Have you ever admired the intricate webs spun by orb weavers in Louisiana? These remarkable arachnids, often overlooked, are an important part of local ecosystems. However, if you’re seeing too many at home, you might need professional help.
Keep reading to uncover facts about Orb Weavers and how to manage them.
Key Takeaways
- Orb weavers are harmless spiders that build intricate webs and have bright colors, often seen in gardens and forests.
- These spiders catch insects like flies and moths in their webs, mostly hunting at dawn and dusk.
- Orb weaver bites are uncommon and usually cause only mild swelling, redness, or itching.
- To manage orb weavers, remove their webs and keep outdoor areas clean, or call pest control if needed.
WHAT ARE ORB WEAVERS?
Orb weavers are a species of spiders known for their intricate web designs. These arachnids can be found in diverse environments, with notable populations in North America.
Physical Characteristics
Orb weavers display many hues and patterns, often boasting bright colors. Their body structure includes a segmented abdomen and cephalothorax. These spiders generally have eight eyes arranged in two rows.
The size of orb weavers varies depending on the species, with some growing up to an inch in length. Despite their small size, their colorful appearance serves as a warning to predators. Males and females differ, with females typically being larger.
Common Habitat
Orb weavers thrive in different habitats across Louisiana, Florida, and California. They prefer gardens, forests, and even urban areas. They favor environments rich in vegetation where they can anchor their webs. The placement of their webs often corresponds with areas where prey is abundant.
Diet and Behavior
Orb weaver spiders exhibit fascinating feeding behavior. Their diet mainly consists of insects, including flies, beetles, and moths.
They rely on their webs to capture these prey items. Their method involves carefully building large, circular webs and waiting for insects to get stuck.
COMMON ORB WEAVER SPECIES
Louisiana is home to a variety of these intriguing creatures. Here are some of the common orb weaver species you may encounter:
- Black and Yellow Garden Spider: Large, striking black and yellow body with a zigzag pattern in the web.
- Golden Silk Orb Weaver Spider: Golden-colored silk with an elongated body creates large orb webs, locally called Banana Spiders.
- Orchard Spider: Bright green with silver markings, builds delicate orb webs in low shrubs.
- Spotted Orb Weaver Spider: Variable color patterns with distinctive spots, builds webs at night.
- Giant Golden Silk Spider: Golden-colored silk, often with colorful markings on the abdomen
ARE ORB WEAVERS DANGEROUS?
Although they might look intimidating, orb weaver spiders usually pose little threat to humans. Unlike the more notorious arachnids in Louisiana, they are not aggressive. When bites do occur, they generally result in mild symptoms.
Spider Bite Symptoms
When an orb weaver bites, the effects are usually benign. Symptoms might include mild swelling, redness, and itching at the bite site.
While brown recluse spiders can cause significant wounds, orb weavers rarely do the same. More severe reactions to their bite are uncommon. But, individuals with allergies might experience stronger symptoms.
Spider Bite Treatment
Treating a spider bite involves basic first-aid steps. Clean the affected area gently with soap and water to prevent infection. Applying a cold compress can help reduce swelling and discomfort.
If itching persists, over-the-counter antihistamines might provide relief. These steps usually help in managing any symptoms effectively.
HOW TO GET RID OF ORB WEAVERS SAFELY
Orb weavers are fascinating creatures, but they may not be welcome in certain areas, especially around homes. To tackle this issue safely and effectively, several steps can be taken.
- Identify and remove large, intricate orb webs around porches, gardens, and homes in Louisiana.
- Encourage natural predators like birds and beneficial insects to reduce the spider population.
- Use a broom or stick to gently sweep away webs, preventing them from resettling in the same area.
- Make your home less inviting to pests like mosquitoes by regularly maintaining your yard to reduce insect populations.
For those uncomfortable handling spiders themselves, contacting a pest control expert in Louisiana can effectively manage persistent infestations.
WHEN TO CONTACT A PEST CONTROL PROFESSIONAL
If removing webs doesn’t reduce their numbers, and they return quickly, it may suggest a broader issue. In such cases, you might consider reaching out to pest control professionals for help.
Whether you’re in Baton Rouge or New Orleans, seeking expert help should be easy. For immediate intervention for a severe infestation, let Lajaunie’s spider control specialists tailor a solution that’s right for your home.
For more information about our services, visit our service page.