So yesterday I was cleaning out the garage, right? Sweeping near some old boxes when this HUGE, hairy-legged spider just dashes out like it owns the place. Nearly dropped my broom. Seriously, it was bigger than my thumb. Got me thinking – how common are these giant spiders around here? And where are they all hiding? I had to figure it out.
The Starting Point: Pure Panic & Curiosity
Okay, first thing I did was NOT scream (barely). Calmed myself down. This wasn’t my first garage spider rodeo, but this dude was… impressive. Figured others must have seen them too. Started simple: I grabbed my phone and just typed “big spiders Washington” while still side-eyeing that dark corner.
What popped up? Stuff about “Giant House Spiders” and “Hobo Spiders.” Big, fast, common indoors especially around fall. Great. Just great. But I needed specifics – where exactly are they most likely to set up shop in a house?
Time for Some Spider Recon
Instead of just reading forums forever, I decided to actually investigate my own house and yard. Armed with a bright flashlight and my phone camera (zoom is my friend), I methodically checked spots everyone online mentioned. My mission? Confirm the usual hiding spots.
Here’s what I physically looked for, room by room, inside and out:
- The Garage: This was ground zero. Moved old paint cans stacked in the corner. Boom. Cobweb city clinging to the wall and floor. Peeled back cardboard flaps laying flat. Yep, another smaller one darted under a toolbox. They love damp, undisturbed clutter.
- Basement Corners: Went down the creaky stairs. Focused behind the ancient water heater and where the concrete wall meets the floor near the sump pump cover. Shined the light low – thick, messy webs clinging to the cinderblocks. Saw a big shadow vanish behind a pipe.
- Underneath Decks & Porches: Crawled under the back deck (not fun). Super dark, damp dirt. Swept the flashlight beam across the underside joists. Found thick, sheet-like webs tucked way up in the corners near the house foundation. Dark spots scurrying away? Definitely possible.
- Wood Piles: Went out to the stack of firewood against the fence. Carefully picked up the bottom logs one by one, inspecting the ground and bark underneath. Bingo. Saw two really quick bodies disappear into the gaps between logs and the soil.
- Window Wells: Peered into the metal window wells outside the basement windows. Full of dead leaves and gunk. Spotted dense webbing tucked right down near the bottom where the well meets the house.
What I Definitely Confirmed
This little expedition proved what the quick web search said. These guys aren’t wandering around your brightly lit living room usually. They want three things:
- Darkness: They hate the light.
- Moisture: Damp spots attract them.
- Peace and Quiet: Undisturbed corners and clutter are prime real estate.
Their Favourite Hideouts? Dark corners in garages & basements, under stuff rarely moved, underneath outdoor structures, deep inside wood piles, dank window wells, and basically any neglected, sheltered nook you can imagine.
My Personal Takeaway
Look, I won’t lie, finding them isn’t exactly pleasant. But honestly? Knowing where they actually LIKE to be makes me feel slightly less jumpy. Now, I know exactly where to be extra cautious when moving things or cleaning. And honestly, knowing they prefer to hide away makes sense. They aren’t hunting me personally, just hunting for a quiet, damp spot to catch bugs. Doesn’t mean I want them as roommates, though! My new plan? Keep clutter to a minimum in those problem zones and maybe seal up a few obvious cracks near the foundation. It’s a constant battle in these parts!
