What You Need To Know About Spiders

Spiders 101

There are over 45,000 known species of spiders worldwide. As you probably remember from early biology, all spiders have eight legs, two body sections, and multiple sets of eyes. They all produce silk, and (gasp!) they all have fangs and venom that they use to feed. Some spiders spin webs to trap their prey and others will actively hunt.

Believe it or not, spiders are our friends, and most spiders are completely harmless to humans. They do not transmit diseases, and they do not feed on people. And even though some species are capable of biting humans, those bites are actually very rare. Of those, there are a couple of spiders, such as black and brown widows and brown recluse, that have venom strong enough to cause harm to people.

An Unlikely Spider Bite

Spiders are not as dangerous as people believe, and bites are uncommon. Many times, spider bites are misdiagnosed for bites from insects or skin reactions from allergies or other irritants. Falling ill from a spider bite is even more uncommon, and death is extremely rare. Of all the causes of human deaths annually, spider bites account for less than one percent…even in places where dangerous spiders reside. In fact, Australia is home to some of the most dangerous spiders in the world, but there has only been one death from a spider bite there in the past 40 years!

Practical Spider Prevention

There is an old saying that you are never more than 10 feet from a spider. This may not be entirely true, but it is indicative of how prevalent they are. While it may be impossible to completely rid your home from spiders, here are some tips to discourage their presence:

1. The best way to help reduce spiders around your home is to keep it clean and uncluttered. Clutter invites many insect pests, and spiders will move in to feed on them.
2. Vacuum regularly, including places usually missed, such as beneath beds, couches, and other furniture, as well as in closets, basements, and other dark, undisturbed areas.
3. Remove spiders, their webs, and egg sacs with a vacuum.
4. Help prevent spiders from wandering in from outside by keeping screens on windows, doors, and vents.
5. Turn off unnecessary lights at night. Lights attract flying insects, and the spiders will come to feed on them.
6. Keep the areas around the outside of your house clean, dry, and uncluttered as well.
7. Trim bushes and tree limbs away from the house, keep the lawn maintained, and do not use excessive amounts of mulch or pine straw.