Huntsman spiders are found in Florida, and they’re hard to miss. With leg spans up to five inches, they’re fast, flat, and often mistaken for something dangerous. But while their size may startle you, they’re not harmful to people or pets.
Key Facts About Huntsman Spiders in Florida:
Common in Central and South Florida, especially in warm, humid areas
Often seen in garages, sheds, attics, or even cars
Known for sudden, sideways “crab-like” movement
Look scary but are non-aggressive and rarely bite
Help control pests like roaches, crickets, and silverfish
If seeing one of these large spiders makes your skin crawl, you’re not alone. Hoffer Pest Solutions offers safe, eco-conscious spider control that keeps your home comfortable, without the surprises.
Keep reading to learn how to identify huntsman spiders, where they hide, and how to keep them out of your home for good.
What Is a Huntsman Spider?
Huntsman spiders belong to the Sparassidae family, aptly named for their hunting behavior. Rather than spinning webs to catch prey, they roam stealthily and pounce with incredible speed, giving them an edge over common household pests like cockroaches and crickets.
One specific species, Heteropoda venatoria, known as the pantropical huntsman spider, has made itself quite at home in Florida’s warm and humid climate. Originally native to tropical Asia, these spiders were introduced to the Americas through cargo shipments. So yes, if you’re wondering “When did huntsman spiders move to North America?”, the answer lies in global trade, they’ve been in Florida for decades now, particularly thriving in the southern and central parts of the state.
They’re instantly recognizable: long legs that extend outward, a flat, low-profile body built for squeezing into tight spaces, and black spots that mark their frame. Fully grown, they can span up to five inches across, leg to leg.
Because of their sideways scuttling movement, many locals call them “giant crab spiders.” And while their size and speed often cause a double-take, rest assured: these gentle giants are more helpful than harmful.
Where Do Huntsman Spiders Live in Florida?
Florida’s subtropical climate creates the perfect environment for huntsman spiders to thrive, both outdoors and inside. These spiders are especially drawn to dark, undisturbed areas, making garages, sheds, attics, crawlspaces, and even the undersides of patio furniture popular hiding spots. And yes, you may even find them in your car, particularly if it’s been parked for a while.
Typically, huntsman spiders squeeze into crevices, behind shelving, or up near the ceiling. Their flat bodies are built for stealth, allowing them to vanish into narrow gaps with ease. That’s one reason they can go unnoticed for days, even weeks.
They tend to enter homes when temperatures rise, during mating season, or when environmental conditions outside push them indoors, such as heavy rainfall, extreme heat, or disruption of their natural habitat. Structural vulnerabilities like cracks in foundations, gaps in window frames, or water damage can serve as unintentional welcome mats.
Are Huntsman Spiders Dangerous or Aggressive?
Let’s put your mind at ease: huntsman spiders are not dangerous to people or pets. In fact, these shy creatures would much rather scurry away than engage. Their large size and lightning-fast reflexes might trigger your fight-or-flight response, but the truth is, they're just trying to avoid you.
While bites can happen, they are extremely rare and typically only occur when the spider feels directly threatened, like being accidentally trapped or squeezed. When bites do happen, they may cause mild, localized pain or swelling, but they are not medically significant and don’t pose serious health risks. They’re not venomous in a way that’s harmful to humans or pets.
We often hear people worry: “But aren’t poisonous spiders dangerous for small children and pets?” That’s a valid concern when it comes to spiders like the brown recluse or black widow, but huntsman spiders don’t fall into that category. Their venom is mild and primarily used to subdue prey like insects, not to defend against people.
What catches people off guard the most is the sudden burst of speed. You’re standing still, and whoosh, a blur zips across the wall. One second it’s resting quietly, the next it’s halfway up the ceiling. You're never really prepared for it.
Here’s a fun fact from the field: huntsman spiders have what we call a “cling reflex.” That means if they’re startled while on a wall or ceiling, they’re more likely to freeze than fall, sometimes leading to eerie encounters in unexpected places (think showers or above doorframes). They're not launching an ambush, they're just trying to blend in and stay out of your way.
So, while they may look like eight-legged invaders, huntsman spiders are more flight than fight, a natural ally in the ongoing battle against pests, not a threat to your family.
How to Identify a Huntsman Spider (And Avoid Confusion)
It’s easy to mistake a huntsman spider for something more menacing, especially when it darts out from behind a curtain or appears in your shower unannounced. But a few distinct features can help you tell these misunderstood giants apart from other Florida spiders.
Start with their size. Huntsman spiders can have a leg span of up to five inches, but their bodies are relatively small and incredibly flat, helping them wedge into tight crevices. Their legs extend outward like spokes, which not only makes them look even bigger but also allows for sideways, crab-like movement, a signature trait that earned them the nickname “giant crab spider.”
This quick, lateral scuttle is one of the best ways to identify a huntsman, and it’s usually what gives homeowners a good scare. The motion is more startling than threatening, and it often leads to one very common reaction: “That thing is huge, what is it!?”
Florida is home to a variety of spiders that can be mistaken for huntsman spiders. One of the most frequent mix-ups is with the wolf spider, which also grows large and moves fast. However, wolf spiders have bulkier, hairier bodies and don’t display the same flat posture or sideways gait.
