Spiders are a common part of many homes, often living quietly in basements, attics, and corners. Most house spiders are harmless and even help by controlling other pests indoors.
In this guide, you’ll discover 25 common house spiders, how to identify them easily, and simple ways to keep or get rid of them. We’ll also answer common questions about house spiders, including their bites, venom, and lifespan.
1. American House Spider
The American House Spider is one of the most common spiders found living quietly inside homes. They are small, shy, and often build messy cobwebs in corners. People often see them around basements, closets, and windowsills. Even though they look a little scary, they are harmless to humans and help control other pests inside the house.
Identification
- Size: About 5mm to 8mm in body length
- Color: Yellowish-brown to dirty white with darker markings
- Body Shape: Round abdomen with thin legs
- Web Type: Messy cobwebs, often found in corners
- Eyes: 8 eyes arranged in two rows
Habitat
American House Spiders prefer dark, undisturbed places inside houses. They are commonly found in basements, closets, attics, behind furniture, and near windows where insects gather. They like spaces where they can spin webs and stay hidden.
Behavior
These spiders are very shy and usually stay in their webs, waiting for prey. They rarely move around unless disturbed. They catch flying insects like flies and mosquitoes. They do not bite unless threatened, and even then, their bite is not dangerous to humans.
Lifespan and Lifecycle
The American House Spider lives about 1 to 2 years. Females lay several egg sacs during their life, each holding hundreds of eggs. After hatching, baby spiders stay in the web for a few days before dispersing to find their own spot. They grow through several molts before reaching adulthood.
2. Common Cellar Spider (Daddy Longlegs)
The Common Cellar Spider, often called Daddy Longlegs, is a very thin spider you often find hanging upside down in corners or basements. They are harmless and known for their long, delicate legs. Many people confuse them with harvestmen, but cellar spiders actually spin webs and stay inside them.
Identification
- Size: Body about 2mm to 10mm long
- Color: Pale yellow, gray, or light brown
- Body Shape: Small round body with very long legs
- Web Type: Loose, messy webs in corners
- Eyes: Typically 6 or 8 small eyes
Habitat
Cellar spiders love dark, damp areas inside the house. They are commonly found in basements, garages, bathrooms, and crawl spaces. They prefer corners where they can spin their loose webs and stay hidden.
Behavior
They are gentle and usually stay still in their webs. When disturbed, they shake their webs rapidly to confuse predators. They feed on small insects and even other spiders sometimes. They are completely harmless to humans.
Lifespan and Lifecycle
Common Cellar Spiders usually live about 1 to 2 years. Females lay eggs wrapped in silk and carry them in their mouths until the babies hatch. Baby spiders stay near the mother’s web before moving out to make their own.
3. Domestic House Spider
The Domestic House Spider is a fast runner that people often spot darting across floors or walls. They are larger than many other house spiders but are not aggressive. They usually build funnel-shaped webs and wait for prey to enter.
Identification
- Size: About 10mm to 16mm in body length
- Color: Brown with darker patterns on the back
- Body Shape: Elongated body with strong legs
- Web Type: Funnel-shaped webs
- Eyes: 8 eyes arranged closely
Habitat
Domestic House Spiders prefer dry, undisturbed places inside houses. They are found in basements, sheds, attics, behind furniture, and sometimes bathtubs. They need areas where they can build their funnel webs.
Behavior
They stay hidden inside their webs most of the time, waiting for insects. When prey approaches, they rush out very quickly. They rarely bite and prefer to escape if disturbed.
Lifespan and Lifecycle
Their lifespan is about 1 to 2 years. Females can produce several egg sacs, each containing dozens of eggs. Spiderlings hatch, stay near the mother for a short time, and then move away to build their own webs.
4. Long-bodied Cellar Spider
The Long-bodied Cellar Spider is closely related to the common cellar spider but is a little bigger. They are best known for their long, spindly legs and tiny bodies. They spin thin, tangled webs in undisturbed corners of homes.
Identification
- Size: Body about 7mm to 9mm long
- Color: Pale gray or light brown
- Body Shape: Small body with extremely long, thin legs
- Web Type: Loose, messy webs
- Eyes: 8 small eyes grouped together
Habitat
They like dark, quiet places in homes, such as basements, attics, under stairs, and garages. They prefer humidity and are often seen hanging upside down from their webs.
