Spiders have adapted to live in nearly every type of habitat, and they are one of the most diverse species on earth. They play vital roles in all ecosystems, sometimes even in your home.The following spider facts will help you learn more about these eight-legged pests, some of which might appear in your backyard or around your home this fall.
Spiders are nearsighted.
Most spiders have eight eyes, but some, like the brown recluse spider, only have six. Spiders typically have a main set that creates images while the secondary sets can only detect light and shadow. It is thought that the secondary sets of eyes are derived from the compound eyes of a common ancestor to both spiders and insects.
But even with all of those eyes, spiders cannot see far into the distance. Nearsightedness is a problem for people, but because of the habits of spiders, being nearsighted isn’t a problem. They wait for prey to get caught in their webs and use silk trip wires to warn of approaching predators.
All spiders produce silk.
Something common of all 40,000 species of spiders is that they all spin silk. And as spiders have evolved, so has their ability to work with silk. One spider can produce up to seven different types, each used for a different purpose such as spinning webs or capturing prey. For its weight, spider web silk is actually stronger and tougher than steel.
Jumping spiders can jump up to 50x their own length.
When hunting or trying to escape a predator, jumping spiders are able to make very agile movements and jump multiple times their body length. This is possible due to an internal hydraulic system. Jumping spiders can alter the pressure of fluids in their legs resulting in a springing motion that propels the spiders forward.
Females can lay up to 3,000 eggs at one time.
These eggs are housed in one or more silk sacs. The level of care a female spider provides for her young varies by species. Some females will die shortly after laying eggs while others will carry spiderlings on their backs or share prey with them.
The ‘daddy long-legs’ you see might not actually be a spider.
The nickname ‘daddy long-legs’ has been given to several different pests, only one of which is an actual spider. Crane flies, harvestmen and cellar spiders are all colloquially identified as ‘daddy long-legs.’ Only cellar spiders are spiders. Harvestmen are in the arachnid family, but they don’t have venom or silk glands. Crane flies are agricultural pests with very long legs and flies.
Spiders may disguise themselves as ants.
There are over 100 species of spiders that mimic ants by having evolved similar appearances and even similar pheromones. Most do it to evade predators, but a few do it to help them prey on ants.
Spiders just might be everywhere you are.
This might freak you out, but research suggests that you are never more than 10 feet away from a spider. Don’t worry though, most of the time they are hiding away somewhere in some crevices minding their own business.
Despite the fact that spiders aren’t cute or cuddly, a few in your home are actually very helpful. Spiders are oftentimes the most important natural control of pests in and around homes, yards, and gardens. But even spiders need to come in moderation.
If you are noticing an uncomfortable amount of spiders in or around your home, it’s time to contact a professional pest control company. Hiring a company you trust ensures that you are keeping your home and family safe, but also the environment and the natural order of these insects.
If you’ve noticed too many unwanted spiders around your home or business, call Brock Pest and Lawn Control! Our team provides professional, eco-friendly pest control services for homes and businesses. As colder weather closes in, you may start to notice more insects and other pests trying to use your space as their own. Make sure to get a head start with our extensive, year-round pest control services. As a locally owned and operated pest control company, we proudly serve Florida’s Gulf Coast and northern counties with offices in Panama City, Fort Walton and Panama City Beach.
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