Natural Predators That Control Spiders
Introduction:
Nature has its own way of controlling pests, including spiders. Here are eight natural predators that can help keep spider populations in check.
Lizards:
Lizards, such as geckos and chameleons, are voracious predators of spiders and other small insects. A study by the University of California found that lizards can eradicate spiders in controlled environments. On several Bahama Islands, lizards were introduced to control invasive orb spiders, and within five years, the spiders were eliminated on all islands where lizards were present.
Birds:
Birds of all sizes, from robins and wrens to hawks and owls, prey on spiders. Songbirds in gardens can help reduce spider populations, and even domestic birds kept indoors have been known to feed on spiders.
Tarantula Hawks and Spider Wasps:
Tarantula hawks, which are actually wasps, hunt down tarantulas in their burrows. They paralyze the spiders with a sting and drag them to their own burrows to feed to their young. Spider wasps, a larger family of insects, also sting and paralyze spiders for feeding to their young.
Monkeys:
Some species of monkeys, such as marmosets and capuchins, enjoy eating spiders. While it may not be practical to keep a monkey as a pet for spider control, it’s interesting to note their role in the ecosystem.
Centipedes:
Centipedes are carnivorous arthropods that use their claws to paralyze spiders and other small creatures. They can be effective in controlling spider populations in homes.
Scorpions:
Scorpions are often feared by humans, but they can actually help to control spider populations. While they rarely attack humans except in self-defense, scorpions are known to prey on spiders.
Other Spiders:
Some spiders, such as the daddy long leg spider, feed on other spiders. This can be beneficial to humans, as the daddy long leg spider preys on hobo spiders and black widow spiders, which can be dangerous to humans.
Tips for Using Natural Predators to Control Spiders:
- Encourage lizards and birds into your garden by providing food and shelter sources.
- Consider keeping a pet bird indoors, which can help to control spider populations.
- Avoid using harsh chemical pesticides, which can harm natural predators.
- Introduce centipedes or scorpions into your home as a natural spider control measure.
- Be aware that some natural predators, such as monkeys and scorpions, can be dangerous to humans and should be handled with caution.
Conclusion:
Natural predators play a vital role in controlling spider populations. By understanding the different predators that prey on spiders, you can use this knowledge to develop effective and environmentally friendly pest control strategies.