How to Identify Orb Weavers in Kansas City
Charlotte’s Web: The Orb Weaver’s Tale
Remember Charlotte, the endearing spider from E.B. White’s classic children’s book? Her intricate web, spun with such skill and care, was a marvel to behold. Charlotte was an orb weaver, a type of spider known for its circular, web-like structures. While Charlotte’s Web was a fictional creation, orb weavers are very real creatures that can be found in many parts of the world, including Kansas City.
Fall: The Season of the Orb Weaver
As the days grow shorter and the temperatures begin to drop, a familiar sight starts to appear on porches, patios, and even the sides of homes in Kansas City: the intricate webs of orb weavers. Fall is the season when these spiders become particularly active, seeking out sheltered spots to build their homes and lay their eggs.
What Are Orb Weavers?
Orb weavers are spiders belonging to the Araneidae family. They are characterized by their large, circular webs, which they construct using silk produced from their abdomen. The webs are designed to capture insects, which become entangled in the sticky silk and are then consumed by the spider. Orb weavers in Kansas City exhibit similar behaviors.
Orb weavers are generally harmless to humans, and their bites are often no more painful than a mosquito bite. However, some people may experience allergic reactions to spider venom, so it is important to exercise caution when handling these creatures, especially orb weavers found in Kansas City.
Keeping Orb Weavers Away
While orb weavers are fascinating creatures, many people prefer to keep them away from their homes in Kansas City. Here are a few tips for preventing these spiders from building webs on your property:
- Trim back vegetation: Orb weavers often build their webs in areas with dense vegetation. By trimming back shrubs and trees, you can make your property less attractive to these spiders.
- Seal cracks and crevices: Orb weavers can enter homes through small cracks and crevices. Sealing these openings can help prevent spiders from entering.
- Use natural repellents: Some plants, such as peppermint and eucalyptus, are believed to repel spiders. You can try planting these plants near your home or using essential oils derived from them.
- Clean up debris: Orb weavers are attracted to areas with clutter and debris. By keeping your property clean and tidy, you can reduce the number of spiders that are present.
The Importance of Professional Pest Management
While the tips mentioned above can help deter orb weavers, completely eliminating these spiders from your property can be challenging. In many cases, it is best to seek the help of a professional pest management company in Kansas City.
A pest management company can use specialized techniques to control orb weaver populations. This may involve the application of pesticides or the installation of physical barriers to prevent spiders from entering your home.
By working with a professional pest management company, you can protect your home from unwanted pests, including orb weavers in Kansas City, and enjoy a pest-free living environment.
Jeffery Preece BCE,PHE
Jeffery Preece is the owner and technical director of ZipZap Termite & Pest Control.