Behavior
Long-bodied Cellar Spiders are passive and stay still most of the time. When disturbed, they vibrate rapidly in their webs. They eat small insects, other spiders, and even pests like mosquitoes.
Lifespan and Lifecycle
They typically live for about 2 years. Females produce several small egg sacs, usually attached to the web. The baby spiders hatch and stay near the mother’s web until they are ready to build their own.
5. Yellow Sac Spider
The Yellow Sac Spider is a small, pale spider that sometimes roams around homes at night. They don’t build obvious webs but create small silk sacs where they hide during the day. These spiders are usually harmless but can bite if provoked.
Identification
- Size: About 5mm to 10mm in body length
- Color: Pale yellow, beige, or light green
- Body Shape: Slim body with slightly darker legs
- Web Type: Small silk sacs instead of traditional webs
- Eyes: 8 small eyes arranged in two rows
Habitat
Yellow Sac Spiders hide in cracks, corners, under furniture, and along ceilings. They often make their silk sacs behind picture frames, under window sills, or inside closets where they rest during the daytime.
Behavior
They are active hunters at night and leave their silk sacs to search for prey. They can bite if trapped against skin, but bites are usually mild and heal quickly. They help control insect pests inside homes.
Lifespan and Lifecycle
Their lifespan is about 1 year. Females create silk sacs to protect their eggs, and baby spiders hatch inside the sac. After emerging, spiderlings grow by shedding their skin several times before becoming adults.
6. Black House Spider
The Black House Spider is a dark, sturdy spider commonly found in homes, especially near windows and door frames. They spin thick, messy webs and prefer staying close to their webs to catch prey.
Identification
- Size: About 10mm to 18mm in body length
- Color: Dark brown to black with a velvety appearance
- Body Shape: Robust body with thick legs
- Web Type: Messy, funnel-shaped webs
- Eyes: 8 eyes arranged in two rows
Habitat
Black House Spiders love sheltered places like window corners, sheds, under eaves, and garages. They often choose locations with access to flying insects, which they trap in their webs.
Behavior
They are not aggressive and prefer to stay hidden in their webs. They only come out quickly when they sense prey vibrations. Their bite is rare and not dangerous to humans.
Lifespan and Lifecycle
They live up to 2 years. Females remain in the same web for most of their life, repairing and expanding it. Egg sacs are spun within the web, and spiderlings stay nearby after hatching until they mature.
7. Brown Recluse Spider
The Brown Recluse Spider is known for its violin-shaped mark on its back. They are shy and secretive, preferring dark, hidden areas of homes. Their bite can cause serious reactions, although bites are rare.
Identification
- Size: About 6mm to 12mm in body length
- Color: Light to dark brown with a violin-shaped mark on the back
- Body Shape: Small body with long, slender legs
- Web Type: Irregular, loose webs for hiding (not for catching prey)
- Eyes: 6 eyes arranged in pairs (instead of the usual 8)
Habitat
Brown Recluse Spiders hide in undisturbed places like attics, basements, behind furniture, in shoes, and inside storage boxes. They prefer warm, dry, and dark spaces.
Behavior
They are nocturnal hunters, roaming at night to find insects. They avoid humans and only bite when pressed against the skin. Their venom can cause serious wounds, but bites are rare because of their reclusive nature.
Lifespan and Lifecycle
Brown Recluse Spiders live 1 to 2 years. Females produce several egg sacs during their lifetime, each containing about 40 to 50 eggs. Spiderlings grow slowly, molting several times before reaching adulthood.
8. Giant House Spider
The Giant House Spider is one of the largest spiders you might find inside your home. Despite their size and fast movement, they are harmless and help control insects like flies and moths.
Identification
- Size: Body about 12mm to 18mm, leg span up to 75mm
- Color: Brown or gray with lighter markings
- Body Shape: Broad body with long, strong legs
- Web Type: Large sheet-like webs with funnel retreats
- Eyes: 8 eyes grouped closely
Habitat
They prefer cool, dark, and undisturbed areas inside houses. You can find them in basements, garages, crawl spaces, and near doorways where insects are present.
Behavior
Giant House Spiders are fast runners but very shy. They build large flat webs and hide in the funnel-shaped retreat. They are active at night and sometimes wander indoors in search of mates.
