipment, garages, sheds, crawl spaces, and cellars. They seldom come into living areas.

How Do You Keep Spiders Out?

1. Cut clutter, mainly in basements, attics, and upstairs rooms.

2. Vacuum often. Get between boxes and into tight corners.

3. Store items in sealed plastic bins, away from the walls.

4. Seal cracks and gaps inside and outside. Repair screens and door sweeps.

5. Shake out shoes and clothing before you put them on. Keep bedsheets off the floor.

6. Wear gloves and long sleeves when you move wood, rocks, or old boxes.

7. Use sticky traps to see where spiders are. K-State suggests checking them weekly from March through October. Any sticky trap works.

Do Sprays Work on Spiders?

Here is the honest answer. K-State says spray results on brown recluse spiders have been mixed. Spiders must touch a treated surface. A spray alone rarely solves it. That is why cleaning, sealing, and traps matter so much. A pro can help you find hot spots and entry points, and build a plan that fits your home.

What If You Get Bitten?

This is not medical advice, but here is what K-State says. For a suspected brown recluse bite, put ice on it and call a health provider soon. If it is safe, save the spider so it can be identified. For a black widow bite, use something cold, clean the area, and get medical care right away. If you have trouble breathing or a severe reaction, call 911.

When Should You Call a Pro?

• You find more than one brown recluse

• You see spiders in bedrooms or kids' rooms often

• You keep finding webs after you clean

• You want help finding the entry points

Learn more about Spider Control in Wichita and Overland Park or our Spider Control Information page. Our General Pest Control page shows what else we cover.

Local Spider Guides

• Common Spiders in Wichita Homes: Friend or Foe?

• Common Spiders in Kansas City Homes: Friend or Foe?

• Brown Recluse Spiders in Wichita: What Late Summer Really Means for Your Home

• Is That a Brown Recluse? How Overland Park Homeowners Can Tell for Sure

Spider FAQs

Do spiders mean my house is dirty?

No. Spiders follow their food. If you have other bugs, you will see spiders.

Should I kill every spider I see?

Not usually. Most spiders eat other pests. Focus on the two that matter, the brown recluse and the black widow.

When are spiders most active in Kansas?

Spring through early fall. K-State says most are out of sight by Halloween.

Do I need a contract for spider control?

Not with Bug Shockers. We have no contracts.

Sources: Brown Recluse Spiders, K-State (MF3133), Black Widow Spiders, K-State (MF3346), and K-State on Kansas spiders going into hiding.

Need Help? We Are Local

Call or text us. Wichita and Derby: (316) 775-7867. Overland Park and Kansas City: (913) 222-2847. We are family-owned. No contracts. The Shockingly Smart Choice.