Another common case of mistaken identity? The “Flattie”, a spider that also has a flattened body and similar behavior. The confusion makes sense, especially when you're trying to identify a spider while keeping a safe distance! But flatties are smaller and less robust in appearance, while huntsman spiders appear more leggy and agile.
So if you're thinking, “I think it might be a Flattie!”, take a closer look, if it's zooming sideways across your wall like it owns the place, you're likely looking at Florida’s infamous huntsman spider.
What Should I Do If I See One?
First things first: don’t panic. A huntsman spider in your home may look intimidating, but it’s not a threat. These spiders want nothing to do with you, and their appearance is usually accidental, not a sign of infestation.
If you’re comfortable handling the situation yourself, the cup and paper method is a safe, humane way to remove them. Gently place a clear container over the spider, slide a stiff piece of paper underneath, and carry it outside. It helps to move slowly, huntsman spiders are quick, and sudden movements might send them bolting.
That’s why many families turn it into a team effort. One person keeps an eye on the spider (“we designate a watcher”) while another gathers the tools for capture. It’s a humorous but effective approach, and prevents the age-old “Where’d it go?” moment.
Try not to swat or squish them. Not only is it unnecessary, but these spiders are built for speed and escape. Their incredible reflexes and flat bodies allow them to vanish into cracks before you can react. Some people joke, “They only move when you look away,”, a spooky but surprisingly accurate observation. Their stealth and stillness make them master hiders until the moment is right to sprint.
If the idea of a spider encounter makes your skin crawl, it’s perfectly fine to call in a professional. At Hoffer Pest Solutions, we specialize in safe spider removal and prevention, with environmentally responsible methods that prioritize your comfort and safety.
Preventing Huntsman Spiders from Entering Your Home
While huntsman spiders can be helpful in controlling pests, most homeowners prefer to keep them outside, where they belong. The best strategy for dealing with these spiders is preventing them from coming in at all.
Start with a few practical steps:
Seal cracks and gaps around windows, doors, foundations, and baseboards. Huntsman spiders are excellent at squeezing through even the smallest openings.
Trim back trees, shrubs, and overgrown landscaping around your home’s perimeter. Dense vegetation offers the perfect hiding and hunting grounds for spiders, and makes it easier for them to access your walls and rooflines.
Reduce outdoor lighting at night, especially near entry points. Lights attract insects, which in turn attract hunting spiders like the huntsman.
Florida’s warm, humid environment creates year-round pest pressure, and huntsman spiders are no exception. Standing water, leaf piles, and rotting wood can also invite them in, especially if your home has structural water damage or weakened siding.
If you're in a high-risk area or have frequent sightings, scheduling a routine pest inspection can make a huge difference. At Hoffer Pest Solutions, we don’t just spray and go, we actively inspect, seal entry points, and sweep away webs to reduce the chances of future spider activity.
Our year-round pest programs are designed for Florida homeowners who want peace of mind, not unexpected encounters on their ceilings.
Should I Be Concerned About an Infestation?
If you’ve spotted a huntsman spider in your home, take a deep breath, it doesn’t mean your house is infested.
Huntsman spiders are solitary by nature. They don’t form colonies, they don’t spin webs in corners, and they’re not interested in setting up permanent residence indoors. In fact, most wander inside by accident, drawn by warmth, shelter, or an opportunity to chase prey.
So while that one sighting may have startled you, there’s no need to worry about a hidden army of spiders behind your walls. A single spider here or there is usually just passing through.
Of course, if you’re seeing them regularly or in unusual numbers, that could signal a broader pest issue worth investigating. In that case, a call to Hoffer Pest Solutions can help get to the root of the problem, and give you real peace of mind.
The Good Side of Huntsman Spiders
For all the surprise they cause, huntsman spiders are truly one of nature’s most misunderstood helpers. These quiet hunters spend their nights patrolling for pests like cockroaches, mosquitoes, and silverfish, the very intruders most homeowners would prefer to avoid.
They don’t build messy webs in your corners. They don’t multiply in your walls. And they don’t want to bother you. In fact, many homeowners, once they learn more, choose to let a huntsman stick around for a while, recognizing the natural pest control they offer.
Still, comfort and safety always come first.
If a huntsman spider in your home is one spider too many, our team at Hoffer Pest Solutions is here to help. We’ll work with you to create a plan that keeps pests, eight-legged or otherwise, where they belong: outside.
When to Call a Professional
Sometimes, even one spider is one too many. While huntsman spiders are harmless and often helpful, there are situations where professional pest control is the right choice.
You should consider calling a pest professional if:
You’ve experienced multiple huntsman sightings inside your home
You have children or pets, and want to err on the side of caution
You’re uncomfortable handling spiders on your own, or don’t want the stress
Your home has visible structural gaps, water damage, or vegetation overgrowth
At Hoffer Pest Solutions, we understand the Florida ecosystem inside and out. Our local technicians provide fast, family-safe, and eco-conscious treatments tailored for your unique space. Whether it’s sealing entry points, eliminating attractants, or simply giving you peace of mind, we’ve got you covered.
📲Call Hoffer Pest Solutions today to keep the spiders outside your home and off your mind.