Spider Nest: All You Need to Know for Safe Removal

If you’re curious about the mysterious world of spider nests, you’ve come to the right place! In this article, we’ll dive deep into the fascinating realm of these eight-legged creatures and their nesting behaviors. Get ready to discover everything you need to know about spider nests, from their structure to how spiders care for their young.

Spiders exhibit a wide range of nesting habits depending on the species. Some create intricate webs while others prefer to nest in crevices or burrows. Regardless of the nesting method, spiders have some common traits when it comes to providing a safe environment for their offspring.

As you delve into the world of spider nests, you’ll undoubtedly learn something new about these amazing creatures. Stay tuned for in-depth information, examples, and comparisons that will shed light on the fascinating lives of spiders and their reproductive habits.

Understanding Spider Nests

What is a Spider Nest?

A spider nest is a sheltered area where spiders lay their eggs and protect their young. It can be made of different materials like leaves, debris, or even the spider’s silk. When a spider creates a nest, it usually does so in a location that offers protection from predators and environmental hazards. You may come across spider nests in corners of buildings, under rocks, or in tree branches.

Identifying Spider Nests

When trying to identify a spider nest, look for the following characteristics:

• A sheltered location: Spider nests are often found in hidden or hard-to-reach places.
• Presence of spider silk: Many spider nests are made from the spider’s own silk, which may be weaved around the nest or used to cover the eggs.
• Egg sacs: Spiders keep their eggs in sac-like structures inside or near the nest. These can be spherical or disc-shaped and come in various sizes and colors, depending on the species.

Examples of common spider nests you might find include the marbled orbweaver spider, whose nest has a large abdomen with orange and brown markings, or the parson spider, which has a distinctive white dorsal pattern on its abdomen.

Types of Spider Nests

There are different types of spider nests, depending on the species and their needs:

1. Webs: Some spiders create intricate webs to catch prey, and they also use these webs as nests to protect their eggs.
2. Leaf nests: Certain spiders, like the green lynx spider, create nests by folding leaves and using their silk to keep the structure in place.
3. Burrows: Some species, such as tarantulas and wolf spiders, dig burrows in the ground to create a secure nest for their eggs.
4. Silk-covered nests: For example, the black widow spider places its egg sacs within silk-covered nests in sheltered and hidden locations.

Keep in mind that not all spiders create elaborate nests, and some spider species may not create any nest at all. Understanding the different types of nests can help you identify which spider species might be nesting in your vicinity.

Locations of Spider Nests

Indoor Locations

Spiders can often be found nesting in various parts of your home. For example, windows and doors provide easy access for these creatures, allowing them to build webs and lay eggs.

They also prefer dark corners, especially in damp areas like basements and crawl spaces. You may notice spider nests in your closets or hidden in cracks around your home.

Your attic is another favorite spot for spiders, as they can find plenty of insects to feed on. Carefully check your furniture, cabinets, and kitchen counters as spiders may be hiding in or around these areas.

Outdoor Locations

Spiders typically spin their webs in trees, bushes, or other outdoor structures. Keep an eye on your porch, deck, and garage as these are common places for spiders to nest.

Wood piles and areas with lots of vegetation provide excellent hiding spots for spiders. They may also find shelter in your fireplace or beneath a crawl space.

Being aware of these indoor and outdoor locations can help you locate and address potential spider nests in your home or yard. Regularly checking these areas and keeping them clean will minimize their presence and decrease the chance of spider infestations.

Unique Spider Species and Their Nests

Understanding Spider Species

There are thousands of spider species in the world, and they vary greatly in size, color, and their nesting preferences. Among these species, some are known to be poisonous, such as brown recluse spiders. While some spiders, like cobweb spiders, build untidy and irregular webs, others, like spiral orbs, create intricate patterns in their webs.

For example, the yellow garden spider, also known as Argiope aurantia, is a large orb-weaving spider that builds a vertical zig-zag pattern in their webs. This unique design is often noticeable in gardens and is one of the main reasons for their nickname “writing spider.”

Notable Spider Nests

Several spider species are known for their unique nest designs. For instance, spiral orbs build detailed and complex webs that showcase a level of spider architecture. These orb-weavers use a special third claw on each leg to weave their masterpieces, as seen in spiders belonging to the genus Argiope spp.

