If you’ve noticed copious amounts of spider webs adorning railings, mailboxes, and windows when you’ve been out lately, you’re not alone.
early autumn Seattle It is called “spider season” when two species, the European orb weaver and the giant house spider, reach maturity and are larger in size.
And while they make excellent decorations as Halloween approaches, these spiders are actually looking for a mate at this time of year which is why they are more popular. Both species are not native to the Pacific Northwest, and both are—though hard to believe for spiders—completely harmless.
In fact, the Washington Department of Health It only lists two spiders that are of “medical importance” to humans: the black widow and the yellow sac spider.
Rod Crawford, Curator of Spiders at the University of Washington’s Bourke Museum, Dispel some common myths About Seattle spiders, he said that it is very unlikely that a spider will actually bite. Throughout his career dealing with and studying spiders, Crawford was bitten only three times.
“The spider has no possible way of telling you that you are an organism,” Crawford said. “If a spider walks through you, you are just part of the earth.”
The brown and white spotted spiders you see outside are likely in intricate webs of male orb spiders looking for a mate. After mating, the larger female spider usually kill The male eats.
The dark brown spiders seen indoors are likely giant house spiders, which can grow in size to 4 inches. They are also looking for mates at this time of year. About 25 to 30 species live in Seattle, Crawford said. Although terrifying in size, these spiders do not pose a threat to humans. They are one of the fastest species, which makes hunting them difficult.
While giant house spiders are terrifyingly large, they do not pose a threat to humans.
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And while you might be tempted to put these spiders outside with your old cup and paper trick, doing so will actually kill them. If you’re feeling nice enough, the best thing you can do for these eight-legged guests is take them to your garage.
There, out of your sight, giant house spiders can continue to eat pesky insects like flies, mosquitoes and moths in peace, doing your home invaluable service.
“In any case, house spiders are often harmless and beneficial,” Crawford wrote in his book. “Human property rights mean nothing to other species.” website. “There has been a habitat for spiders for millions of years where your home is now. My advice is, ‘Just wave as they pass.'” ”