Spider Identification: Harmless vs. Dangerous Species

The History of Arachnophobia

The anxiety about such creatures can be traced back through history to your ancestors. Primordial instincts warranted fears to help people survive when little was known about these arachnids. Spiders are very different in appearance and behavior than the average bug or insect, and these differences can be threatening if you lack knowledge and understanding.

The truth is that only a tiny fraction of spider species is venomous, and even fewer pose a risk to humans. Can the media be blamed for hyping irrational fears? There are movies, TV shows, and videos that emphasize the dangerous nature of these creatures. While they’re portrayed as menacing critters, the truth is that they are more scared of you than you are of them.

They want to stay as far away from you as possible. When they’re portrayed as aggressive, it helps to fuel the negative perceptions that contribute to these irrational fears. All these unrealistic or exaggerated claims only help get views and make money and drive the fear of spiders to all-time highs.

Spiders are Vital Contributors to the Ecosystem

Spiders have a big responsibility as they help to maintain balance and health in our ecosystem. When you start seeing the value they bring to the earth, it helps to wash away some of those fears. Here are a few ways that they contribute.

1. Agricultural Control

Did you know that farmers and gardeners see spiders as vital to their jobs? These pests are beneficial in many ways. When spiders are abundant in a field, the farmer doesn’t have to use as many chemical pesticides to control unwanted guests. They help these vital workers to maintain healthier and more sustainable practices for growing food and other goods.

2. Pollination

Generally, spiders are carnivores, as they prefer to eat bugs and insects. However, bees aren’t the only creature that plays a significant role in pollination. Spiders accidentally transfer pollen while feeding on a flower’s nectar. While they don’t play nearly as big of a role as the butterfly or bee, they still help in some small way to help the reproduction of some plants.

3. Spider Silk is Reusable

How many spider webs have you torn down out of corners and never gave it a second thought? Did you know that these webs are made from silk? A great deal of studies has looked at the various uses of this material, and experts believe that it can replace some synthetic materials to make clothing and other textiles. The silk made from spiders is strong and very lightweight, and as a bonus, the material arachnids make is biodegradable.

4. Food Source for Others

While spiders help control insects, they’re also seen as a good food source for birds, amphibians, and reptiles. As an intricate part of the food web, the great quantity of these arachnids can influence the populations of their predators.

5. Soil Fertility

You may think that a dead spider is good for you but also for the environment. When a spider dies, scavengers feed on their carcasses. Their bodies help to contribute to nutrient cycling, and this recycling process helps maintain soil fertility and the health of the overall ecosystem.

How To Identify Harmless or Dangerous Spiders

How can you identify if a spider is venomous or non-venomous? Is there a specific characteristic or sign to look for that lets you know you’re safe? The first step is to try to identify the species. Thankfully, there are a lot of things out there that can help you. You can use online resources like Google Image, where you take a picture, and it identifies it within a matter of seconds.

Other resources include websites and forums dedicated to spiders where enthusiasts can help you identify the species and give you more information. Before your anxiety takes you to dark places, you should know that most spiders are not dangerous to you. Here are a few things to help you determine whether or not a spider is venomous.

1. Behavior

Spiders don’t want anything to do with humans and will go out of their way to avoid you. If you don’t want to get bitten, then don’t poke or try to handle these arachnids in any way. Venomous or not, defensive bites can happen when you provoke them. An arachnid is likely to play dead if you get too close for comfort. These critters aren’t aggressive by nature, so you will only have an issue when you get in their space.

2. Web Type

Ironically, the spider’s web can give clues about the species. Orb-weavers are no threat to humans, and they’re known for building high-quality webs. If you see intricate and symmetrical designs, it’s likely the handiwork of an orb-weaver.

The funnel-web spiders are skilled at making tubular burrows out of their webs. So, if you see one of these funny shaped designs, you know you’re safe. Just like you did with the spiders, you can also take pictures of the web and use online resources to help you figure out what you’re dealing with in your home.

3. Local Knowledge

Knowing what type of spiders are commonplace in your area is essential. Here in the Garden State, we have an abundance of orb-weavers, wolves, and jumping spiders. By learning the types most likely to frequent your home, you can familiarize yourself with their characteristics and the webs they build. Respect and fear are different things, so educating yourself can help ease your apprehension.

