The Bug Guy

Wow! Can you believe spring is right around the corner bringing warmer weather and more visibility to spider activity. For many, the mere sight of a creepy crawly spider scaling a wall or lurking in a webbed corner gives people the heebiejeebies— but why? Over time, many myths and misconceptions about spiders have evolved, resulting in a multitude of terrified reactions.

While spiders can be a nightmare for homeowners, most species are nothing more than a source of unexplained fear. Here are a few well-known legends about this eight-legged arachnid and detailed the truths behind them.

Myth #1: The average person swallows about eight spiders a year when sleeping: This urban legend has become one of the most widespread rumors – it’s false. In reality, it’s highly unlikely for a person to swallow even one live spider when sleeping. Myth #2: Daddy longlegs are one of the most poisonous spiders, but their fangs are too short to penetrate human skin: This myth is false. How can a spider inject venom into the human body if they are too short to pierce skin tissue? Arachnologists at the University of California said, “There is no reference to any pholcid spider [read “daddy-long-legs”] biting a human and causing any detrimental reaction… Furthermore, there are no toxicological studies testing the lethality of pholcid venom on any mammalian system.” Simply put, there no facts to support this legend.

Myth #3: All spiders are dangerous: Spiders have lived around us for centuries and most aren’t harmful to humans; in fact, many species are beneficial to the environment. Spiders are predators, feeding mainly on insects, so they help to reduce the number of pests in homes and gardens. While it’s true that all spiders have a venomous bite, only a few species are medically dangerous. In Arizona, only the widow spiders pose a health threat. And, contrary to popular belief, most tarantulas are harmless.

If you believed any of these myths, you’re not alone. There are many misconceptions about spiders, however, we encourage homeowners to take preventative steps to keep spiders from gaining access to your home. Consider storing clothes and shoes in plastic containers, sweeping away webs, and remove clutter from garages. If you suspect a spider infestation, contact a licensed pest professional for treatment.