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Hi, everyone! Welcome to Bug Talk. I’m
your host Ryan Haynes and I am here to
tell you what you need to know about
spiders.
The first thing you need to know about
spiders is there are over 45,000 known
species. Spiders come in a variety of
sizes, shapes and colors. One of the
primary ways to identify a spider is that
they have eight legs. Most other insects
have six legs. Another interesting fact is
most species of spiders have eight eyes
although some species can have as little
as two eyes.
Many people know there is a spider
present due to a web appearing
somewhere near or around their home.
Spiders produce silk from specialized
glands called spinnerets. This silk is
used to make egg sacs and building
webs. The primary function of a spider
web is to catch prey.
The lifespan of spiders can vary
depending on the species. Some
spiders may only live up to a year and
others can live for several years.
Tarantulas can live for up to 20 years in
captivity. Spiders grow by a process
called molting. During this process the
spider will shed its exoskeleton. The
exoskeleton is what protects the spider.
During this process spiders are very
vulnerable to prey.
Most spiders contain venom. Spider
venom is used to subdue prey. The
good news is the majority of spider
venom is not harmful to humans. Here
in Florida, there are a couple of
venomous spiders you should be aware
of. The first is the Brown Recluse spider.
The primary identification marker is the
violin-shaped mark on its back. A bite
from this spider can cause necrotizing
lesions which can cause the body tissue
to die.
Another common venomous spider
found in Florida is the Black Widow. This
spider has a shiny black body and a red
hourglass marking on the underside of
its abdomen. A bite from a Black Widow
can cause severe pain and muscle
cramps.
Most spider bites are because the
spider feels threatened. Here are a few
safety tips to decrease your risk of being
bitten by a spider. Make sure to carefully
check areas around your home that
might be ideal for spiders to live. Be
careful when handling outdoor furniture,
firewood or other outdoor objects. If you
are bitten by a spider seek medical
attention if you experience severe pain
or muscle cramps.
Spiders are an essential part of the
exosystem and can help control insect
populations. However, most
homeowners do not want spiders in or
around their home. If you are concerned
about spiders, contact a pest control
professional to help you come up with a
plan that is right for you.
Thank you for joining us today. Here at
Haynes Pest Control we make taking
care of bug problems easy. Call and ask
about our Pest Control 360 program
where less than a dollar a day keeps the
bugs away. Remember, if it crawls or
fly’s we’re your guys!