Types of house spiders, including black and gray spiders

01.07.2020

Arthropods are frequent residents of houses and apartments. The danger of such a neighborhood is that some varieties of these insects are poisonous and their bite can be fatal.

Therefore, if a black spider appears in the house, you need to know what species it is, how dangerous it is for family members and how to properly deal with it.

Spiders in the house.

What causes spiders to appear at home?

The main habitat of arthropods is forests, fields and gardens. There they find food, weave webs and lay eggs. These residents settle in the house if there are favorable conditions for existence.

The main reason for the appearance of a spider in an apartment is a large amount of food. If there are midges, mosquitoes or flies in the room, then the arthropod will firmly settle in one of the dark corners.

Spiders love darkness, humidity and coolness. Therefore, in the house they are often located behind sofas, armchairs or under radiators. In this case, you can get rid of insects by frequent cleaning - removing cobwebs in all corners.

A man brings small spiders on his clothes and shoes from the street. But if the house does not have suitable living conditions, then they will not stay long.

Help prevent spiders in your home

Repellers will help prevent the spread of arthropods in the house. The most effective device will be the Yastreb company, which is plugged into an outlet. It is easy to use and not dangerous to humans and animals.

In addition, you need to take out the trash in a timely manner, throw away old things and faulty equipment. All this attracts arachnids and gives them a wonderful place to live.

Pets

Decorative spiders in most cases have a unique color and huge size. Tarantulas have become human pets. They are considered the largest representatives of arachnids. 1500 species are known. The most exotic ones live in tropical countries. Collectors buy them for impressive sums. Hand spiders live in artificial conditions for up to 3 years. Poisonous. Therefore, it is not recommended for people prone to allergies to keep them.

Interesting!

The huge spider naturally weaves a web up to 2 m in diameter. The web is so strong that birds easily get tangled in it. Predators eat insects, beetles, amphibians, birds, and rodents. At home, they are fed insects and kept in large aquariums or terrariums.

Which houses do arthropods prefer?

Most often, arthropods are found in houses with or without collapsing foundations. They are damp, warm and full of insects that live under the floor.

The more cockroaches, midges and flies in the rooms, the more arthropods there will be. If you get rid of insects, then the spiders will go away.

When cleaning your home, you can use a vacuum cleaner to remove cobwebs. But the bag must be shaken out immediately so that the arthropod does not get out and weave new networks.

We collect cobwebs with a vacuum cleaner.

Argiope's appearance

Even fierce opponents of arachnids find the Argiope Brünnich spider beautiful. It is more popularly known by other names: wasp spider, tiger spider, and less commonly, zebra spider. And all thanks to the bright, original, memorable coloring. While fully consistent with a spider's physique, the animal has a characteristic wasp (or tiger) coloring: yellow and black stripes. If you look closely, they are interspersed with white lines, but from a distance the coloring completely matches that of wasps. The spider's legs are also ringed with contrasting stripes, creating a clear impression that they are wearing stockings. Clearly on the fourth stripe, if you count from the cephalothorax, there are two noticeable tubercles, and along the edges of the abdomen there are notches (always six, but colored differently: shades vary from inexpressively dark to bright orange).

The arrangement of the limbs of the wasp spider is also non-standard. Two pairs are oriented strictly forward, the remaining two are oriented strictly backward. Visually, there are no lateral supports, which is not typical for most arachnids, in which the legs are located perpendicular to the surface.

Argiope Brünnich cannot boast of impressive size. Males never exceed seven millimeters in “height” - most people will not notice them, especially since their coloring is rather dull. Females will be larger: they can reach 2.5 centimeters, distinguished by bright colors that are noticeable from afar.

Are house spiders dangerous for humans?

Black house spiders that live in the middle latitudes of Russia are practically not dangerous to humans and their pets. They do not release poison or other substances that could harm health or cause a reaction in the body.

Large black spiders are dangerous only in Sochi and other cities with warm climates. In Siberia and the Urals they do not pose a danger to people. Their poison can only be fatal to small insects. The sprayed insecticide is not harmful to people.

