Spiders are one of the most common bugs found in our homes. While some people are terrified of them, they are actually beneficial creatures that help keep our homes free of other pests. Not all spiders are created equal, however – some are poisonous while others are harmless. In this article, we’ll discuss ten non-poisonous spiders that are actually beneficial to have in your home.
1. Wolf Spiders
Wolf spiders are quite common in our homes, and they’re easy to spot with their large eyes and hairy bodies. Despite their intimidating appearance, wolf spiders are not poisonous, and they do not pose a threat to humans. They are excellent hunters and prey on other insects like roaches and beetles, making them beneficial to have in your home.
2. Jumping Spiders
Jumping spiders are adorable little creatures with their big eyes and colorful markings. They are also very active and agile, capable of leaping several times their own body length. Like wolf spiders, jumping spiders are excellent hunters and prey on other insects. They are completely harmless to humans and make great house guests.
3. Daddy Longlegs
Daddy longlegs are not technically spiders, but they are related to them. They are often found in dark, damp spaces like basements and crawl spaces. Daddy longlegs are not venomous, and they do not pose a threat to humans. They feed on other insects like ants and other spiders, making them a beneficial addition to any home.
4. Cellar Spiders
Cellar spiders, also known as daddy longlegs spiders, are common in homes and other buildings. They are easily identified by their long, skinny legs and small, rounded body. Cellar spiders do not pose a threat to humans, and they feed on other insects like flies and mosquitoes.
5. Orb Weavers
Orb weavers are a type of spider that spin intricate webs to trap their prey. They are harmless to humans and feed on other insects like flies, mosquitoes, and cicadas. These spiders are often found in gardens and other outdoor spaces, but they can also be found inside homes.
6. Grass Spiders
Grass spiders are not commonly found inside homes, but they are still beneficial creatures to have in your yard or garden. They are harmless to humans and feed on other insects like crickets and grasshoppers. These spiders are named for the funnel-shaped webs they spin to trap their prey.
7. Fishing Spiders
Fishing spiders are large, intimidating spiders often found near bodies of water. Despite their size and appearance, they are completely harmless to humans. Fishing spiders feed on other insects as well as small fish and tadpoles, making them a valuable part of the ecosystem.
8. Crab Spiders
Crab spiders are named for their crab-like appearance and their habit of scuttling sideways. They are often found in gardens and feed on other insects like bees and butterflies. Crab spiders are not poisonous and are completely harmless to humans.
9. Garden Spiders
Garden spiders are another type of orb weaver spider commonly found in gardens and other outdoor spaces. They are harmless to humans and feed on other insects like flies and mosquitoes. These spiders are also known for their distinctive markings and brightly colored bodies.
10. House Spiders
House spiders are commonly found inside homes, and they are completely harmless to humans. While they don’t spin webs like other spiders, they are still beneficial creatures that feed on other insects like flies and mosquitoes.
In conclusion, not all spiders are harmful to humans. In fact, many spiders are beneficial creatures that help keep our homes and gardens free of other pests. By understanding which spiders are harmless, we can learn to appreciate these creatures and even welcome them into our homes.