Spiders! Do they make your skin crawl? For many, a fear of spiders (Arachnophobia) is a serious situation. It’s understandable why many of us fear spiders, what with their fast moving legs and intimidating fangs. While there are a few varieties of spiders that have a wicked bite and can be very venomous, most spiders in our area are harmless and can do you more good than harm. You’ll find most of the big spiders out in your garden, where they hunt many plant-damaging insects. Others make camp inside our homes where they eat many disease-carrying pests such as flies.
Here are a few of the more fascinating species we find in the Dallas area:
Green Lynx Spiders feed mostly on moths and their larvae that can damage your garden plants. They are also an important part of controlling pests in agricultural crops. They can bite so best to leave them alone if you find them in your yard; although rest assured that their bite is not venomous.
The Zipper Spider is one of the biggest and most intimidating spiders in our area! It’s the females that achieve a monstrous size (the one in this photos is about 6-inches from tip to tip) . While she’s completely harmless to humans, she will devour many pests in your garden. You’ll know you have a zipper spider when you find a large web with a thick zipper pattern right down the middle. Concerned about a large web by your entry? Just knock it down with a broom and she’ll take up residence elsewhere.
The most common spider you’ll see in your home is the House Spider. She doesn’t bite or cause any harm, but she will leave small cocoons on the undersides of furniture and in the corners of dark closets. You’ll find them in garages, sheds and in the garden where they fed on other insects. House spiders will take care of many disease carrying insects inside your home, such as files.
The Brown Recluse is one local spider than can cause you serious health problems if you’re bitten. They typically live outdoors under rocks, logs, woodpiles and debris. Since they don’t use a web to catch their prey, they hunt at night. Brown recluse markings resemble a violin and they tend to be quite shy and non-aggressive. If they do bite, it is usually because they were pressed against. If you do find yourself with a bite, ice it, elevate the area and seek medical attention.
Other spiders you may find include Orb Weavers.
While many spiders are beneficial, sometimes you can find yourself with an outbreak in your home. If so, it may be time to call in a professional. Do you have an influx of spiders inside your home? We help keep household pests at bay year-round.