On the other hand, sheet webs, constructed by some spider species, have a simpler design compared to spiral orbs. These webs have a horizontal sheet of silk and are often found in grass or between branches, serving as a home and hunting ground for these spiders.

Here’s a comparison table to help you understand the main differences:

By learning about different spider species and their nests, you can better understand these fascinating creatures and possibly identify them in their natural habitats.

Potential Risks and Problems with Spider Nests

Issues with Spider Infestations

When you come across a spider nest, it usually contains egg sacs, which are the primary source of a spider infestation. These egg sacs hold hundreds of spider eggs that will hatch into spiderlings. If left unchecked, this can lead to a significant increase in the spider population in your home.

Some spiders are poisonous, and their presence can evoke fear of spiders or arachnophobia. A spider infestation may also signal underlying issues, such as a high number of insects for the spiders to feed on.

Eradicating Spider Problems

To tackle a spider problem, you have several options:

• Insecticide: Applying chemicals specifically designed to kill spiders (spidercide) or general pesticides can effectively eliminate the current infestation. However, using these chemicals may pose risks to your health and the environment.

• Bleach: A diluted bleach solution can be sprayed directly onto the egg sacs to kill the spider eggs. Be cautious when using bleach, as it can damage surfaces and harm your skin if not handled properly.

• Pest control: If your spider problem is severe or involves poisonous spiders, it’s wise to call a professional pest control service. They have the knowledge and tools to safely and effectively address the infestation.

Dealing with the infestation on your own? Here is a comparison table to help you decide on the best solution:

In summary, dealing with spider nests and infestations can pose various risks and challenges. By understanding the different methods of eradicating spider problems, you can make an informed choice and restore your home to a spider-free environment.

Methods to Remove Spider Nests

Chemical Methods

Using chemical methods to eliminate spider nests is a common approach. For instance, oil-based pesticides can be effectively utilized in getting rid of spider nests. Some popular examples include:

• Peppermint oil: A natural repellent, peppermint oil can deter spiders from building nests in your home. Just mix a few drops of peppermint oil with water and spray it around potential nesting areas.

• Vinegar: Another natural solution is to mix equal parts of white vinegar and water, then spray it on the spider nests. The acidic nature of vinegar helps in the removal of the nests.

However, chemical methods may have some drawbacks, such as:

• Potential harm to non-targeted insects or animals
• Possibility of allergic reactions in humans

Non-Chemical Methods

Non-chemical alternatives are also effective in getting rid of spider nests. Here are some methods you can try:

• Vacuum cleaner: A vacuum cleaner efficiently removes spiders, webs, and egg sacs. It is essential to destroy the egg sacs, as each can contain hundreds of young spiders.

• Broom or duster: Using a broom or duster to sweep away spider nests and webs works well, especially in hard-to-reach areas.

• Diatomaceous earth: This non-toxic powder can be sprinkled around the nesting areas to eradicate spiders. Diatomaceous earth works by damaging the spider’s exoskeleton, causing dehydration and death.

• Adhesive tape: Apply double-sided adhesive or duct tape around potential nesting areas to trap spiders before they can create nests.

Remember that combining chemical and non-chemical methods can be even more effective in removing and preventing spider nests in your home.

Spider Nest Prevention

Seal Entry Points

One effective way to prevent spider nests is to seal any potential entry points in your home. Spiders often enter through small gaps and cracks, so inspect your home thoroughly, especially around windows, doors, and your crawl space. Use caulk to fill in any gaps and keep spiders from entering your home.

Regular Cleaning

Another important step for preventing spider nests is regular cleaning. Spiderwebs and egg sacs can be removed using a vacuum cleaner or a broom. In particular, focus on dusting with a feather duster and cleaning corners and areas where cobwebs tend to accumulate. For added protection, consider using a bleach and water mixture which can help break down spiderwebs and deter spiders from returning.

• Pros: Regular cleaning helps eliminate existing spiders and their nests.
• Cons: Requires consistent effort and may not be effective against all types of spiders.

Some additional cleaning tips:

• Remove clutter and debris around your home that could provide hiding spots for spiders.
• Trim bushes and branches near your house to discourage spiders from building nests close to your home.

