Icky Nasty Spiders!

Spiders are air breathing arachnids. There are about 40,000 different species of spiders and 109 families. All spiders have eight legs and most have eight eyes. They detect sound by vibration. Strangely enough, the spiders blood fills up space in the spiders leg to stiffen the leg so the spider can walk. Their abdomens contain spinnerets that extrude silk from silk glands.

Spiders are found worldwide except for Antarctica. All known species, with one exception, are predators.  One vegetarian species was found in 2008.  The predators preying on insects and on other spiders.  There are a few really big spiders that eat birds and lizards. Spiders capture their prey by trapping it in their sticky web. They detect their prey by sensing vibrations. Spiders cannot eat solid food so they liquefy it by flooding it with digestive enzymes and chewing it their pedipalps (since they don’t have real jaws.)

How Long do Spiders Live?

Except for tarantula and other mygalomorph type spiders who can live for 25 years, most spiders live for about two years.

How To Treat Spider Bites

Considering there are 40,000 species of spiders, the fact that only a few are very dangerous to humans is amazing.  The two most troublesome in the US is the black widow and the brown recluse. They enjoy warmth, dark and dry spaces. If you suspect a bite from a black widow or a brown recluse, seek medical attention.

For the others, wash the bite well.  A cold compress or bag of ice can help the itch.  Antihistamines can also help with the symptoms. Seek medical attention if the site appears to be infected or the area bruises.

How To Get Rid of Spiders

Many sprays are available over the counter even at grocery stores.  These sprays allow you to treat specific areas around the home. To treat a severe infestation it may be necessary to contact an exterminator.