Myths and Facts About Spiders

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Posted May 13, 2024

Common Myths About House Spiders

Spiders make it difficult not to be scared. The sight of one ascending a wall or hiding in your web-spangled corner might make people nervous—but why? Myths and misconceptions about these common pests have evolved across many cultures, resulting in a wide range of terrified reactions from those who see them as rivals for food sources such as bugs near the webs they build (or, worse, imagined deadly Lyssa females hiding according to some piece of furnishings, waiting patiently until morning light reveals their presence again so they can gorge themselves on us while we sleep.

Have you ever been terrified of spiders? If so, don't worry! Spiders are equally captivated by us. The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) offers information on common myths and realities.
A few well-known legends existing among people relate tales ranging from causing paralysis to transforming someone into an animal: Various cultures around the world, particularly Native American tribes, thought that if one drank water while facing particular directions at dark, they would turn into stone when they saw this type of monster.

Myths About the Spiders

1.A typical individual swallows approximately eight insects per year while sleeping: But who would want to ingest a live spider while falling asleep? It sounds terrible. Who knows what that could be like? This urban mythology has recently gained popularity on the internet. But don't worry, it's not true! According to Snopes, a journalist writing for Computing magazine wrote a story in 1993 about lists of facts being sent over email that she made up herself.

2.People rarely stand more than three feet back from a spider: The claim that "spider's Web" is a myth may be real if you're in the correct place. There are about 3 thousand spider species found throughout North America, though some claim that it relies on where one stands! If someone was standing close to a grassy area or atop a high tower, they probably wouldn't notice more than just a few feet away due to their capacity to detect movement and smaller arachnids darting about - which could also indicate higher concentrations overall.  When entomologist Norman Platnick authored his book 'Where You Sit As You Reading These Lire' in 1995, he may have been referring to spiders.

3.Humans rarely stand more than three feet away from spiders: The claim that "Spider's Web" is fiction could be true if you're in the right place. There are around 3,000 spider species found in North America, though others argue that it depends on where one looks! Because of their ability to detect mobility and tiny arachnids scurrying about, someone standing near a grassy area or atop a high tower would most likely not see anything more than a few feet away, which could indicate higher densities in general.  When naturalist Norman Platnick wrote his book "Wherever You Sit As You Read These Lires" in 1995, he could have been referring to spiders.

4.Daddy Long Legs is a highly venomous spider, but its fangs are too short to penetrate human skin: Daddy-long legs are the topic of numerous urban tales. This particular legend has been floating about for years, however it is incorrect! Consider how a spider can inject venom into its victims with such small fangs. Arachnologists at UC stated, "There is no record of any pholcid spider biting human beings or causing any adverse reaction." Furthermore, there are no toxicological studies investigating mortality in mammalian systems. Holy myth, Batman! It turns out that this widely held legend is completely false.

5.Every spider is detrimental: Spider phobia is unjustified and should be abandoned. Spiders are predators and not cannibals! They assist in reducing pests in homes by preying on insects rather than humans (though some do). Despite popular misconception, most tarantulas will not harm you unless provoked or aggressive towards humans first. Even so, bites from these animals are usually innocuous unless injected with deadly teeth marks.

Having a terrible good name? Spiders are being blamed for everything, including obesity and climate change. But not all spiders have black sacs and eight legs, so homeowners must take precautions to keep harmful species out during the winter months when temperatures can dip below freezing! The NPMA suggests storing clothes indoors on wash days in plastic containers, sweeping away webs near window sills or corners of spaces where they're likely to hide (that would be your bathmat!), and removing clutter inside cabinets/closets if possible — because these places provide far more space than you might believe! — and tightly obtaining any open doors that lead into the basement areas.