Lifespan and Lifecycle
They live about 1 to 2 years. Females usually stay in their webs, while males wander around looking for mates. After mating, females lay eggs in silk sacs within their webs, and spiderlings hatch after a few weeks.
9. Hobo Spider
The Hobo Spider is a fast-moving house spider that builds funnel-shaped webs to trap insects. They are often confused with Brown Recluses but are generally less harmful.
Identification
- Size: About 7mm to 14mm in body length
- Color: Light brown with darker markings
- Body Shape: Oval body with hairy legs
- Web Type: Funnel-shaped, low to the ground
- Eyes: 8 eyes arranged in two rows
Habitat
Hobo Spiders like basements, window wells, and lower parts of buildings. They seek out cracks, baseboards, and floor-level corners where they can easily spin their webs.
Behavior
They are shy and avoid confrontation. They rush out of their funnel webs to catch prey quickly. Hobo spiders are not aggressive toward humans, and most bites are minor if they happen at all.
Lifespan and Lifecycle
They live about 1 to 2 years. Females lay several egg sacs during their lifetime. The young spiders hatch from the eggs in late summer or fall and grow through multiple molts.
10. Southern House Spider
The Southern House Spider is a large, slow-moving spider commonly found inside homes in the southern United States. Males are often mistaken for Brown Recluse Spiders but are harmless.
Identification
- Size: About 9mm to 18mm in body length
- Color: Males are dark brown; females are grayish-brown
- Body Shape: Slender body for males, larger and rounder for females
- Web Type: Messy sheet webs with tunnels
- Eyes: 8 eyes arranged closely together
Habitat
Southern House Spiders live in crevices, cracks in walls, ceilings, and behind furniture. They are more active at night and hide during the day.
Behavior
Males wander around in search of females, while females stay hidden in their webs. They are harmless to humans and rarely bite. They help by controlling insects in the house.
Lifespan and Lifecycle
They can live up to 2 years. Females lay eggs inside their tunnel webs, a
11. Barn Funnel Weaver
The Barn Funnel Weaver is a fast-moving spider that often builds large, sheet-like webs with a funnel entrance. They are commonly found inside homes, especially in basements and garages.
Identification
- Size: About 7mm to 11mm in body length
- Color: Brown with a striped pattern on the back
- Body Shape: Elongated body with long legs
- Web Type: Large flat webs with a funnel retreat
- Eyes: 8 eyes arranged in two rows
Habitat
Barn Funnel Weavers prefer dark, quiet indoor spaces like basements, garages, and storage rooms. They build their webs in corners, under furniture, and near windows.
Behavior
They hide in their funnel web and rush out quickly when prey lands on the sheet part. They are shy and non-aggressive, avoiding human contact whenever possible.
Lifespan and Lifecycle
They typically live 1 to 2 years. Females spin egg sacs attached to their webs. Spiderlings hatch after a few weeks and stay near the web until they are large enough to move out.
12. Common House Spider (Parasteatoda tepidariorum)
The Common House Spider is one of the most familiar spiders seen indoors. They spin messy cobwebs in quiet corners and help by eating many household pests.
Identification
- Size: About 5mm to 8mm in body length
- Color: Yellowish-brown with darker markings
- Body Shape: Round abdomen with thin legs
- Web Type: Messy, tangled cobwebs
- Eyes: 8 eyes grouped together
Habitat
They like corners of rooms, windowsills, garages, and basements. They prefer undisturbed areas where insects might fly or crawl into their webs.
Behavior
Common House Spiders stay mostly in their webs, waiting for insects to get trapped. They are shy and will usually play dead or run away if disturbed. They rarely bite and are not dangerous.
Lifespan and Lifecycle
They live for about 1 to 2 years. Females spin several egg sacs containing dozens of eggs. Spiderlings hatch and sometimes stay near the original web for a short time before dispersing.
13. False Widow Spider
The False Widow Spider is sometimes confused with the Black Widow but is less dangerous. They have a shiny body and build strong, messy webs indoors.
Identification
- Size: About 7mm to 14mm in body length
- Color: Dark brown to black with lighter markings
- Body Shape: Round, bulbous abdomen
- Web Type: Tangled, sticky webs
- Eyes: 8 eyes arranged in two rows
Habitat
False Widows prefer dark, quiet areas inside houses like basements, attics, garages, and behind furniture. They usually build their webs near floor-level corners or cracks.
