Spiders are Beneficial Insects

Many people get “bugged out” by spiders. New gardeners, and even a few experienced gardeners, do not realize that spiders are beneficial bugs in the garden. However, experienced gardeners know that they are one of the beneficial garden insects. Their diet includes many other insects that are harmful to your garden. A lot of spiders in the garden tell you there are a lot of “bad” insects in your garden. But, they will cut down the population of bad bugs, and allow you to use less harmful insecticides.

Spiders are the world’s #1 insect predator. They are carnivores. They even can play a role as pollinators, as they travel from male to female flowers.

There are about 40,000 species of spiders in the world. Only a few are poisonous to humans. Most notable among them are the Black Widow spider, and Tarantulas. Sensory organs for hearing, smell, and touch are in their legs.

They are great for organic insect control. If you don’t have many of them in your garden, transplant ones you find in your house and yard into the garden.

If you have Arachnophobia, then you are afraid of spiders…. you are not alone. More on garden-related phobias

Spiders live about 1 to 2 years.

Did you Know? Spiders can re-generate their legs.

Note: Don’t confuse them with Spider Mites which are harmful to plants.