Big House Spider Ontario: Everything You Need To Know

September 26, 2024 Posting Komentar

Big Brown Spider In My House Wolf Spider from wolfspider123.blogspot.com

Spiders are one of the most common household pests that people encounter in their homes. Among the many species of spiders, the Big House Spider is a common sight in Ontario. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about this spider, from its appearance to its behavior, and how to get rid of it if it becomes a problem in your home.

Appearance

The Big House Spider, also known as the Giant House Spider, is a large spider that can grow up to 12 cm in leg span. Its body is usually brown or yellowish-brown, with darker stripes running along its legs. Its long legs are covered in fine hairs and are used to move quickly and jump to catch prey. Its eight eyes are arranged in two rows of four, giving it excellent vision to detect potential prey and predators.

Habitat

The Big House Spider is native to Europe but has been introduced to North America, including Ontario. It prefers to live in dark, damp areas such as basements, crawl spaces, and under sinks. It is also commonly found in sheds and garages. During the summer months, it may venture outside to hunt for prey.

Behavior

The Big House Spider is a solitary hunter that preys on other insects, including flies, mosquitoes, and cockroaches. It is not aggressive towards humans and will only bite if it feels threatened. Its venom is not harmful to humans and usually only causes mild pain and swelling. It is more afraid of humans than we are of it and will typically try to flee if it encounters us.

If the Big House Spider feels threatened, it may use a defense mechanism called "thanatosis," where it plays dead to avoid detection. It will also shed its legs as a distraction mechanism, allowing it to escape while the predator is distracted by the discarded limbs.

How to Get Rid of Big House Spiders

If you find Big House Spiders in your home, there are several ways to get rid of them:

Use a vacuum cleaner to suck up any spiders that you see.
Seal up any cracks or gaps in your home's foundation to prevent spiders from entering.
Keep your home clean and free of clutter to reduce hiding spots for spiders.
Use spider repellent sprays or natural remedies such as peppermint oil or vinegar to deter spiders from entering your home.

Conclusion

While the Big House Spider may look intimidating, it is not a threat to humans and is actually beneficial in controlling other household pests. If you do encounter this spider in your home, there are several methods to get rid of it without causing harm. Remember to always respect the spider's space and avoid unnecessary interactions to prevent it from feeling threatened.

Stay informed and stay safe. Happy spider hunting!