Common Spider Myths
We know that Halloween is over, but we thought we would prolong the season a bit with some spider myths that you may have heard in the past. As Pittsburgh pest control technicians, we know how many people have a deep-seated fear of arachnids, so we are here to ease your spider worries!
You Are Never More Than 3 Feet From a Spider
Our first myth is the arachnophobe’s worst nightmare. This myth started with an archeologist’s comment that wherever you were sitting, you were probably no more than a few yards from a spider. But that depends on where you are. Outside in the middle of a field, you are far more likely to be that close to a spider than in your warm bedroom at night. Relax.
Spiders are Dangerous.
Yes, spiders are predators, but for the most part, they only prey on insects. Okay, there are a few that can be dangerous to humans. In the United States, widow spiders and recluse spiders can pose a threat to people. But most spiders are harmless to humans, even tarantulas. Tarantula venom can, however, cause allergic reactions in humans. But in most cases, the venom has less of an impact on most people than a bee sting.
Daddy Longlegs are Deadly
Poor guy. The cute and gangly daddy longlegs has been saddled with the reputation of being a poisonous monster if only his fangs were longer. According to arachnologists at the University of California, this is untrue. “There is no reference to any pholcid spider (daddy longlegs) biting a human and causing a detrimental reaction. Furthermore, there are no toxicological studies testing the lethality of pholcid venom on any mammalian system.” In other words,…nope, it’s untrue.
Every Spider Spins a Web
Again, this is untrue. While many spiders spin webs in order to catch prey, there are those varieties that employ other methods of catching their food. Spiders that belong to the lycosidae family (such as wolf spiders) do not spin webs, as well as jumping spiders and crab spiders.
Spiders Will Come Into Your Home When It Gets Cold Outside
We humans can anthropomorphize other creatures. Because we don’t like the cold, we think everything else wants to come inside during the winter as well. But when it comes to spiders, most house spiders live right there all year round, inside your home. In fact, less than 5 percent of house spiders have ever been outside.
You Will Swallow an Average of Eight Spiders a Year While Sleeping
So, do we swallow spiders in our sleep? Absolutely not! This one was actually conjured up by a columnist to prove that people will believe anything they read online. And apparently, she was right.
Getting Rid of Spiders
So, it would appear that the lowly arachnid has gotten a bad rap over time. It has even starred in some really bad horror flicks. But most are harmless, and they are extremely beneficial to the environment by reducing other pests in the garden and the home.
Still not convinced? We understand. It takes a lot to undo the fears we have carried throughout a lifetime. To get rid of spiders, call our exterminators at Spectrum Pest Control! We offer free quotes and same-day service, guaranteed to ease your spider problem in no time.
