Garden Spiders in Utah

Garden spiders are a familiar sight during Utah’s warmer months. They often appear in backyards, gardens, and around outdoor structures where they can build their large, circular webs. While their size and markings can look intimidating, garden spiders are not dangerous to humans and can actually help control insect populations. Here’s what you need to know about garden spiders and how to manage them around your home.

What garden spiders look like

Garden spiders are easy to recognize because of their bright colors and distinctive patterns. Most have black, yellow, or orange markings across their bodies, with long legs that are often banded in color. Adult females can grow up to one inch in body length, while males are smaller and less vividly colored. Their round abdomens and large webs make them one of the most noticeable spiders found outdoors in Utah.

Where you might find them

You are most likely to see garden spiders in sunny outdoor areas, especially where there are plenty of plants and flying insects. They prefer spots like gardens, shrubs, fences, eaves, and the corners of sheds or decks. Garden spiders build large, symmetrical webs that can span several feet across, often in open spaces between plants or structures. They are most active during late summer and early fall, when insect populations peak.

Why garden spiders can be a concern

Garden spiders rarely pose any danger to people. They are non-aggressive and will typically avoid contact with humans. Their bites are very uncommon and usually occur only if the spider is accidentally pressed against the skin. Even then, the bite is mild and not medically serious, often compared to a bee sting. The main concern for homeowners is their presence in high-traffic outdoor areas where webs can be inconvenient or unsightly.

How to get rid of garden spiders

Because garden spiders are beneficial insect hunters, complete removal is often unnecessary. However, if their webs are too close to doorways or outdoor living spaces, they can be safely relocated. Use a broom or stick to gently move the spider outdoors to a more suitable spot. Keeping porch lights off at night, removing flying insects, and reducing clutter near walls and plants can help discourage them from building webs too close to the home.

For large infestations or ongoing spider issues, contact a professional pest control service. A specialist can treat the area while preserving beneficial species and maintaining a balanced outdoor environment.

Need help managing garden spiders?
Contact Stewart’s, your Utah pest control experts.