Common Spider Myths

It’s hard not to freaked out by spiders. The sight of one scaling a wall or lurking in your web-spangled corner can give people the heebie jeebies— but why? Over time, myths and misconceptions about these common pests have evolved throughout many cultures resulting in all sorts of terrified reactions from those who see them as competitors for food sources such as bugs near their webs (or even worse), imagined deadly Lyssa females that might be hiding under some piece furniture waiting patiently until morning light reveals its existence again so they can feed on us while we sleep.

Have you ever been scared of a spider? If so, don’t worry! Spiders are just as fascinated by us. Here is some advice from the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) about what they really think – along with misconceptions and truths behind them…
A few well-known legends circulating among humans tell tales that range anywhere between causing paralysis or turning someone into an animal: The belief in various cultures around world – including Native American tribes–held onto myths stating if one drank water while facing certain directions at nightfall then  upon seeing this kind creature ,they would turn into stone.

Myth #1: The average person swallows about eight spiders a year when sleeping.

But why would anyone want to swallow a live spider while sleeping? It sounds nasty. I mean, who can even imagine what that might feel like! But wait – there’s more: this urban legend has become one of the most widespread rumors on Internet lately…but don’t worry; it isn’t true ! According to Snopes website ,a columnist writing for computing magazine created an article in 1993 about lists facts being circulate via email which shemade-up herself.

Myth #2: People are never more than three feet away from a spider.

The statement that “spider’s Web” is a myth might be true if you’re in the right place. There are over 3 thousand species of spiders found all across North America, but many people argue it depends on where one stands! If someone was standing next to grassy area or atop high skyscrapers They would probably spot more than just few feet away from them due their ability detect movement and smaller arachnids scurrying about – which could also mean higher concentrations overall.  In 1995 when entomologist Norman Platnick wrote his book entitled ‘Wherever You Sit As You Read these Lire’, he may have been referring too spiders.

Myth #3: All spiders spin webs.

Just when you think that there is no way a spider could be more terrifying, it turns out they have an entirely different set of skills. Spiders are not only known for their webs and catching prey with silk but also some species use tactics like hunting while others pounce on whatever enters into range (or just wait).

Myth #4:Daddy Long Legs are one of the most poisonous spiders, but their fangs are too short to penetrate human skin.

Daddy-Long Legs are the subject of many urban legends. This specific tale has been lurking around for years, but it’s completely false! Think about how can a spider inject venom into our body if its fangs are too short? Arachnologists at UC said “There is no reference to any pholcid spiders biting humans and causing any detrimental reactions”. Furthermore there aren’t toxicological studies testing lethality on mammals systems either. Holy myth, Batman! It turns out that this widely believed legend isn’t true at all. If you’re still not convinced after hearing about it on our show “MythBusters” back in 2004 with Jamie Hyneman and Adam Savage then I’m sorry but there’s nothing more we can do for ya…

Myth #5: All spiders are dangerous.

The fear of spiders is unnecessary and should be abandoned. Spiders are predators, not cannibals! They help reduce pests in homes by feeding on insects that live there–not humans themselves (though some do). Despite popular belief though; most tarantulas won’t hurt you unless they’re provoked or aggressive towards people first . And even then their bites aren’t typically harmful unless injected with venomous teeth marks.

Having a bad rap? Spiders are getting the blame for everything from obesity to climate change. But not all spiders have black sacs and eight legs, so it’s important that homeowners take preventative steps in order keep dangerous species out during winter months when temperatures can drop below freezing point! The NPMA recommends storing clothes indoors on washdays with plastic containers; sweeping away webs near windowsills or corners of rooms where they’re likely hiding (that would be your bathmat!), removing clutter inside cabinets/ closets if possible — because these places provide plenty more room than you might think!–and tightly securing any outside doors which lead into basement areas.

Here at Spire Pest of Richmond Va we deal with spiders on a daily basis. Keep in mind not all of them are bad. But to give you piece of mind we are here to rid your home of spiders. We are only a phone call away (804)396-2704.