Generally, no one likes to share their home with parasites and other unwanted animals. In fact, you could almost say that killing them when their presence is perceived is all a reflex action. However, this action, considered as a defense and domestic hygiene technique, may actually be a serious mistake. Matt Bertone , an entomologist from North Carolina State University (USA), explains the real consequences of this fact and the impact it entails.
Around the world there are approximately 50,000 different types of spiders. Many of these are outdoors but there is also a large group that takes refuge indoors and in closed spaces and also, they are not a danger to humans as is often feared. The reality is that, although we do not detect them with the naked eye, these small invertebrate tenants take refuge in most homes. Some are accidentally trapped and others, instead, have strategically chosen their home to settle and reproduce. According to Bertone, these (for the most part) are neither aggressive nor dangerous, and perform practical functions in the home, such as devouring pests that would wreak havoc on the house and even catch other spiders.
The expert conducted a study in fifty different households in North Carolina to find out exactly what kinds of arthropods live under our roof. According to the results, the most common species in the houses have been the irregular spiderweb species (of the Theridiidae family ) and the cellar species (Pholcus phalangioides) .
Invisible companions who protect our home
Spiders are cataloged predatory species that frequently feed on pests and other annoying critters, many of them carrying diseases that are harmful to humans, such as mosquitoes.
The two most frequent types of arachnids during Bertone’s study are characterized by creating networks to be able to trap their prey between them. The cellar spider uses an added strategy, sometimes pretending to be the prey to surprise other spiders and devour them.
With this, the experts affirm that killing the home spiders would be a mistake , because in addition to costing the insect its life, we would be increasing the chances of survival of other species that are harmful.
The truth is that regardless of their category, spiders have been shown to form an important part of ecosystems . The entomologist explains that spider bites are extremely rare and, leaving aside the more poisonous tropical species, in few cases cause significant problems. Faced with the phobia or rejection of living with these creatures in the home, Bertone recommends capturing and releasing them in a perimeter where we feel safe to avoid exterminating them. “But if you can handle it, it’s okay to have spiders at home. In fact, it is normal. And frankly, even if you don’t see them, they will be there ”, confesses Bertone.
