10 Common Spider Myths Debunked

The sight of an eight-legged hairy arachnid crawling up the walls is enough to give one jitter. That is mainly due to the myths most people have about spiders. Some spider species do not bite, nor will they crawl into your mouth as you sleep.

Below are some common spider myths.

Spiders are Insects

Spiders are dark, tiny, and tend to crawl around with their little legs. However, spiders are not insects, but they are arachnids. Insects belong to the Insecta group that has three main body parts, which are the head, thorax, and abdomen.

Spiders belong to the Arachnida group, which also includes ticks and mites. They have two main body parts that are the abdomen and the cephalothorax, a combination of thorax and head. Also, they have one more set of legs and do not have insect-like antennae.

All Spiders Make Webs

Although spiders are synonymous with spinning webs, not all species can make webs. Most spiders create webs to help them obtain food. They use the webs to trap insects and other prey. Nonetheless, some species like wolf spiders prefer to burrow into the ground. They’ll use rocks and create silk funnels to source for food.

Spiders produce silk from their abdominal glands. The silk is in liquid form and hardens as it leaves the glands. They use some to make webs, while the rest wraps up prey and create sacs for eggs.

All Spiders are Dangerous

Spiders love indoors, and you’ll find them amongst humans, but not all species are harmful. Most species are predators and prefer to feed on insects. Spiders can be beneficial to the environment as they help to reduce the number of pests in your home and garden.

All spiders have a venomous bite, but only a few can be medically dangerous. Recluse spiders and black widow spiders can pose a health risk to humans.

Worth noting is that Tarantula venom isn’t dangerous, but can cause different allergic reactions like eye puffiness, redness, and itchiness. Cardiovascular collapse can occur in extreme cases.

An Average Person Will Swallow Eight Spiders a Year While Sleeping

The swallowing spiders’ myth is popular. There’s an assumption that you can swallow spiders while sleeping, but this is not the case. If you want to feast on a spider, you’ll have to catch one yourself.

Spiders spend most of their time hiding from humans, and you’ll find them sculpting their webs in dark areas of a room or the attic. They are not likely to hop in bed with you unless you have other pests like bed bugs.

There’s Always a Spider Nearby

Is it true there is always a spider within feet of you? That’s not the case. While spiders inhabit most places in the world, you’re not likely to find one a feet away.

Also, it depends on where you are. For example, if you’re enjoying a picnic in your backyard or an outdoor park, you may be surrounded by spiders. However, if you’re on top of a skyscraper, chances of having an arachnid around are close to zero.

What’s more, most spiders stay in their burrows during winter. That makes it less likely for them to swarm if you go outside to enjoy the snow. With over 40,000 spider species around the world, it’s unlikely that there’s always one around you.

Daddy Long Legs are Spiders

The daddy long legs myth has been around for a while. Nevertheless, daddy long legs are not spiders as they have one body part. They do not have venom, nor do they make silky webs.

Daddy long legs belong to a group called Harvestmen, which means they have silk glands, an unsegmented abdomen, and two eyes. They also have a different respiratory system.

Are daddy long legs poisonous Snopes? These spiders are poisonous, but they have tiny mouths that can’t bite humans. Moreover, they do not have fangs like spiders to bite.

Spiders Go Indoors to Escape Cold Weather

Most pests flee to warmer areas during the winter to survive and get their food source. However, the truth is that most spiders found indoors come from a line of species that have adapted to the temperate and constant climate.

They are also used to the constant source of food and water. You’ll find that these spiders leave their eggs on home fixtures and furniture. Their prime mating season is during the late summer months. Furthermore, it’s critical to note that spider season is not a season. While you’re likely to see more spiders in early autumn and late summer, what that indicates is that spiders are reaching maturity.

These spiders were around and occupying these spaces. They have only become more visible as they are bigger than they were at the start of summer.

Spiders are Aggressive

You woke up with some itchy blemish or bump, and the first assumption is that a spider bites you. Contrary to popular belief, spiders are not naturally aggressive. Although some species bite, they won’t unless they are protecting themselves from a predator.

Moreover, spider bites are less common. They prefer to run and hide, rather than attack. Even the black widow and brown recluse despite being venomous, they only sink in their fangs once provoked. Experts say that unless you catch a spider in the act of digging in your skin, the marks could be caused by something else.

You can read to learn more about jumping spiders if poisonous or friendly.

Spiders Get in Through Shower Drains and Sinks

With modern plumbing, it’s difficult for spiders to get in through drain pipes. Moreover, these areas have minimal food, and wouldn’t be an ideal environment for them.

All Spider Species Live Everywhere

Most spiders have limited ranges, except for a few house spider spiders. Each location has its spider species. Spider distributions vary, and most won’t live in your backyard or house.

Final Thoughts

These are some myths about spiders. Although spiders can be beneficial to your home and the environment as they keep it free from insects and pests, they could still be invasive. It’s best to contact a professional pest control company to eliminate these arachnids.

More Information about Spiders
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002855.htm
http://www.explorit.org/science/spider.html
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/fact-or-fiction-people-swallow-8-spiders-a-year-while-they-sleep1/]