If, however, a person does not know whether house spiders are dangerous, then you can play it safe by treating the bite site with hydrogen peroxide or alcohol. In addition, alcohol tinctures are suitable for processing.

Caribena versicolor

This resident of Martinique is very fond of arachnophiles, so he can often be found in home terrariums. The length of the spider's body with straightened legs is approximately 17 cm. The color changes from molt to molt, and by a certain age the body and legs of this tarantula acquire a rich burgundy hue, while the carapace becomes emerald green. Although this handsome guy can bite a person, he does this extremely rarely, only for the purpose of self-defense.

Varieties of arthropods with descriptions

All spiders are predators. They feed on insects and live all over the planet except Antarctica. Few of all the varieties of arthropods are capable of living in human habitation. You can determine the types of house spiders that have settled in a room by the distinctive features of the individual and its web.

Black little spider

Representatives of this species enter an apartment with a current of wind, on a person’s clothing, or by crawling into windows and doors.

Female arthropods reach 3 cm with legs spread out. Males are small and more nimble. The room is located in the corners or in dark places.

The web has a complex, chaotic pattern. They feed on small midges, flies and moths.

They do not reproduce outside their own will. In winter they hibernate. You can get rid of arthropods by frequent wet cleaning and adding essential oils or vinegar to the water.

The domestic black spider is not dangerous to humans.

How not to be confused with a black widow

The black widow is an aggressive and poisonous individual.

The distinctive features of this representative of arthropods are:

• smooth, shiny body;
• a red spot on the abdomen in the shape of an hourglass;
• large size – up to 5 cm including paws.

The house spider looks different: it has a velvety body covered with small hairs and no distinctive spot.

If a person is bitten by a black widow, then you should immediately consult a doctor. Arachnid venom is deadly.

The Black Widow Spider is poisonous.

Long-legged haymaker

It is often called the window arachnid or centipede. The body size is no more than 1 cm. The domestic specimen is distinguished by long legs and an oval brown body.

They live in attics, in the corners of window frames. They weave a web with a random pattern. Representatives of this type of arachnid are shy - if the arthropod is disturbed, it will try to hide. When in danger, he becomes aggressive. It might bite. Its venom is not dangerous to humans and animals, but the bite is painful.

The long-legged harvestman can bite painfully.

Jumping spiders

Horses rarely start on their own in the house. They often end up indoors on a person’s clothing. The jumping ability of an individual is achieved by the special structure of its paws.

This arthropod can move quickly on glass. He has excellent eyesight. The horse is safe for people. It does not secrete poison, because its diet consists of plant foods.

Jumping spiders feed on plant matter.

Gray spiders

The gray arachnid settles in the house in the corners or behind furniture. He is timid and tries to avoid encounters with humans and animals. The arthropod is not dangerous to humans. It bites only for the purpose of self-defense, but does not secrete poison.

An adult can live up to 2 years. The lifespan of males is less - 1 year. With regular, thorough cleaning and adding tea tree oil to the water, the spiders go away.

Gray spiders in the house do not pose a danger to humans.

Hobo spider with poison safe for humans

Representatives of this species enter a person’s home from the street. They look like a haymaker. But the distinctive feature is the brown stripes on the paws and a flattened body with black dots.

The female breeds offspring once a year, but this is impossible in an apartment, since she requires privacy. Therefore, tramps rarely settle in a house for a long time.

The arachnid releases poison when attacking a victim, which kills it. Having eaten the prey, the spider changes its place of residence. But arthropods are not dangerous for people and animals.

The Hobo Spider loves to be alone.

White harmless spider

The white spider is often found in the house. Females of this species are large, can reach 1.5 cm in length. Males are slightly smaller. They weave a beautiful, even web with strong threads.

The white arachnid venom is harmless to humans. But it should not be confused with karakurt.

White harmless spider in the house.

How to distinguish from karakurt

This representative of arthropods enters people's homes from the street. Its poison is dangerous. When a spider bites a person, swelling develops, convulsions occur and the temperature rises. The victim must be taken to the hospital immediately. If help is not provided within 2 hours, there is a high chance of death.

A distinctive feature of the karakurt is its spherical body, which has a yellow tint, which makes it unlike elongated white house spiders.