Behavior
They are mostly stationary, staying inside their webs and waiting for prey. They rarely bite unless disturbed, and their bite is usually mild, causing only minor discomfort.
Lifespan and Lifecycle
They live up to 2 to 3 years. Females lay several egg sacs during their life, each holding dozens of eggs. Baby spiders hatch and stay close to the mother’s web for some time before moving away.
14. Bold Jumping Spider
The Bold Jumping Spider is a small, active spider often seen moving around homes. They don’t build webs to catch prey but instead hunt by jumping on insects.
Identification
- Size: About 8mm to 15mm in body length
- Color: Black with white spots on the back and iridescent green or blue chelicerae (mouthparts)
- Body Shape: Compact body with short, strong legs
- Web Type: No prey-catching web; uses silk draglines
- Eyes: 8 eyes, with two large front-facing eyes
Habitat
Bold Jumping Spiders prefer windowsills, walls, ceilings, and corners inside homes. They like sunny spots where they can hunt small insects.
Behavior
They are active hunters during the day, using their excellent eyesight to spot and pounce on prey. They are curious and may watch humans closely but rarely bite.
Lifespan and Lifecycle
They usually live about 1 year. Females lay eggs inside silk sacs hidden in protected areas. Spiderlings hatch and begin hunting shortly after dispersing.
15. Zebra Jumping Spider
The Zebra Jumping Spider is a small, energetic spider with striking black and white stripes. They are often seen hunting for insects near windows and sunny indoor spots.
Identification
- Size: About 5mm to 9mm in body length
- Color: Black with white horizontal stripes
- Body Shape: Small, compact body with sturdy legs
- Web Type: No web for hunting; silk draglines for safety
- Eyes: 8 large eyes with excellent vision
Habitat
They are commonly found on walls, ceilings, and windows indoors where they can hunt insects. They prefer bright, sunny areas inside the home.
Behavior
Zebra Jumping Spiders actively stalk and jump onto their prey. They are harmless to humans and often seem curious about movements around them.
Lifespan and Lifecycle
Their lifespan is about 1 year. After mating, females create silk sacs for eggs, which they guard until the spiderlings hatch and venture out.
16. Tan Jumping Spider
The Tan Jumping Spider is a small, light-colored spider often spotted inside homes. They have excellent vision and are quick hunters.
Identification
- Size: About 5mm to 8mm in body length
- Color: Light brown or tan with subtle markings
- Body Shape: Compact, slightly flattened body
- Web Type: No catching web; silk used for draglines
- Eyes: 8 eyes, two large ones facing forward
Habitat
Tan Jumping Spiders are found near windows, walls, and ceilings inside homes. They like bright, open areas where small insects are available to hunt.
Behavior
They are active during the daytime and hunt by stalking and pouncing on prey. They are non-aggressive and very shy, quickly running away if disturbed.
Lifespan and Lifecycle
They live for about 1 year. Females spin small silk retreats to lay their eggs. After hatching, the young spiders grow by molting several times before becoming adults.
17. Lace Web Spider
The Lace Web Spider is a small spider that builds delicate, lace-like sheet webs. They are often found in damp areas inside homes.
Identification
- Size: About 6mm to 9mm in body length
- Color: Brown or gray with a mottled pattern
- Body Shape: Oval body with relatively short legs
- Web Type: Sheet-like webs with a retreat tunnel
- Eyes: 8 eyes arranged in two rows
Habitat
Lace Web Spiders prefer humid areas indoors such as basements, bathrooms, and near pipes. They build their webs near vents, windows, and around floor corners.
Behavior
They stay hidden inside their web retreat during the day and come out at night to catch prey. They are shy and non-aggressive, and bites are extremely rare.
Lifespan and Lifecycle
They live for about 1 to 2 years. Females create silk egg sacs attached to their webs. The young spiders hatch and often stay close for a while before moving on.
18. Funnel-Web Grass Spider
The Funnel-Web Grass Spider sometimes wanders indoors, especially during colder months. They build funnel-shaped webs with a tunnel where they hide.
Identification
- Size: About 9mm to 14mm in body length
- Color: Brownish-gray with two dark stripes down the back
- Body Shape: Elongated body with long legs
- Web Type: Funnel-shaped web with an escape tunnel
- Eyes: 8 eyes grouped closely
Habitat
While they prefer outdoor grassy areas, they can be found inside garages, basements, and around doorways. They like cool, hidden spaces with little human disturbance.
