Araneida

Spiders are arthropods, not insects. All spiders have fangs! And, yes, they almost all have venom in them. Lucky for us, most spider poison will not harm people because it is quite weak.There are a few spiders with poison strong enough to cause pain or even some nerve damage in humans. These spiders include the Black Widow and the Brown Recluse spiders. Spiders are found all over the world (except Antarctica) and at elevations as high as 16,400 feet.  There are about 3,000 species of spiders roaming around North America.

Identification – What do spiders look like?

Spiders have eight legs, two distinct body segments, and fangs able to inject venom. Spiders do not have antennae. They have 2,4,6,or 8 eyes. Spider colors can vary from dark black to bright orange and most colors in between.  Their size ranges from .02 – 3.5 inches long and they generally live from 1-3 years. The largest spider is the tarantula. The most harmful in the United States when disturbed are the black widow and the brown recluse.

Habitat and Habits of spiders

All spiders are predators feeding mostly on other arthropods and insects. Some spiders are active hunters that chase and overpower their prey while others weave silk webs to trap their prey. Many spiders inject venom into their prey to kill it while others use silk wrappings to immobilize it. Spiders don’t get caught in their own webs because they have self-oiling legs.

Small spiders and young spiders secrete long silk strands that catch the wind and can carry them great distances. This is called ballooning. Ballooning occurs in many families and helps the spiders distribute from 10 feet to 2,600 feet by drifting in the jet stream.

Diet – What do spiders eat?

Most spiders eat other arthropods and insects. A few spiders will eat small lizards, frogs, snakes, and birds.

Spider Control- How to get rid of spiders?

Keeping spiders and pests out of your home is an ongoing process, not a one-time treatment. Rocky Mountain Bird and Pest will inspect your home or business, confirm the species of spider, and recommend the right solution for your spider issue.