Routes of entry into human habitation

There are several options for where spiders come from in your home:

• with air currents. The barely hatched spiders, along with the air, enter the apartment through an open window or door;
• on a person or animal. A new neighbor can be brought into the house on clothes, shoes, hair or animal fur;
• cracks. A very small gap in the walls, floor or ceiling is enough;
• ventilation and chimney.

Arthropod feeding and web placement

Inside the arachnid's body there are special arachnid glands that produce a sticky liquid. With its help, the insect weaves its web. The strength of the threads is achieved by releasing different amounts of the composition from different glands.

The web is used for the following purposes:

• catching insects;
• flights;
• hiding a clutch of eggs.

This species of arthropod is a toothless predator. They do not catch prey on the fly. The spider attaches itself to the web and waits for the food to fall into its web. The insect begins to twitch, trying to escape. The web oscillates, notifying the hunter that dinner is served.

The predator attacks the prey and injects poison into it, while entangling it with threads. After some time, the insecticide dissolves the insect, and the spider can suck out the nutritional fluid.

Web for catching prey.

Karakurt

These representatives of the black widow genus are considered one of the most poisonous spiders on the planet. They can be recognized by 13 red spots on their jet-black body. But this is not so easy to do, because the size of the spider does not exceed 3 cm. These fatal beauties live on all warm continents, so the likelihood of meeting them is quite high. This spectacular lady may not evoke the most pleasant emotions, but you cannot deny her a stylish appearance.

Reproduction of arthropods

Arachnids are heterosexual. Males are smaller than females and have brighter colors. The reproductive organs are located in front of the spinning glands.

Males demonstrate their interest in mating in various ways (for example, by clinking their legs on the web). If the female accepts the call, she gives permission to approach her.

After mating, the male must leave the female. It is not uncommon for a female to eat her boyfriend after fertilization.

Development of spiders.

Ways to deal with house spiders

All arachnids are sensitive to the action of chemicals. The most popular are Butox 50, dichlorvos, Neoron, Dobrokhim FOS. There should be no children or animals in the room during treatment.

After spraying the product, do not enter the rooms for 30 minutes. Then you can ventilate the house by opening the windows. All surfaces must be thoroughly wiped.

What does “Yastreb” offer?

The Yastreb company offers a more effective way to combat spiders and other insects. This is the Yastreb MT.04 device. It needs to be plugged into a power outlet and left to work.

It is not dangerous for pets and people. Can be used for a long time, protecting your home from all types of insects. Its name is easy to remember, and it will be invisible in the room due to its compact size.

Repeller “Hawk MT.04”.

Why is it profitable and convenient?

The device has 3 operating modes. The first of them helps to cope with insects in a short time. You cannot use it constantly - the parasites develop immunity. It is advisable to use this regimen during the first week from the start of use.

Varable1 – fast frequency conversion. Insects cannot get used to this mode, and it can be used for a long time.

Varable2 converts frequencies slowly without causing addiction. Suitable for large spaces. It is allowed to use the device in this mode for up to 4 weeks.

“Yastreb MT.04” is suitable for any area of ​​the house.

It can be used both in winter and summer. Operates from household power supply. Light weight and size make it universal for any interior.

Blue tarantula

One of the most striking representatives of tarantulas has a rich blue color. The span of his paws can reach 17 cm. His entire body is covered with fluffy hairs, which is why he seems cute and harmless. But that's not true. The bite of this spider is quite painful and can cause unpleasant consequences. Blue tarantulas live in the southwest of India, but you can also see them in the home collections of spider lovers.

Sandy six-eyed

Representatives of these arthropods continue to make the top 10 most dangerous spiders in the world. These are small individuals, reaching a length of 8-15 mm. Outwardly, such spiders resemble crabs. This resemblance is given to them by the relatively large legs bent at the knees, the length of which reaches 50 mm. The slightly flattened shape of the arthropod’s body also resembles a crab. This most dangerous spider (photo below) received its name because of its inherent shade of brown color and the presence of six eyes.