Behavior
They hide inside the funnel part of their web and dart out quickly to catch prey. They are fast but not aggressive toward humans.
Lifespan and Lifecycle
They typically live about 1 to 2 years. After mating, females lay egg sacs near their web tunnels. Spiderlings hatch and remain hidden for a time before venturing out.
19. Triangulate Cobweb Spider
The Triangulate Cobweb Spider is a small, common indoor spider known for its messy webs and triangular abdominal markings.
Identification
- Size: About 4mm to 7mm in body length
- Color: Light brown to beige with dark triangular patterns
- Body Shape: Small rounded abdomen with thin legs
- Web Type: Tangled cobwebs
- Eyes: 8 small eyes arranged in two rows
Habitat
They prefer basements, closets, garages, and undisturbed corners inside homes. Their webs are often found behind furniture and under shelves.
Behavior
Triangulate Cobweb Spiders stay hidden in their webs and quickly run if disturbed. They feed on small insects and sometimes other spiders.
Lifespan and Lifecycle
They live about 1 to 2 years. Females spin multiple egg sacs attached to their webs. Spiderlings hatch and stay near the web before moving to build their own.
20. Red House Spider
The Red House Spider is a small reddish spider often found indoors, especially in hidden corners and window frames. They are harmless and shy.
Identification
- Size: About 5mm to 8mm in body length
- Color: Reddish-brown to orange
- Body Shape: Small round body with long thin legs
- Web Type: Irregular, tangled webs
- Eyes: 8 eyes arranged in two rows
Habitat
Red House Spiders prefer quiet, undisturbed indoor areas like corners of windows, ceilings, basements, and storage rooms. They build webs where small insects pass by.
Behavior
They are not aggressive and usually stay hidden in their webs. They catch small insects that get tangled in the sticky threads. Bites are rare and not serious.
Lifespan and Lifecycle
They live for about 1 to 2 years. Females produce several egg sacs during their life, with spiderlings emerging and staying near the mother’s web until they grow larger.
21. Woodlouse Spider
The Woodlouse Spider is a ground-dwelling spider that sometimes enters homes, especially basements and damp areas, looking for woodlice (pill bugs).
Identification
- Size: About 8mm to 15mm in body length
- Color: Reddish body with a pale gray or beige abdomen
- Body Shape: Elongated body with large fangs
- Web Type: No hunting web; builds silk retreats
- Eyes: 6 eyes arranged in a semicircle
Habitat
They are mostly found in dark, damp areas indoors like basements, bathrooms, and under sinks. They often hide under debris, stones, or cluttered corners inside the house.
Behavior
Woodlouse Spiders actively hunt at night and do not spin webs to catch prey. They use their strong jaws to pierce the tough shell of woodlice. They are shy and only bite if provoked.
Lifespan and Lifecycle
They usually live about 1 to 2 years. Females lay eggs inside silk retreats. After hatching, the young stay hidden until they are mature enough to hunt.
22. Orb Weaver Spider (Indoor Wanderers)
While Orb Weaver Spiders are mostly outdoor spiders, some species may wander indoors during cold or rainy seasons.
Identification
- Size: About 6mm to 20mm depending on species
- Color: Varies—brown, orange, yellow, or gray
- Body Shape: Large rounded abdomen with long legs
- Web Type: Circular, classic orb-shaped webs
- Eyes: 8 eyes arranged in two rows
Habitat
They are occasionally found inside garages, attics, and near windows or doors. They may build temporary webs indoors if trapped inside.
Behavior
Orb Weavers are harmless and shy. They rebuild their beautiful orb webs daily. If found indoors, they usually look for ways to get back outside.
Lifespan and Lifecycle
They live about 1 year. Females lay egg sacs during the late summer or fall. Spiderlings hatch and disperse in the spring to build their own webs.
23. Wolf Spider (Indoor Visitors)
Wolf Spiders are fast-moving hunters that sometimes wander indoors, especially during colder months. They don’t spin webs to catch prey but actively chase insects.
Identification
- Size: About 10mm to 35mm in body length depending on species
- Color: Brown, gray, or black with stripe or mottled patterns
- Body Shape: Robust body with strong, long legs
- Web Type: No hunting web; silk used for egg sacs
- Eyes: 8 eyes in three rows (large middle row)
Habitat
They are found indoors in basements, garages, and ground-level rooms. They prefer dark corners, under furniture, and cluttered spaces where they can hide during the day.
Behavior
Wolf Spiders are solitary hunters. They usually roam at night in search of prey. They are shy and will run away if approached. They rarely bite, and bites are not dangerous.
Lifespan and Lifecycle
They typically live 1 to 2 years. Females carry their egg sacs attached to their spinnerets and later carry spiderlings on their backs until they are ready to disperse.
24. Crab Spider (Indoor Visitors)
Crab Spiders are small spiders that may accidentally wander indoors. They are named for their crab-like appearance and sideways walking.
Identification
- Size: About 4mm to 10mm in body length
- Color: White, yellow, brown, or green depending on species
- Body Shape: Flat, wide body with legs extending sideways
- Web Type: No catching web; uses silk for anchor lines
- Eyes: 8 small eyes arranged in two rows
Habitat
Although they usually live outdoors on flowers and plants, some Crab Spiders can be found indoors near windowsills, potted plants, or corners where insects are present.
Behavior
Crab Spiders are ambush predators. They wait motionless and grab insects that come close. They are harmless to humans and avoid confrontation.
Lifespan and Lifecycle
They live for about 1 year. Females lay egg sacs under leaves, crevices, or hidden corners indoors if trapped inside. Spiderlings disperse after hatching.
25. Trapdoor Spider (Rare Indoors)
Trapdoor Spiders are rarely found inside homes, but they can accidentally wander into basements or garages from nearby outdoor burrows.
Identification
- Size: About 15mm to 30mm in body length
- Color: Dark brown or black
- Body Shape: Thick, heavy body with short legs
- Web Type: No web for prey; silk used for burrow doors
- Eyes: 8 small eyes in close groups
Habitat
They prefer underground burrows but sometimes enter basements, storage rooms, or crawl spaces if displaced from their natural habitat.
Behavior
Trapdoor Spiders are slow and reclusive. They spend most of their life hidden in burrows and only emerge at night to hunt. They are non-aggressive toward humans.
Lifespan and Lifecycle
Trapdoor Spiders can live for several years. Females create burrows and silk trapdoors to protect their eggs. Spiderlings hatch and live in the burrow for some time before dispersing.
How to Keep Spiders Out of the House
- Seal cracks and gaps: Check windows, doors, and walls for small openings and seal them with caulk.
- Use screens: Install fine mesh screens on windows and vents.
- Keep outdoor lights low: Bright lights attract insects, which attract spiders.
- Declutter inside: Clean regularly and remove piles of clothes, boxes, and papers where spiders can hide.
- Remove webs immediately: Regularly sweep or vacuum away spider webs to discourage them from settling.
- Use natural repellents: Spray vinegar-water mixtures, peppermint oil, or citrus scents around entry points.
How to Get Rid of Spiders Inside the House
- Vacuum regularly: Remove spiders, webs, and egg sacs with a vacuum cleaner.
- Set sticky traps: Place glue traps in corners and behind furniture to catch wandering spiders.
- Use indoor-safe insecticides: Target areas where spiders are most active if necessary.
- Reduce indoor insects: Keep the home clean to eliminate the spiders’ food sources.
- Call pest control: If you have a serious spider problem, professional help may be needed.
FAQs
Do House Spiders Bite?
House spiders are generally shy and avoid humans.
Bites are rare and usually happen only if the spider is trapped against the skin. Most house spider bites are minor, causing little more than mild redness or itching.
Are House Spiders Poisonous?
Most common house spiders are not poisonous to humans.
Even if they bite, their venom is usually too weak to cause serious harm. Spiders like the Brown Recluse are an exception but are very reclusive and rarely bite.
How Long Does a House Spider Live?
A typical house spider lives about 1 to 2 years.
Some species, like the Giant House Spider or False Widow Spider, can live even up to 3 years under the right conditions indoors.
Summary
House spiders are common indoor helpers, quietly controlling pests. Most species, like the American House Spider and Common Cellar Spider, are harmless and prefer dark, quiet corners. Some hunt actively, while others wait in webs. They typically live 1–2 years and help maintain a balanced home environment.
