American house spiders have elongated bodies and eight legs, creating tangled cobwebs in the corners of attics and window frames. These brown Texas house spiders rarely bother humans and are not aggressive. In some cases, they may even play dead when they feel threatened. If handled roughly, they may bite in defense, which can be painful for a day or two. Fortunately, their venom is not poisonous to humans.

One of the most notorious spiders in the U.S., black widow spiders are also one of the most poisonous spiders in Texas. They are black, with a bulbous body and a signature red hourglass figure on their back. They build their messy webs near ground level, typically making their homes in undisturbed outdoor structures like abandoned sheds or cellars.

Only the female black widows are dangerous to humans. Their bite feels like a pinprick and causes swelling and two faint red spots surrounded by redness at the bite site. Pain then localizes in the abdomen and back, followed by many other life-threatening symptoms. You should seek medical attention immediately if you believe a black widow has bitten you.

Another venomous spider in Texas is the brown recluse spider, which hides during the day and is active at night. They prefer warm, dry spaces like closets and barns. These brown, quarter-sized spiders are sometimes also called fiddleback spiders due to the violin-like pattern on their back. Their bites are often undetected initially and cause tissue decay surrounding the bite area, so they should be treated by medical professionals immediately.

Ranging in color from black, tan, brown, or gray, jumping spiders have stout bodies and legs with pale or white markings. Their front legs are typically thick and long and covered with iridescent hairs. Unlike most other spiders on this list, they don't spin webs but rather hunt their prey.

While jumping spiders may bite in defense, their bites are not poisonous to humans. They’re far more likely to run or jump away than attack. There are several types of jumping spiders in Texas, each with unique patterns and behaviors.

Wolf spiders are most often brown, gray, or tan with distinct stripe-like markings on their bodies. They are large and stocky, with spiny legs typically covered in hairs. Wolf spiders don’t construct webs. Instead, they create burrows in the ground, waiting for prey to walk by. Wolf spiders’ venom is not poisonous, so they don’t pose a threat to most people, although some can have an allergic reaction to the venom. They may bite if they feel threatened, and their bites can be painful. You may experience swelling and itchiness, but it doesn’t last long.

Garden spiders in Texas are often found in gardens, yards, and other outdoor spaces. They are known for their black and yellow bodies and distinctive zigzag web patterns and are generally harmless to humans. These spiders can actually benefit your property by controlling pest populations, such as flies and mosquitoes. Garden spiders can vary in size, with some being among the big spiders in Texas, but they are non-aggressive and rarely bite unless provoked.