When it comes to spiders, there are quite a few misconceptions about these creepy critters. As a pest control company, we’re faced with misunderstandings like these every single day. That’s why, today, we’re going to debunk some popular myths about spiders so you can better identify fact from fiction.
For starters: Not every spider spins a web.
While, yes, many spiders do, this is not the case for every species of spider. Wolf spiders, for instance, are one of the more common spiders in Michigan. These spiders actively hunt for their prey rather than building webs to trap other insects.
Another common urban legend is that all spiders are dangerous.
This ideology likely stems from the fact that, yes, most (if not all) spiders have a venomous bite. However, only two species of spiders out of the approximately 35,000 species that exist worldwide pose a threat to humans. These species are the widow spiders and the recluse spiders – both of which are reclusive species (meaning they prefer to inhabit dark, quiet, protected places). A bite from any other spider may itch but is, otherwise, completely harmless.
See a spider in your house? You may not want to release it into the wild.
Most spiders you find in your home have likely come from a long line of house spiders who have adapted to life with little food and water. By releasing them outdoors, you are introducing them to an entirely new environment and, chances are, they’re not going to survive it. Weather, new predators, and an inability to adapt are likely to cause your spider friend a rather rapid demise.
In fact, the majority of spiders you find in your home are absolutely harmless. To you, that is. However, they’re great at capturing those other insect pests that find their way indoors. And, on the off chance that the spider you find is one of the very few dangerous species, it’s highly likely it won’t want anything to do with you. The old phrase “they’re more scared of you than you are of them,” is most certainly true in this scenario.
That being said, if you think that you might have a spider infestation or you’ve spotted a poisonous spider in your home, call Presidio Pest Management right away. We have years of experience and trained professionals to help you eliminate these pests from your home and create a safe, relaxing environment that you feel good in. Even if spiders are largely harmless, that doesn’t mean you want them as roommates. Contact us today for a free home inspection.
