A Homeowner’s Guide to Dealing with Spiders in Florida

Florida’s warm, moist climate creates ideal conditions for all sorts of insects — and where you have all those insects, you’ll also have spiders. Despite being thought of limiting, even scary or malicious, they are not. The majority of spiders in Florida are harmless and beneficial in controlling pest populations. The more you know about them, you can lessen fear, remain safe, and even enjoy their presence in the environment.

Florida Is Teeming with Spiders. Here’s Why

Spiders do well in the Sunshine State all year long, thanks to its tropical climate. Unlike our friends up north where the spider becomes lethargic during the winter season, spiders in Florida are active all year long. With an inexhaustible source of insects to eat, it’s no wonder webs regularly litter porches, gardens, and occasionally the insides of people’s homes.

Here Are a Few of the Most Popular Spider Species

You don’t have to panic all the time when you find a spider. Following is a selection of those most commonly seen around Florida homes and yards:

• Wolf spiders: Watch out for this large, fast, hairy spider that seldom bites.
• Jumping spiders: Tiny and inquisitive, these have colorful markings and good eyesight.
• Orb-weavers: Makers of large, round webs, typically found outside.
• Black widows: Venomous, glossy black with a red hourglass marking; stay well away.
• Brown recluse spider: The brown recluse is not common in Florida, but good to recognize because their bites can hurt you.

You don’t want to see any of these species of wasps? Why should you be able to identify those insects? Knowing the most common species of these wasps can help you react reasonably and reduce hysteria.

Why Spiders Are Actually Helpful

Even if you hate to have them inside, most of the spiders in Florida are secret allies. They offer several benefits:

• Natural pest control: They eat mosquitoes, flies, cockroaches, and other pests.
• Balance the environment: By keeping insect numbers low, they minimize the use of chemical sprays.
• Pending notice: An infestation of insects could be the cause of a dramatic spike in spider activity.

Staying Safe Around Spiders

While the vast majority are harmless, it makes sense to take precautions, especially when you’re dealing with venomous spiders like black widows. Simple safety measures include:

• Gloves when moving boxes, paper, or stored items.
• Emptying the shoes and attire (shaking) before putting them over.
• Avoiding contact with web if unsure of species.
• Contacting exterminators if venomous spiders are found inside.

Making Spiders Outdoors of Your House

Prevent infestations as the best way to reduce spider encounters in your Florida home. Homeowners can take these steps:

• Put caulks or other sealant around all openings, including vents, doors, and windows.
• Keep storage areas clear and clutter-free.
• Low lighting outside that draws bugs.
• Cobwebs and egg sacs can be easily removed with regular cleaning and dusting.

Final Thoughts

Spiders are a natural part of Florida’s ecology; in fact, there are more species that are helpful than not. By knowing which to watch for and taking a few basic precautions, you can create a safer, more pleasant home environment in which to spend time.