4. Professional Help

When a spider stumps you, the internet, and other references, it’s best to turn to pest control professionals. If you’re seeing an abundance of spiders in your home, getting an expert opinion is always best. Some spiders are very dangerous, and if they’ve invaded your home, you need help eradicating them.

Identifying Venomous Spider Beauties to Avoid

There are 44 various spider species that arachnologists have found in New Jersey. Keep in mind that most spiders have venom that they use to kill or paralyze their prey, but most of these arachnids are not dangerous to humans. There are some exceptions to the rule, and the brown recluse and black widow spiders are two species that you should keep at a distance.

Black Widow

You might be shocked to learn that we commonly see two black widow species here in New Jersey, which are the norther and southern varieties. Ironically, both species look very similar, with the tell-tale shiny black abdomens and the traditional hourglass shape. The difference between the two is that the southern version has a lot of red on their bodies, whereas the northern version has little to none.

The male and female spiders are very different in appearance. The females usually have the red hourglass on their underside, but you should note that the colors can also have an orange or yellow hue. The male coloring is a bit lighter, and their abdomen isn’t quite as large as the female’s.

Additionally, the hourglass can be red or even a hue of pink. The female can grow to around 13 millimeters, while the male will only get about 6 millimeters. Did you know that the venom of a black widow is 15 times more potent than that of a rattlesnake?

It explains why it causes tissue death, among other symptoms. Once the spider contacts your skin, it releases a poisonous compound called alpha-latrotoxin. This toxin goes straight to your central nervous system, which will flood and overwhelm the area.

It causes immense pain, but the bite is usually not deadly. It’s essential to seek prompt medical attention once you’ve been bitten by one of these spiders. Some people might experience a more severe reaction to the toxins, so it’s essential to be medically evaluated. It’s always better to be safe when dealing with spider bites, as they seem to get worse for a few days after the incident.

Brown Recluse

The brown recluse has a violin on its back, which makes it easily identifiable. Youngers spiders that haven’t molted might not have the hallmark violin, but it will come later with age. We have many of these here in the Garden State, so it’s essential to know as much as possible about these arachnids to keep yourself safe.

The recluse is an average-sized spider that measures anywhere from ¼ an inch to ½ inch in length. Numerous spiders look like these arachnids, so you must be careful when identifying them. They frequent warm, dry, and dark places, so your attic, closet, or the crawl space is perfect.

Many people don’t realize they’ve been bitten until hours later, and they rush to the doctor once the symptoms have reached maximum intensity. You can expect to feel the effects 3-8 hours after the bite. Most people report dizziness, chills, vomiting, rash, and swelling at the site.

The bite location will change colors and develop some bruising as the skin has been traumatized. It’s also possible to see a bullseye in the area. A small ulcer will appear at the site within five days and will be tender and inflamed.

While most bites completely heal within three weeks, some will linger on. There are very few deaths in this country from these spiders, but when a death does occur, its often from young children.

Do You Need Professional Help for Spider Identification?

Should you call pest control when you have spiders in your home? It all comes down to the severity of the problem. Additionally, what kind of spiders have made their way into your abode? Some people have no issue with the occasional house spider or two, and they don’t see this as a need for professional intervention.

Consequently, a house spider and an influx of brown recluses differ significantly. When dealing with a venomous spider, getting a professional involved is always a good idea. This is especially true if you have young children or pets in the home that don’t know better than getting a little too close to these arachnids. Remember, spiders aren’t aggressive, but they will bite when they feel threatened. A simple act of curiosity from a child might seem like a threat to a spider, so they will bite them out of defense.

You should also consider the size of the problem before you call for professional help. A few rogue spiders aren’t much to worry about, but when you’re seeing them constantly, and they’re dangerous, it’s time to get help. We get a lot of calls from customers who are anxious because they’re seeing an influx of spiders.

It’s normal for you to feel a bit apprehensive when a spider crosses your path. However, you need to realize that most of the time, these fears are unwarranted. It’s essential to understand the benefits spiders bring to the ecosystem and learn how to have a healthy coexistence with these vital critters.

If calling a professional helps ease your anxiety, even if the spider isn’t dangerous, then it’s something you should do to help your fears. Arachnophobia is a real issue, and whether or not the spider is identified as dangerous, sometimes we can help ease your mind. When in doubt, calling for help is always a viable option that can ensure that your home is safe for all that dwell there.

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