Brown gardening spiders are pretty common residents of Omaha’s many backyard gardens. These insectivorous invertebrates can be found weaving webs in your flower bed, searching for fresh flies or caterpillars to feast on. Fortunately, brown garden spiders aren’t harmful to humans as long as you don’t have a spider allergy, so these amiable arachnids are generally beneficial.
That said, they can be a nuisance if they get too comfortable in your basement or garage. If you’re finding large quantities of spiders in your Omaha or Lincoln home, first of all, gross. Second of all, Recon Pest Services is here to help you evict these six legged stinkers regardless of how many you find lurking in the shadows. Contact us today for a free spider removal quote, or read on to learn more about these sneaky spiders.
What do Brown Gardening Spiders Look Like?
Brown gardening spiders, scientifically known as Latrodectus geometricus, belong to the widow spider family. As their name suggests, they are primarily brown in color, with a characteristic violin-shaped marking on their abdomen. This marking is more pronounced in females, while males display a lighter shade of brown and lack the distinctive marking. Adult brown gardening spiders measure about half an inch to one inch in length, with their legs spanned out.
However, keep in mind that brown recluse spiders do look similar to brown gardening spiders, and are much much more dangerous. They can be differentiated primarily by their size; brown recluses are generally twice as large as brown gardening spiders, so as long as you aren’t freaked out by the size of a 5 inch brown spider, you’re probably fine.
If you aren’t sure of what kind of spider you’re looking at, don’t be afraid to ask a professional!
Where Are Brown Gardening Spiders Found?
Brown gardening spiders are most commonly found in warm and tropical climates, making them well-suited for backyard gardens in such regions. That said, they can in fact be found in the backyards of Omaha homeowners during the hot summer months. As the name suggests, they most commonly find homes for themselves in the lush greenery of gardens or tall grass. Brown gardening spiders can also be pretty adaptable, so don’t be surprised if they end up in flower beds, trees, or even your precious boxwood plants.
Prey and Hunting Techniques of Brown Gardening Spiders
Brown gardening spiders are skilled hunters, using their webs as an efficient tool to catch prey. These spiders primarily feed on a wide range of insects, playing a crucial role in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem in your backyard garden. They often target pests like caterpillars, beetles, and aphids, which can be devastating for gardens. Talk about a silent helper!
With their powerful venom, brown gardening spiders are capable of subduing insects much larger than themselves. They employ a stealthy hunting technique, remaining motionless until an insect gets entangled in their web. Once trapped, the spider quickly approaches its prey and delivers a paralyzing bite. The venom not only immobilizes the insect but also begins to break down its internal tissues, making it easier for the spider to consume its meal.
Benefits of Brown Gardening Spiders in Your Backyard Garden
Having brown gardening spiders in your backyard garden can offer numerous benefits. These spiders act as natural pest control agents, reducing the population of harmful insects that can damage your plants. By keeping the insect population in check, they help maintain a healthy ecosystem within your garden. This means that you can enjoy beautiful blooms and bountiful harvests without resorting to chemical pesticides.
Moreover, brown gardening spiders are low-maintenance guests in your garden. Once they establish their web, they require minimal intervention from you. Unlike other pests, they don’t infest your plants or cause any structural damage. Instead, they silently go about their business, keeping your garden free from unwanted intruders.
Brown Gardening Spider Myths and Misconceptions
Because of the creepy nature of spiders, and how venomous spiders like brown recluses can put you in the hospital, many myths about brown gardening spiders have spread over the years. First of all, a common myth is that basically any brown spider is venomous and therefore dangerous to humans. Nope! Fortunately, brown gardening spiders don’t do much damage to human targets, if they even bite them at all! Their venom is only irritating at worst for most people, as long as they aren’t allergic. Or as long as they aren’t secretly a fly or something.
Another myth is that brown gardening spiders are aggressive and will attack humans unprovoked. This one is absolutely not the case. As the old adage goes, it’s more afraid of you than you are of it. Keep in mind that it can’t meaningfully hurt you, and that you could squish it to pieces in the blink of an eye. They are much more likely to scurry away at the sight of a human than anything else, so revel in your comparatively giant size and power.
Conclusion
Brown gardening spiders are relatively common in Nebraska, so keep an eye out for them while working on your flowerbed this coming spring. While they help control populations of nuisance insects like mosquitos and wasps, they can also pack a punch with their bite. If you’ve got too many of these spiders crawling around in your yard and cellar, it might be worth considering calling for professional help.
Recon Pest Services is Omaha and Lincoln’s top pest control team specializing in spiders and other household pests. If you have a spider problem, contact us today for a free quote!
