They’re creepy and they’re crawly and altogether spooky. That’s why spiders are associated with Halloween. Have you ever noticed this time of the year spider webs become more prevalent?
In fact, check any doorway outside and you’ll likely run into a web.
Spider facts
The lifecycle of the arachnid begins in the spring with hatching. Spiders that survive into adulthood are big enough to spin webs by the fall.
Webs are not only created to catch food but also for females to lay eggs. The spiders we typically see spinning those geometric webs in the fall are females.
Some spider species are solo creatures and often travel alone, unless during mating. If you see two spiders grouped together, the larger of the two is the female.
Male spiders provide the genetic material and once mating is complete, female spiders typically consume them.
Warmer temperatures means larger spiders
Some species of spiders die when the temperatures drop below freezing. However, if it’s a warm fall, these spiders have more time to eat and grow, leading to bigger spiders.
Other spiders have evolved to survive the colder temperatures, either by seeking shelter indoors or in a pile of leaves or rocks. Once they find this spot, they will go into a state of diapause, slowing down or suspending their body processes into dormancy.
There are over 600 types of spiders found in the Palmetto state. The good news is that most of these spiders are not venomous.
Remember, poisonous and venomous are not interchangeable. Poisonous refers to if you eat the arachnid and die, whereas venomous is when a spider bites you, and you perish.
One of the most common spiders found in South Carolina is the Orb Weaver spider. When the spider is yellow in color it is referred to as a "banana" spider.
The interesting aspect of the Orb Weaver spider is the spots on the underside of its abdomen. It almost looks like a face with two eyes and a mouth.
Females build the web, usually in cracks or corners near a light source, devouring the insects attracted by the light. She will then dismantle her web at dawn by eating it and then spin a new web by dusk.
These webs can be as large as two feet and make exiting and entering the doorways on which it’s built on more difficult. This spider will not bite unless provoked, and it is not venomous to humans.
Venomous South Carolina spiders
A venomous spider commonly found in the state is called the brown recluse spider. The name “recluse” is fitting, as these spiders are often found hiding in unused drawers, basements, closets, garages or attics.
Before wearing garments found in these locations, including shoes and boots, be sure to inspect them and shake them out to rid of the arachnids. This spider species is quite social, meaning there could be more hiding nearby.
The females lay their eggs in their untidy webs, but spend little of their time in them.
These spiders are identified by the violin shape of their heads and are usually observed running or walking around.
If you think you have a brown recluse spider problem in your home, it is best to call in the professionals with a licensed exterminator.
Same goes for the widow-type spiders. There are three species of widow spiders that are found in South Carolina. This includes the brown widow, northern black widow and southern black widow spiders.
The brown widow is the least venomous out of all three.
The northern and southern black widows look nearly identical at first glance but have slightly different hourglass shapes on their undersides. While southern black widows are found throughout the entire state, northern black widows are not found in the Charleston area.
Wolf spiders
This type of spider does not behave like a typical spider. In fact, it got its name because of its ability to run down its prey like a wolf and its large appearance. They don’t spin webs to catch their food.
The female wolf spider attaches her egg sac to herself and carries it around on the bottom of her abdomen. After the eggs hatch, she will then carry her babies on her back.
Wolf spiders will only bite if provoked, but their bites are harmless to humans. They are common all over the United States, including Hawaii, and are found in all different habitats, including woodlands, shrublands, as well as coastal forests and even alpine meadows.
They like to find warm places to hibernate so don't be surprised to find them hiding under furniture or in the basement.
Tips to keep spiders away
Like any insect, these arachnids will find their way into your home by any means necessary, but this will offer you the best way to keep the majority at bay.
- Seal any cracks or small holes
- Seal all entryways
- Remove webs as soon as they appear
- Keep a clean kitchen free of food and crumbs
- Turn off exterior lights as much as possible because lights attract bugs and bugs will attract spiders
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