Spider poop on the siding of a house or business is a common call that comes into the extension office. Hopefully, this will shed some light on the topic!
We talk about beneficial insects and how they keep other insects and pests in check. But spiders are just as beneficial. Spiders can consume up to 2,000 insects a year.
Based on an article in ‘Science Daily’:
“A new study reveals some stunning estimates about how much the world's spiders eat annually: between 400 and 800 million tons of insects and other invertebrates. These eight-legged carnivores play an important role in keeping countless insect pests in check.”
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/03/170314111251.htm
But let’s shed some light where spiders make their webs. Insects are attracted to lights at night.
Therefor, what better way to capture prey than have dinner come to you! Think of ‘Door Dash’ or ‘Uber Eats.’
Spiders build their webs near lights that are on at night. The webs are nearly invisible.
Insects are attracted to the light. The spider patiently waits for ‘home delivery.’
The insect gets caught in the web. The spider either eats the insects immediately or injects a venom, paralyzing the insect to provide a meal for later.
This sounds like a very nice arrangement. The drawback is most people HATE spiders or fear them.
And why not? Halloweekends is going on at Cedar Point Amusement Park and spiders are everywhere.
Spiders dominate Halloween decorations.
We are trained at a very young age to be scared of spiders.
But spiders provide a great service.
The problem is, when they eat, they digest their prey and poop. Typically, on the siding of a house.
Since we actually live close to Lake Erie, spiders are prolific by the water. May neighbors on our street get their houses sprayed for spiders 3 or 4 times a year.
There is a simple remedy to keep spiders off your house or reduce their numbers. TURN OFF THE LIGHTS!
Lights on:
Lights off:
Lights on:
Lights off:
Most people like leaving a light on for security. But having a light on by your front door will attract spiders to build webs,
attract insects, and provide a buildup of spider excrement below and around the light.
If you desire outdoor lights around your home at night, it is better to use garden lighting away from doors and other openings.
Even a light shining on tree that splashed onto the siding will attract spiders which will also gather spider poop.
In Ottawa County, when Mayflies hatch out of Lake Erie,
municipalities will turn off the streetlights for several weeks to keep the Mayfly from congregating.
So, hopefully this sheds some light on spiders.
And remember spiders may seem scary,
but SPIDERS ARE AWESOME!
