If you’ve been seeing more spiders hanging in your gardens or weaving webs on your windows, don’t worry! Many types of spiders mate in the late summer through early fall.
Michigan is home to many spider families. Below is a brief list of common groups found in Oakland County:
- Araneidae – Orb Weavers range in size and color but are often the largest spiders with prominent abdomens that can be round, oblong or pointy. Their webs are highly organized and circular.
- Cheiracanthium Mildei and Cheiracanthium Inclusum – Yellow Sac Spiders can be found outside in foliage, along windowsills and under house siding as well as inside at the corners of walls and ceilings. Tthey will attack humans if they feel threatened or surprised. Their bites can be painful and cause a reaction in people with allergies.
- Dysdera Crocata – Woodlouse Spiders are red, orange, tan and gray with six eyes and large mouthparts. They build their nests near decaying wood and rocks. If disturbed, they may bite and cause mildly painful, itchy patches.
- Salticidae – Jumping Spiders have the best eyesight among spiders. When making large leaps, they will tether themselves with silk to act as a dragline. They make homes in gardens and can cause mildly painful bites
- Lycosidae – Wolf Spiders are large dark spiders that hunt their prey at night. They can be found in the ground or inside basements, crawlspaces and breezeways. They may bite in self-defense, which can cause mild swelling and pain.
- Thomisidae – Crab Spiders just use their back legs to walk sideways and backward. They hide in flowers and can camouflage themselves to match. If disturbed, they may cause mildly painful bites.
Spiders play an important role in reducing pest insects like mites, aphids, flies and beetles that can destroy gardens and crops.
If you see one in your home, you can leave it alone or catch and release it outdoors. To safely relocate a spider, place a cup over the spider and slide a sheet of paper under the cup.
If you happen to get bitten by a spider, clean the area and watch for further symptoms. If the bite gets worse or you have an allergic reaction, seek medical care.
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