How to Get Rid of Spiny Orb Weaver Spiders: Easy Steps for a Spider-Free Home

Spiny orb weaver spiders can be a nuisance around homes and gardens due to their webs and appearance. While these spiders are harmless and beneficial in controlling other pests, some people may prefer to discourage their presence.

There are various methods to deter spiny orb weaver spiders from your property. Gently removing their webs, controlling their food sources, and modifying the outdoor environment can help create a less inviting space for these spiders. Additionally, using natural or chemical repellents may aid in managing their population.

For instance, you can:

• Regularly sweep or brush away webs from surfaces and plants
• Reduce exterior lighting to decrease the number of insects that attract spiders
• Keep vegetation trimmed to minimize suitable web-building locations

While implementing these strategies, remember that spiny orb weavers can be helpful in controlling mosquito and fly populations. Choosing to tolerate their presence might be beneficial for a more balanced ecosystem in your garden.

Identifying Spiny Orb Weaver Spiders

Appearance and Characteristics

• Shape: Spiny orb weaver spiders have a distinct rounded abdomen.
• Abdomen: The abdomen features noticeable spines or spikes.

These spiders are known for their unique web-building skills, creating spiral-shaped webs that can be quite large.

Species and Varieties

There are several species and varieties of spiny orb weaver spiders, including:

1. Gasteracantha cancriformis (Crab-like Spiny Orb Weaver)
2. Micrathena gracilis (Spined Micrathena)
3. Micrathena sagittata (Arrow-shaped Micrathena)

Size and Color Patterns

Spiny orb weaver spiders exhibit size and color variations:

By keeping these details in mind, identifying spiny orb weaver spiders becomes easier.

Habitats and Behaviors

Living Environment

Spiny orb weaver spiders mostly dwell in trees, shrubs, and gardens. They have the ability to create webs near windows or light fixtures, which can be found in various locations across the United States.

Examples of their habitat:

• Trees: oak, maple, or pine
• Gardens: rose, vegetable, or flower
• Light fixtures: outdoor lamps, porch lights

Diet and Hunting Patterns

These spiders are predators that feed on different types of prey. They consume various insects like flies, mosquitoes, and ants. Their hunting patterns involve spinning webs to capture and devour these creatures.

Spiny orb weaver spider’s diet includes:

• Flies
• Mosquitoes
• Ants

Mating and Reproduction

Mating in spiny orb weaver spiders is an essential part of their life cycle. They usually mate during late summer or early fall. After mating, female spiders lay their eggs on strong, safe webs to ensure the survival of their offspring.

Pros and cons of their mating process:

Pros:

• Efficient reproduction
• Offspring protection

Cons:

• Short lifespan for the male spider

Comparison table of spiny orb weaver vs. another spider species:

Benefits and Risks

Advantages of Spiny Orb Weavers

• Spiny orb weavers are beneficial insects that help control the population of flies and other pests in gardens, fields, and forests.
• They are not aggressive and rarely bite humans.

Potential Threats and Dangers

• Although their bites are not dangerous, their venom can cause mild symptoms like pain, redness, and itching in some individuals.
• Large webs can be a nuisance, particularly if they obstruct pathways or other high-traffic areas.

Note: Not all spiny orb weaver species share the same traits. Some specific examples:

• Basilica Orbweaver Spider: They have a unique web structure with a dome shape, and their bodies feature red, white, black, and yellow markings.
• Spinybacked Orbweaver: This species has a crab-like appearance and is sometimes referred to as a crab-like spiny orb weaver.

Prevention and Control

Exclusion Methods

• Install screens and seal gaps: To prevent spiny orb weaver spiders from entering your home, install screens on windows and doors, and seal gaps around pipes and other openings.
• Manage outdoor lighting: Spiders are attracted to insects that gather around exterior lighting. Use motion-activated or yellow-tinted lights to minimize insect attraction.

Natural Strategies

• Bush and tree maintenance: Regularly trim bushes and trees near your home to reduce the habitat for orb weaver spiders.
• Cleanliness: Keep your environment clean and clutter-free, making it less appealing for spiders.
• Predators: Encourage natural predators like birds and other arachnids by providing birdhouses or creating a suitable habitat for them in your yard.
• Region-specific tips: If you live in Florida or other regions with high spider populations, natural strategies may be especially helpful in preventing and controlling infestations.

Some pros and cons of natural strategies:

Pros

• Environmentally friendly
• Low or no cost

Cons

• May not provide complete control
• May require ongoing maintenance

Professional Pest Control

In case of severe infestations, consider hiring a professional pest control company to eliminate spiny orb weaver spiders from your property. They may use chemical treatments or other methods.

Comparison Table

By following these prevention and control methods, you’ll be well-equipped to manage spiny orb weaver spiders and create a comfortable living space.

Dewdrop Spider	Crablike Spiny Orb Weaver