If you live in Minnesota, then you are no stranger to pests, especially spiders. Spiders are widespread in the region and at one point or another, find their way inside homes. So, it’s only normal to want to know whether these eight-legged creatures are dangerous – to keep yourself and family safe.
According to one pest control expert, many homeowners who call in for help often end up asking, “are house spiders dangerous?” So, if it’s any consolation, you are not alone. To help address this question, we will give you a little insight into these types of spiders.
So are house spiders dangerous?
House spiders are not dangerous. It’s important to note that there are 3000+ spider species in the US. Of these, only about 60 are known to be dangerous. A study by the University of Minnesota revealed that more than 80% of purported “spider bites” often turn out to be other arthropods (insects, arachnids or crustaceans). Spiders are shy and keep off humans. They only attack when cornered or feel threatened.
But in the rare event that a spider bites you, it’s highly likely that it won’t inject venom, reason being, spiders that carry venom but only use it for hunting as opposed to self-defense. It’s rare for a house spider like a wolf, sac, cobweb weaving, and jumping spiders to bite people – and even when they do, their bites are usually not dangerous.
In the US, there are only two types of venomous spiders: the Brown Recluse and Black widow. The Brown Recluse is found in the Midwestern and South-Central parts of the United States and can be located in southern Nebraska, southern Indiana, the lower half of Illinois, lower third of Iowa, Missouri and some parts of Kansas. But still, it’s very uncommon to hear of a Brown Recluse bite – or venom injections. However, when it does bite and inject venom, it can be dangerous. Black Widow, on the other hand, live in the Midwest – though scarcely. And when they are encountered, it is usually outdoors. Either way, it is often recommended to seek expert assistance when it comes to poisonous spiders.
What attracts house spiders to your home?
Spiders will set up camp (in this case, their web), wherever there’s food. Their favorite nesting sports include dark areas, corners, underneath or behind furniture, garages, basements and in cupboards. These are usually undisturbed areas. Spiders also live in crevices and around lights – where they can catch their prey with ease. Spiders feed on moths, crickets, flies, mosquitoes and even other spiders. If your house is infested with bedbugs and German cockroaches, you will also find spiders feasting on them too.
How to go about spider invasion
If you are scared of spiders, you may find it hard to co-exist with them in the same house. So, you may want to call in for professional help – especially when you’re dealing with the venomous kind. You can also vacuum clean your home to suck the spiders, eggs, and webs away. Better yet, you can choose to release them back into nature – if there are only a few.
