The term “spiders” encompasses a wide range of spiders almost as diverse as those in the realm of general insects. They derive their name from the German word “spinthra,”which means someone who spins. In old English, it became “spithra.”
Before we sink our teeth into control, here are some interesting facts about spiders:
- Some spiders on the Island of Nassau tie trees together to create webs that catch flying birds.
- All spiders produce silk.
- Not all spiders produce webs.
- All spiders produce venom. The potency varies from species to species.
- Eggs take two weeks to several months to develop. It depends upon the weather and the species.
- The female wolf spider produces the egg and carries it.
- A female tarantula can live approximately 20 years. The male lives about 6 years. Tarantulas can defend themselves from predators like mice by shooting arrow-shaped hair off the top of their abdomens. With each molt they grow new hairs.
- Generally, spiders live 1 to 2 years.
- Spiderlings are young spiders that stay inside the egg sac after hatching until they are ready to emerge.
- Spiders dwell where they can readily capture insects for meals and try to harbor where they can avoid being eaten.
- Some 50-plus years ago, spider control was very effectively implemented by power spraying the side of structures with dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) — which generally lasted at least two years, even on the side of a high-rise hotel situated next to a lake. The lights in the hotel would bring in the night flying insects by the hundreds, making control essential. Now we rely on an environmentally sound integrated pest management (IPM) approach.
Steps for managing spiders:
- Put exterior lighting on motion detectors or mount lights away from the buildings, shining them at the doors or signs. This will pull the night insects away from the structure and thereby pull the spiders away as well. In residential accounts, garage doors cannot be sealed. By keeping night lights on by garage doors, it guarantees you are going to get spiders in the garages.
- Airflow into buildings via doorways and large-mesh screening must be managed. Solutions include rescreening with fine mesh and/or using negative
air pressure. - Keep shrubbery to a minimum adjacent to all structures.
- Avoid clutter and debris stored near and adjacent to structures.
- Plug or screen weep holes, which serve as excellent spider harborages and entrance ways. Note, sometimes they might not be able to be plugged.
- Inspect hollow pipes on patio chairs, unopened patio umbrellas and mailboxes, which are known to harbor spiders.
- Gas grills have fluted pipes, which serve as ideal spider harborages. In the early spring, clean the tubing out with a small spider brush.
- Before bringing inside something that has been sitting outside for a long time, inspect for spiders. In states prone to hurricanes, this is especially important. Likewise, have homeowners check firewood carefully for spiders and other insects before bringing it into their houses.
- Minimize moisture and adequately ventilate crawlspaces. This discourages both spiders and insects. pmp
You can reach Dr. Frishman, an industry consultant since 1967 and president of AMF Pest Management Services, at mypmp@northcoastmedia.net.
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