Spiders are common pests in the Capital Region. How much do you know about these creepy crawly pests? Let’s learn about them!
- Spiders’ bodies have two parts
All spiders share this common trait; eyes, fangs, palps and legs are all found on the anterior body region, which is called the cephalothorax. And the spinnerets reside on the posterior region, called the abdomen. The unsegmented abdomen attaches to the cephalothorax by means of a narrow pedicel, giving the spider the appearance of having a waist.
- Most are venomous
Spiders use venom to subdue their prey. The venom glands reside near the chelicerae, or fangs, and are connected to the fangs by ducts. When a spider bites it prey, muscles around the venom glands contract, pushing venom through the fangs and into the animal. Most spider venom paralyzes the prey. The spider family Uloboridae is the only known exception to this rule, as its members do not possess venom glands.
- Some spiders hunt birds
Spiders hunt and capture prey. The majority feed on insects and other invertebrates, but some of the largest spiders may prey on vertebrates such as birds. Araneae are the largest group of carnivorous creatures on earth.
- Spiders cannot digest solid foods
Before a spider is able to eat its prey, it must turn the meal into liquid form. The spider exudes digestive enzymes from its sucking stomach onto the victim’s body. Once the enzymes break down the tissues of the prey, the spider sucks up the liquefied remails, along with digestive enzymes. The meal is then passed to the spider’s midgut, where nutrient absorption occurs.
- Spiders produce silk
Not only can all spiders make silk, but they can do so throughout their life cycles. Spiders use silk for many purposes: to capture prey, protect their offspring, reproduce, and assist themselves as they move, as well for shelter.
If you would like to learn more about spider pest control options for your home or business, please contact us for a free inspection. We offer residential pest control and commercial pest control for the greater Capital District area including Albany, Schenectady, Saratoga and Rensselaer Counties.