Spiders

Common House Spider (Parasteatoda tepidariorum):

• Also known as the American house spider, these are often found indoors, building messy webs in corners.



Wolf Spider (Family Lycosidae):

• These large, ground-dwelling spiders are often found outdoors, especially in grassy or wooded areas.

Jumping Spider (Family Salticidae):

• These small, agile spiders are known for their jumping abilities.
• Various species of jumping spiders can be found in Michigan.

Brown Recluse Spider (Loxosceles reclusa):

• While not very common in Michigan, brown recluse spiders have been reported.
• They are known for their venomous bite.

Sac Spider (Family Clubionidae):

• Sac spiders are typically pale in color and build small silk sacs as retreats.
• They are often found in homes.

Cellar Spider (Pholcus phalangioides):

• Also known as daddy long-legs spiders, they are common in homes and are recognized by their long, thin legs.

Fishing Spider (Family Pisauridae):

• Fishing spiders are large and typically found near water sources, such as ponds or streams.

Woodlouse Hunter (Dysdera crocata):

• These spiders are often found under rocks or logs and are known for preying on woodlice (sowbugs).

Grass Spider (Agelenopsis spp.):

• These spiders are often found in tall grass or shrubs and build funnel-shaped webs.



Bold Jumping Spider (Phidippus audax):

• Bold jumping spiders are known for their black body with distinctive white or orange markings.
• They are common in gardens and around homes.

Long-Jawed Orb Weaver (Family Tetragnathidae):

• These spiders have elongated jaws and are often found near water or vegetation.

Please note that while most spiders are harmless and beneficial in controlling insect populations, it's essential to exercise caution and avoid handling unfamiliar spiders, especially if you're unsure of their identity. If you encounter a spider and have concerns, consider contacting a local pest control or spider expert for identification and advice.

Facts About Spiders

1. Arachnids: Spiders belong to the class Arachnida, which is distinct from insects. They are more closely related to scorpions and ticks.
2. Silk Production: Spiders produce silk from specialized glands located in their abdomen. They use silk for building webs, making egg sacs, and even for wrapping prey.
3. Venomous Predators: Most spiders are carnivorous and use venom to immobilize their prey. However, only a small percentage of spiders possess venom that can harm humans.
4. Leg Count: Spiders typically have eight legs, which distinguishes them from insects, which have six legs.
5. Variety of Species: There are over 48,000 known species of spiders worldwide, and scientists estimate that there may be many more yet to be discovered.
6. Predatory Behavior: Spiders are skilled predators that use various hunting techniques. Some actively stalk and pounce on their prey, while others create intricate webs to catch insects.
7. Web Diversity: Different species of spiders construct a wide range of web types, including orb webs, cobwebs, funnel webs, and sheet webs. Each design is adapted to the spider's hunting style.
8. Molting: Spiders do not grow continuously but instead molt, shedding their exoskeletons as they grow. This process allows them to expand and develop.
9. Life Span: The lifespan of a spider can vary greatly depending on the species. Some live only a few months, while others can survive for several years.
10. Venom Composition: Spider venom is a complex mixture of proteins and peptides. It is primarily used to paralyze or kill prey and sometimes to aid in digestion.
11. Social Behavior: While most spiders are solitary creatures, some species, like the social spiders, live in communal colonies with hundreds of individuals.
12. Territorial: Spiders can be territorial and may engage in territorial disputes with other spiders, especially if resources like a good web location are at stake.
13. Courtship Rituals: Many spiders have elaborate courtship rituals involving visual displays and vibrations to attract mates. In some species, females may cannibalize males after mating.
14. Hibernation: Some spiders enter a state of dormancy during the winter months, reducing their metabolic rate and conserving energy until conditions improve.
15. Nocturnal Hunters: Many spiders are nocturnal and are more active during the night, while others, like orb-weavers, construct their webs during the evening.
16. Global Distribution: Spiders can be found on every continent except Antarctica. They inhabit a wide range of environments, from deserts to rainforests.
17. Ecosystem Benefits: Spiders play a crucial role in ecosystems by controlling insect populations. They help maintain a balance in insect populations, which can prevent the spread of disease and crop damage.
18. Leg Regeneration: Spiders have the ability to regenerate lost legs, a process known as autotomy. However, the regenerated leg may not be as functional as the original.
19. Size Range: Spider sizes vary greatly, from tiny species measuring a fraction of an inch to giant tarantulas with leg spans exceeding a foot.
20. Symbolism: Spiders have various cultural and symbolic meanings in different societies. In some cultures, they are associated with creativity and patience, while in others, they symbolize fear or mystery.

These facts provide a glimpse into the diverse and fascinating world of spiders.

How To Prevent Spiders

Preventing spiders from entering your home or garden primarily involves creating an environment that is less appealing to them. Here's a list of steps you can take to prevent spiders:

• Regular Cleaning:
• Clean your home regularly, including corners, closets, and under furniture. Spiders like cluttered areas.
• Vacuuming:
• Use a vacuum cleaner with a nozzle attachment to remove webs, spiders, and their eggs from walls, ceilings, and corners.
• Seal Cracks and Gaps:
• Seal any cracks, gaps, or holes in your home's exterior walls, windows, and doors using caulk or weatherstripping.
• Install Screens:
• Install fine mesh screens on windows and doors to prevent spiders from entering.
• Outdoor Maintenance:
• Trim bushes and trees away from the exterior of your home to eliminate potential bridges for spiders.
• Reduce Outdoor Lighting:
• Spiders are attracted to outdoor lights because they attract insects. Consider using yellow or sodium vapor lights, which are less attractive to insects.
• Remove Debris:
• Keep your garden and yard free of leaf piles, mulch, and other debris that can serve as hiding places for spiders.
• Keep Food Sealed:
• Store food in airtight containers to prevent attracting insects, which in turn attract spiders.
• Reduce Moisture:
• Fix any leaks in your home to reduce moisture, as some spider species are drawn to damp environments.
• Use Essential Oils:
• Certain essential oils like peppermint, lavender, and citrus can act as natural spider repellents. Dilute them with water and spray in spider-prone areas.
• Homemade Spider Repellent:
• Create a homemade spider repellent by mixing vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spritz this mixture in areas where spiders frequent.
• Outdoor Pest Control:
• Consider using natural or chemical insecticides to control the insect population around your home, which can reduce the spider population indirectly.
• Pet Food:
• Don't leave pet food out overnight, as it can attract insects, which in turn attract spiders.
• Store Firewood Properly:
• If you have a woodpile for your fireplace or stove, keep it away from your home, as it can be a hiding spot for spiders.
• Regular Pest Control:
• Consider hiring a professional pest control service for regular inspections and treatments.
• Natural Predators:
• Encourage natural spider predators like birds and beneficial insects (e.g., ladybugs) to inhabit your garden.
• Education:
• Learn about common spider species in your area to better understand their habits and habitats.
• DIY Traps:
• Create simple DIY spider traps using sticky tape or glue traps and place them in areas where you've seen spiders.