A Guide to Spiders That Help Your Garden Grow
Most people spray and squash any spider they see, when in actuality they only need to kill venomous spiders that bite. Sure, they can be creepy and crawly, but spiders are an important part of the ecosystem, especially if you have a garden. Some arachnids are known to keep other pests in check so they don’t devour the fruits and veggies you worked so hard to grow.
Let’s take a look at three of the most beneficial spiders and how they can help your garden flourish. Then we’ll discuss two spiders that you definitely don’t want to garden around.
Wolf Spider
Wolf spiders get their name from the way that they prey and pounce on unsuspecting insects. Instead of weaving a web to catch other bugs, they prefer to remain on the ground and strike when the time is right. They are also extremely fast runners and will run down insects, other spiders and sometimes even amphibians. Wolf spiders are decently sized with molten black and brown coloration. If you see a spider with this coloration running along the ground, there’s a good chance it’s a wolf spider. Watch out because these guys will bite if they feel threatened or provoked.
Black-and-Yellow Argiope Spider
This spider is, you guessed it, black and yellow, which helps it stand out. The large black-and-yellow argiope spider is known for its large 2+ foot orb-shaped webs that catch flying insects. In fact, most orb-weaving spiders are beneficial in the garden. Their silk constructions help them cast a wide net for catching mosquitoes, wasps, beetles and flies. You’ll find them in nice sunny spots that aren’t disturbed by wind. This time of year you may see a number of little black-and-yellow argiopes, since the spiderlings hatch in the spring.
Jumping Spiders
These hop-happy little guys are one of the most common spiders in the garden. While they don’t weave webs, they do use silk strands as a safety harness when leaping from one plant to the next. They sit and wait until their insect prey gets close then leap onto them. Because they hunt during the day you’re likely to see them going after flies (their favorite meal) while you’re out in the garden.
Spotting Venomous Garden Spiders
Working side-by-side in your garden with spiders isn’t dangerous to your health, unless a black widow or brown recluse is hiding among the plants. These should be cleared out as soon as you see them to prevent a person or animal from suffering a serious bite.
Appearance – This spider is well known for its shiny black body and the ominous red hourglass on its underside.
Web – Black widows build two types of webs. Sheet-based webs are horizontal and are supported by threads that connected from above and have sticky lines that tangle underneath to catch prey. The other type of web is called a tangle-based web. These 3D webs are all over the place with no real pattern.
Hiding Spots – Because of the intricate webs they weave, black widows are typically found not too far from the ground in areas that are cluttered. They are nocturnal, so you won’t see them roaming around during the day.
Appearance – As you can expect, these spiders are light brown. They are also known for their violin-shaped upper body, having three separate pairs of eyes and long, thin legs.
Web – Chances are you won’t see a brown recluse’s web. Their small webs are hidden out of sight and serve as a retreat away from the rest of the world.
Hiding Spots – Like the name suggests, brown recluses prefer to hide away out of sight. They can usually be found under debris and in stacks of wood.
Need help clearing spiders out of your yard? Give Vulcan Termite and Pest Control Inc. a call! Our skilled technicians know how to safely remove pests without disturbing your plants.
Original Source: https://www.vulcantermite.com/pest-safety/a-guide-to-spiders-that-help-your-garden-grow/