Spiders are a natural garden pesticide

Despite the fear and loathing they instill in many people, spiders can play a key biocontrol role in your garden and landscape.

These eight-legged predators are voracious eaters, and rarely pass up a chance for suppertime. They’re usually not picky about what’s on the menu, and spiders are abundant in number. All spiders are predators in that they don’t consume plants, only other living animals. They largely dine on insects, but other spiders and some invertebrates or vertebrates may also be snared. Spiders lie in wait for prey or aggressively seek it out.

They may capture prey in webs or hide and pounce when necessary. They are perfectly happy consuming the pests that regularly damage flowers, foliage and vegetables.

However, keep in mind that because spiders aren’t discriminating in their prey, they will also consume the helpful insects in a garden, such as honeybees and butterflies. Spiders live everywhere in the world except for Antarctica and in the oceans. There are more spiders than all vertebrates combined on the planet.

Typically spiders use venom to subdue prey. Digestive enzymes are regurgitated to liquefy prey since spiders do not consume solid food. Spiders are often needlessly feared, say experts. They generally keep to themselves and are virtually harmless when left undisturbed.

There are very few spiders that have bites that will require medical attention. In fact, most common spider fangs are not even strong enough to penetrate a person’s skin. Through lack of awareness, people tend to exterminate spiders even though they help to control insect populations of more bothersome creatures.

Bringing Spiders to the Garden

To invite arachnids to the garden, try the following ideas.

•Provide places for spiders to build and attach webs. Tall plants, bundles of hay and crates are good options.

•Use mulch in the garden, since it provides protection and humidity for spiders.

•After the season, leave areas of the garden untilled and leave dead plant stalks so they provide habitats for spiders. Many will overwinter as adults and can get a head start on pest control in early spring.

•Grow flowers that will attract prey.

Not Really a Spider

You’ve probably crossed paths with a Harvestman at one point in your life. Commonly referred to as “daddy longlegs,” these arachnids really aren’t spiders. All arachnids share the same traits of four pairs of legs, chelicerae (fang-like mouthparts) and appendages near the mouth called “pedipalps.”

But spiders are distinct because they possess venom and silk, and have two distinct body segments. Daddy longlegs do not produce silk and have no need for venom because they are scavengers. These arachnids also have one oval body segment. Therefore, daddy longlegs aren’t real spiders, despite being mistaken for them.