Spiders are probably the most-feared insect in the world, with 6% of the population having “arachnophobia“, which an intense fear of spiders that may even trigger a panic attack. Furthermore 30%-50% of the population reports at least some level of fear when encountering a spider. Safe to say…there’s something about these eight-legged bugs that just makes us uneasy!
Characteristics
Oddly enough, spiders aren’t classified as insects (insects have 6 legs, and spiders have 8), but instead are arachnids, and there are 48,000 spider species in the world. All spiders have the ability to create silk, which they use for a variety of purposes, but most commonly to build webs in which to ensnare prey. Almost all spiders have venom, but most spider venom isn’t harmful to people, with a few notable exceptions that we’ll cover below.
Diet
Spiders eat insects, which means they perform an important role within the ecosystem, however I figure they can perform that role far away from my house!
Types of Spiders
Here are some spiders that are common in Southern Utah:
Desert Recluse: A close relative of the brown recluse. They have a violin-shaped body with long spindly legs, but are more tan than their brown cousins. Their venom causes necrotic wounds which will require medical attention. They prefer dry, sheltered places like woodpiles and sheds.
Western Black Widow: One of the most famous and distinct spiders. Known for the red “hourglass” shape on the abdomen. They prefer dark, undisturbed areas like sheds or basements. Their venom is a neurotoxin which can cause pain and cramps, but is very rarely fatal.
Wolf Spiders: A robust and hairy spider that’s typically brown or grey. They don’t build webs and instead are fast hunters. They typically don’t bite, but will if provoked.
Grass Spiders: These spiders are known for funnel-shaped webs, and are common in grassy areas. They are not aggressive and rarely bite.
Orb-Weaver Spiders: These spiders create the classic “wheel-shaped” webs. They are common to woodlands and gardens, and, while they are capable of doing so, they rarely bite humans.
Get Rid of Them!
Of course this is just a short list of spiders you can encounter, but whichever spider has decided to try to move into your home, garage, or shed Newby’s Pest • Lawn • Weeds will evict them with extreme prejudice! Call us at 435-586-7337 or click the button below to schedule today:
