Spider Facts & Myths
Spiders: they're one of the most misunderstood creatures in the animal kingdom. Whether it's their eight legs, their webs, or the simple fact that they can seemingly appear out of nowhere, spiders have sparked myths and fears for centuries. But are spiders really as terrifying as they seem?
At Ozane Termite and Pest Control, we've seen it all when it comes to spiders in homes across Ocean and Monmouth County, NJ. In this blog, we're separating spider facts from myths, giving you the information you need to better understand these fascinating creatures—and how to keep them from invading your space.
Common Spider Myths (and the Truth Behind Them)
Myth 1: All Spiders Are Dangerous
Fact: Most spiders are harmless to humans.
Most spider species are not venomous and pose no real threat to people. While their bites may seem scary, most spider venom is designed to subdue their prey (usually insects) and has little to no effect on humans.
The spiders you should be cautious of in the U.S. include the black widow and the brown recluse, both of which are rare in New Jersey. Even their bites are unlikely fatal and treatable with medical attention.
Myth 2: Spiders Enter Homes to Escape the Cold
Fact: Spiders don't come indoors to escape the winter weather.
Unlike many pests, spiders aren't looking for warmth in your home. The spiders you see inside are likely house spiders-they've adapted to living indoors year-round. Outdoor spiders typically remain outside, even during colder months.
If you're seeing more spiders in your home during the winter, it's likely because they've become more visible as they search for food or mates—not because they're trying to avoid the cold.
Myth 3: Killing a Spider Will Attract More Spiders
Fact: Killing a spider does not summon more spiders.
This myth likely stems from the idea that spiders release pheromones when threatened, which could attract others. However, there is no scientific evidence to support this claim. In reality, spiders are solitary creatures, and the presence of one doesn't mean there are more nearby.
Myth 4: Spiders Can Lay Eggs in Your Skin
Fact: This is pure fiction.
The idea that spiders can lay eggs under human skin is a creepy urban legend, but it's untrue. Spiders lay their eggs in sacs made of silk, usually hidden in safe locations like webs, cracks, or crevices.
Myth 5: You Swallow Spiders While Sleeping
Fact: You're not swallowing spiders in your sleep.
This widely circulated myth claims the average person swallows several spiders a year while sleeping. Thankfully, it's false. Spiders are unlikely to approach humans, especially when we're snoring, breathing, or moving during sleep.
Fascinating Spider Facts
Now that we've busted some common myths let's take a look at some fascinating facts about spiders:
1. Spiders Are Nature's Pest Control
Spiders are critical in controlling insect populations. They feed on flies, mosquitoes, moths, and other pests, making them a natural form of pest control in your yard or garden.
2. There Are Over 45,000 Species of Spiders
Spiders come in all shapes, sizes, and colors, with over 45,000 known species worldwide. Some are tiny, while others, like the tarantula, can be large.
3. Spider Silk Is Incredibly Strong
Spider silk is one of the strongest natural materials on Earth. It's lightweight yet stronger than steel (by weight) and is used by spiders to build webs, catch prey, and protect their eggs.
4. Spiders Can Regrow Lost Legs
Some spiders have the amazing ability to regrow lost legs during their molting process. The molting process is especially helpful for young spiders who lose a leg in an encounter with a predator.
5. Not All Spiders Spin Webs
While most people associate spiders with webs, not all species spin them. For example, wolf spiders are hunters who actively chase their prey rather than relying on a web to catch it.
How to Prevent Spiders in Your Home
If you're not a fan of sharing your space with spiders, here are some simple steps to reduce their presence:
1. Keep Your Home Clean
Regularly vacuum and dust to remove spider webs, egg sacs, and hiding spots.
Pay extra attention to corners, ceilings, and behind furniture.
2. Eliminate Their Food Source
Reduce the number of insects in your home by sealing cracks, fixing screens, and turning off outdoor lights at night (which attract bugs).
Keep your kitchen clean and free of crumbs to avoid attracting other pests that spiders feed on.
3. Declutter Your Space
Spiders love hiding in cluttered areas like basements, attics, and garages. Decluttering these spaces can reduce the number of places they can hide.
4. Seal Entry Points
Inspect your home for cracks, gaps, and holes where spiders could enter, and seal them with caulk or weatherstripping.
Use screens on windows and doors to keep spiders (and other pests) out.
How Ozane Termite and Pest Control Can Help
Our local pest control team knows that seeing spiders in your home can be unsettling! That's why we offer expert pest control services designed to keep your property spider-free in Ocean and Monmouth County, NJ.
What We Offer:
Comprehensive Inspections: Our technicians will identify spider activity and potential entry points.
Safe Treatments: We use proven, family-friendly methods to eliminate spiders and their food sources.
Prevention Plans: With our ongoing pest control services, we'll help you prevent spiders and other pests from returning to your home.
Why Choose Ozane?
Over 100 years of experience serving Ocean County, Monmouth County, and the Jersey Shore
Customized pest control solutions tailored to your specific needs
Professional, friendly technicians who dedicated to keeping your home pest-free
Final Thoughts
Spiders may not be as dangerous as some myths suggest, but that doesn't mean you want them hanging around your home. By understanding the facts about spiders and taking preventative measures, you can keep them out of your space and enjoy a pest-free environment.
If you have a spider problem or want to prevent one from occurring, Ozane Termite and Pest Control is here to help. Contact us today to schedule an inspection or learn more about our pest control services in Ocean and Monmouth County, NJ!