Professional Pest Control

If you have a severe spider infestation, consider hiring a professional pest control company. They can provide preventative pesticides, which help repel spiders and other pests from entering your home. Pest control services can also inspect your home for any potential problem areas and recommend additional preventative measures.

• Pros: Professional services can offer a comprehensive approach to spider nest prevention.
• Cons: Can be costly and may involve the use of chemicals.

Here’s a comparison table of the mentioned methods:

Reader Emails

Over the years, our website, whatsthatbug.com has received hundreds of letters and some interesting images asking us about these insects. Scroll down to have a look at some of them.

Letter 1 – What’s That Nest??? Leaf Curling Spider Nest

Subject: Folded grass house
Location: Georgian Bay, Ontario, Canada
September 2, 2013 7:44 am
Hi!
I love your site and have used it many times to identify insects that I have found. It is very helpful!
In July I came across this very neatly folded piece of grass (?) on the shoreline of an island in Georgian Bay, Ontario, Canada. I’m wondering what could be hiding inside. Would it be some kind of caterpillar, or a spider? I was very impressed with the tidiness of the folds and seams. So far my internet searches haven’t worked out, so if you have any ideas of what created this, I would appreciate knowing.
Thanks,
Kristin
Signature: Kristin

Hi Kristin,
We believe this is most likely the shelter of an Orthopteran, a group that includes Crickets.  We recall reading once that there is an Orthopteran that fashions a shelter out of grass, but we cannot find the source of that information at this time.  Perhaps one of our readers will be able to assist.

Hi Daniel,
Thanks for your thoughts – now I’m a step closer!
Kristin

Update from Kristin:  10 September 2013
Hi Daniel,
I did some more research (Google image searches for “insect+grass+nest, etc) and came across this blog post. It looks like the Leaf-curling Spider nest that this person found is pretty similar to the one I spotted. If I spot another one next summer, maybe I’ll cut it open and see for sure – I just didn’t want to disturb whoever was inside.

Hi Kristin,
Thanks for getting back to us.  It reminded us that Eric Eaton wrote back and we forgot to post or to notify you.
Congratulations for finding the information on your own.  We found a images on The Home Bug Garden of a Leaf Curling Spider Nest and the spider is in the genus Clubiona.

On September 4, Eric Eaton wrote back, but we forgot to post.
Daniel:
I would strongly suspect a spider in this case, but I can’t be certain.  Doubtful it is a Carolina Leafrolling Cricket, as they usually select trees.
Eric

Hi Daniel,
Thanks for the update. What cool things spiders can make!
Kristin

Letter 2 – Blue Spider Web from Chile

Subject: Blue planar spidernet chile
Location: Osorno, Chile
December 18, 2014 2:30 am
Hallo bugman,
can you identify the spider which produced this
horizontally spanned blue chaotic net near the Osorno in Chile in December?
Unfortunately, the spider was absent.
Greetings
Signature: Joachim

Dear Joachim,
Thanks so much for sending a higher resolution image.  We have not been able to determine the identity of the spider that created this web, but we are posting the image and many times our readers write in to contribute to the identification process.  Hopefully we will be able to provide you with an identification in the future.  Can you provide us with any additional information.  Was it near a body of water.  We seem to have a recollection of horizontal webs near streams, but we are still attempting to locate those sources.

Letter 3 – What Nested in the Pine Needles???

Subject: Cool nest in Pollock Pines, CA
Location: Pollock Pines, CA
September 22, 2015 2:47 pm
I’ve never seen a home quite like this. Could you please possibly identify what species made this home with just a picture and location? I found this spider home on a pine needle pathway in the forest of Pollock Pines. It’s so beautifully constructed and I’m so extremely curious about it! Thank you for your time, folks at whatsthatbug!
Signature: -P. Rose

Dear P. Rose,
While we cannot sat for certain what species of spider made this nest, it does appear to be a large individual.  Some species of burrowing spider might construct an opening such as this.  Perhaps one of our readers will be able to supply some information.  The Burrowing Wolf Spider nest pictured on the Blue Jay Barrens blog looks similar, and members of the genus Geolycosa are found in California according to BugGuide.