2023-09-29 17:32:14
Spiders have become a common occurrence in our homes in late summer. But why do they invade our homes and are there reasons to worry about certain species?
The breeding period
One of the main reasons spiders enter our homes in September is the breeding season. At this time of year, males come out of hiding to look for females to mate with. According to Thealie Dhellemmes, wildlife study manager at the Ornithological and Naturalist Group (GON) of Nord – Pas-de-Calais, certain species of spiders lay eggs at the end of summer and seek warmer and sheltered places, such as garden sheds, garages and even houses.
The different species of spiders
There are more than 500 species of spiders in the Nord and Pas-de-Calais, and each has its own size, shape and pattern. Among these species, some weave geometric webs, like epeiras, while others weave funnel- or sheet-shaped webs. Many spiders do not spin webs at all and hunt their prey in different ways.
Some wait for their prey at the top of flowers, then catch them with their front legs, others pounce on their prey, while some spit out sticky webbing to capture their prey. Despite their different hunting techniques, all spiders have in common their role as a natural insecticide, getting rid of unwanted insects such as mosquitoes, flies and woodlice.
Misconceptions about spiders
It’s important to clear up some misconceptions about spiders. First of all, there is no reason to fear spiders in our latitudes. If you find one on you, it has probably confused you with a support from its environment and will try to flee as soon as it senses your movements. Additionally, most spiders have fangs that are too small to pierce human skin and inject their venom.
Even if a spider manages to bite you, it will often prefer to save its precious venom for its prey rather than use it on you. If the bite is deep and venom is injected, you may experience mild pain and/or a pimple-like skin reaction. In the area there is a small tarantula called Atypus affinis, which often hides and is rarely seen. Although its bite can be painful, it is generally not serious unless it causes a secondary infection.
* PRESSE SANTÉ strives to transmit health knowledge in a language accessible to all. Under NO CIRCUMSTANCES can the information given replace the advice of a health professional.
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