Creepy Crawlies: Spiders’ Undeserved Reputations

By Lamar James, U of A Cooperative Extension

First posted on 10-29-2008

When it comes to Halloween creepy crawlies, spiders are near the top of everyone’s list for scare power, but that reputation is largely undeserved, says John Hopkins, extension entomologist for the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture.

“Since the Black Widow and Brown Recluse spiders are the only poisonous species known to occur in Arkansas, this leaves hundreds of species of spiders in our everyday environment that are either beneficial or neutral in relation to man,” Hopkins said. “The vast majority of spiders are distinctly beneficial to man by destroying noxious insects in and around the home, yard and garden.”

Tarantulas are the largest of North American spiders, with females ranging up to 5 inches in diameter.

“Their large size and forbidding hairy appearance have given these spiders an undeserved reputation of dangerous aggression,” Hopkins said. “Despite their fangs, the possibility of being bitten by a tarantula is quite remote.”

The wolf spider is another common Arkansas arachnid that looks scarier than it is. These spiders can range up to an inch and a quarter. Females carry large egg sacs and when the young hatch, can be seen carrying scores of young spiders on its abdomen.

“They are quite shy and retreat rapidly to shelter when disturbed,” he said.

Orb spiders are often seen building large “Charlotte’s Web” type webs around buildings, in gardens and between trees. These spiders love eating pest insects.

The Black Widow and Brown Recluse are venomous, but their bites are generally not fatal, unless the victim has a severe reaction to the venom.

Both spiders tend to be shy and most bites happen when they feel disturbed, trapped or about to be crushed.

Common scenarios include stings while putting on shoes in which the spiders are hiding or while moving lumber piles or rubble bare-handed.

Long-term control includes removing piles of trash, paper, magazines or debris, storing firewood off the ground, and frequent use of the vacuum.

There are many pesticides labeled for spider control, be sure to apply according to the product’s directions.

For more information visit your county office and request fact sheets FSA7018 or view the PDF version online at http://www.uaex.edu. The Cooperative Extension Service is part of the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture.

Photo Credit: Sydnee R. Crain. Orb Weaver Spider