According to the EIS Knowledge Center for Insects, there are a few hundred spiders in every house. Bad news for the many people who are afraid of spiders or think they are dirty critters. But good news: spiders are very useful in the house.
It’s hard to believe that our houses are so densely populated with spiders, because you don’t see them crawling around by the hundreds. But they are definitely there, according to Jinze Noordijk of the EIS Knowledge Center for Insects. Many spiders are shy and only appear during the mating season. In addition, most cobwebs are fragile, so spiders prefer to make them in places that you will not easily reach.
What do spiders do for us?
Most of you would rather not have spiders in your home, especially if they make their webs in visible places. Yet the eight-legged critters do us all kinds of services.
Harmless Insect Eaters
Spiders themselves are not harmful to you or your home. So you don’t have to worry about your health, your beautiful wooden furniture, carpets or books. On the contrary: spiders eat the insects that can cause damage to all these things, such as silverfish and beetles. And of course also insects and (biting) flies that (can) transmit bacteria and diseases.
In addition, their menu reduces the risk of insect infestations – both indoors and outdoors.
Spiders have medical properties
The venom of spiders – yes, even house spiders have venom – can be used to treat certain conditions. Consider, for example, arthritis and certain heart ailments. And researchers are still exploring further possibilities of spiders (venom) for medical purposes.
Blissful delicacy
The use is not (yet) well established in the Netherlands, but in certain cultures spiders are a true delicacy. You will regularly encounter them fried in Asia, for example. In other cultures, for example in Thailand or certain South American countries, eating spiders is a harbinger of good luck.
Would you rather get rid of spiders in your house? Then read our tips.
Various sources, including Pest Control.com
