The garden spider is also known as the black and yellow spider, corn spider, writing spider, and the black and yellow Argiope. As the name suggests, these spiders can be found outdoors and in gardens. The most distinctive feature of the garden spider is its black or brown and yellow markings on its abdomen. Garden spiders are known as orb weavers due to their orb-shaped, delicate webs. Stewart Termite & Pest Control offers helpful tips to deal with garden spiders on your property today.
What is a Garden Spider’s Habitat?
These spiders are most commonly found in gardens, meadows and clearings. The most important factor in the dwelling place of this spider is the presence of twigs, trees, branches, or plant leaves on which they construct their webs. The web of a garden spider is known to be extremely strong and can reach to more than 2.4 inches in diameter. The garden spider’s habitat is also populated with a variety of potential prey. After prey becomes entangled in the web, the garden spider will immobilize their victims and drag then to the center of the web. Their prey will be liquefied with the use of digestive enzymes before consumption is possible.
Can Garden Spiders Hurt You?
Garden spiders are not typically aggressive and a bite would usually only occur if someone disturbed a female in her web or gave reason for the spider to feel threatened. If you happen to get bitten by a garden spider, the symptoms would generally include mild swelling and discomfort that is rarely as painful as a wasp or bee sting.
How Can I Keep Garden Spiders Out of My Yard?
Some people may prefer not to kill the spiders in their gardens as they are relatively harmless and can eliminate many harmful insects from your garden. If garden spiders are a concern due to bites or a fear of them, then there are things you can try. Consistently removing the webs as you find them may be enough to encourage spiders from living in your garden. Reducing the food supply of the garden spider can also encourage them to leave. Garden spiders love gardens with a lot of hiding spots. Wood, rock, and compost piles or any other mass of debris will look like safe and comfortable home to a spider. Removing these from your garden will keep spiders away. Insecticides are not very effective with spiders as spiders are not insects and do not drag their body across areas where insecticides have been sprayed. Spiders lift their bodies up with their legs. Insecticides need to be applied directly to the spider to have any affect.
What Stops Spiders Coming into Your House?
If you begin to notice webs inside your home, then you’ll need to take action in prevent these spiders from getting inside. The first step is to seal all cracks in basement walls and window casings where spiders may get in. Reducing the number of shrubs and bushes around your home will help keep spiders from coming inside. A good spring cleaning will do a lot to reduce spider populations. Make sure to vacuum all the nooks and crannies, above doors and behind furniture. This cleaning will also eliminate spider egg sacs and all the insects that the spiders love to eat.
Spider Control
Garden spiders can benefit your garden, but if you just can’t stand the sight of them or you have a fear of being bitten, then call Stewart Termite & Pest Control today to come up with the best pest control solution for your needs.