Spiders are arachnids — a class of arthropods that also includes scorpions, mites, and ticks. There are more than 45,000 known species of spiders, found all over the world.
When we think of these arachnids… terrifying tarantulas and marauding wolf spiders, and other huge and terrifying eight-legged, fanged and venomous creatures spring to mind! Although most arachnids have venom glands to kill their prey and defend themselves, not all of them bite or have strong enough venom to harm us. Dangerous venomous spiders include the black widow and the brown recluse — both found in the United States.
Even though we may not be huge fans of these creepy crawlies, they serve a vital function in nature. Without these arachnids to prey on pests harmful to agriculture, our food supply would be at risk. So spider conservation is a real issue.
When it comes to house pests, spiders are probably not the first ones that spring to mind. Cockroaches and rats feel like bigger threats. That being said, spiders can be pests — they can bite you and spin spider webs across your house. But how concerned should you be? Why spiders in your house should … Read more