Spiders

There are over 35,000 known spider species worldwide, but only a handful are considered to be dangerous and 27 species are known to cause human fatalities. Spiders are often beneficial because they eat many types of insects, including those that are pests. 

Spiders are attracted to warm, dark small spaces, like wall cracks, corners, air vents and in the washroom. However, some species prefer to stay closer to the outdoors, weaving their webs in your garden or near your outside lighting. 

Spiders rarely bite people and only two groups - the black widow and brown recluse - are considered dangerous. The bite of most spiders has little to no effect on people, while a few others are of minor medical importance. 

Many people have an inherent fear of spiders. 

Although most common spiders at home are not really harmful, they can be a nuisance because of their webbing and can induce fear to some people. They are attracted to warm, dark small spaces, like wall cracks, corners, air vents, and in the eaves of your home. Other species prefer to stay closer to the outdoors, weaving their webs in your barn, garden or near your outside lighting. 

Some common species of spiders that can be found entering your home are: 

• Common House Spider – spider most often encountered inside. 
• Cellar Spider – very long, thin legs; will rapidly shake its body on the web when disturbed. 
• Wolf Spiders – large, “hairy”, and often mistaken for tarantulas; leg span as much as 3 inches. 
• Sac Spiders – often pale yellow, grey, or green colour; likely responsible for most indoor spider bites. 

FACT: Did you know that fear of spiders is known as arachnophobia? Some people with this phobia will scream, cry, have excessive sweating or even heart trouble when they come in contact with an area near spiders or their webs.