The habitats of the sand six-eyed are the territories of South Africa and the lands of South America. Depending on the area where they live, these spiders have different concentrations of the deadly substance in their saliva. Thus, African individuals are endowed with more lightning-fast and deadly poison than their American relatives. Perhaps the reason for this lies in the climatic characteristics of the Namib Desert.

The six-eyed sand spider hunts for small insects. Larger scorpions also become its victims. The spider waits for its prey, buried in the sand. The hairs located on the body help it in camouflage. Grains of sand stick to them, making the hunter a successful conspirator.

The venom of this spider affects the body of its victim in an unusual and unique way. A toxin still unknown to science negatively affects blood vessels, destroying their walls. This process occurs due to slow necrosis. The victim's blood also has a detrimental effect. It begins the active destruction of red blood cells. Thus, the venom of this arthropod is a very effective killing weapon. Fortunately, encounters between the six-eyed sand spider and humans are very rare. Only two cases of death resulting from an attack by this arthropod have been recorded.

Similar species

Confusion sometimes arises with similar species of black widows (Latrodectus), as well as with species from the genus Steatoda, which also belongs to the family of web spiders (Theridiidae), such as the false karakurt, or Paykull's steatoda (S. paykulliana). It is similar to the karakurt in the shape of the opisthosoma and also has noticeable markings, but usually has only one red or yellow transverse stripe on the lower part of the abdomen.

In addition, the karakurt is usually slightly larger than the false karakurt and has a different eye arrangement. In addition, in all steatodes, including false karakurt, unlike black widows, the chelicerae are serrated.

The false karakurt is also found in the Mediterranean and prefers habitats similar to those of the karakurt.

Female false karakurt (Steatoda paykulliana)

Toxicity

The toxicity (venom effect) of a spider bite to humans is controversial. While the original writer Pietro Rossi, one of the leading entomologists of the 18th century, mentioned that the spider's venom could kill a person, the poisonous effect was almost completely refuted in early 20th century France. Sometimes the effect of a bite is described as the effect of a wasp sting. Fatalities occur only in very exceptional cases, in approximately 4–5 out of 1000 bites, corresponding to 0.4%. Other sources say that about 5% or 0.2% of untreated bites are fatal.

Black Widow / Latrodectus mactans

These poisonous spiders live alone and form pairs only during the mating season. For the male, such a meeting turns out to be the last, because after mating, the female eats her partner without a twinge of conscience. Hence the frightening name widow. It's simple. She needs more energy to bear offspring.

They have an aggressive disposition. They bite in moments of danger for self-defense. The poison causes latrodectism, accompanied by convulsions, vomiting, profuse sweating, and fever. With appropriate treatment, symptoms disappear within a few days and the person recovers.

Tarantism

Today, a karakurt bite is also considered as the cause of tarantism, a kind of “St. Vitus’ dance”, in which, in addition to convulsions and involuntary twitching, hallucinations can occur. These symptoms of poisoning were difficult for medieval people to classify, leading, starting in the city of Taranto in southern Italy, to a veritable hysteria that spread to Spain in the 15th century. Although the symptoms were soon attributed to a spider bite, they were blamed on the Apulian tarantula (Lycosa tarantula). The tarantula is much less poisonous than the karakurt, but it is much larger and active during the day, so people could observe it much more often than the nocturnal karakurt, which hides under stones during the day. Later, the name tarantula was transferred by the Spaniards to tarantula spiders living in South America.

Female Apulian tarantula (Lycosa tarantula) with spiderlings

Therapies of the time included sweating or treatment with excrement. Patients were perhaps best served by the tarantella, a piece of music originally composed for the purpose of putting bite victims out of their misery through fast dancing. This "healing method" was still recommended by the Spanish Medical Association in 1875.

Types of house spiders, including black and gray spiders

Arthropods are frequent residents of houses and apartments. The danger of such a neighborhood is that some varieties of these insects are poisonous and their bite can be fatal.

Therefore, if a black spider appears in the house, you need to know what species it is, how dangerous it is for family members and how to properly deal with it.

Spiders in the house.

Black Eresus

These spiders have an unusual black and red color and look like ladybugs. They grow to a maximum length of 2 cm. The body of spiders has a rich black color, and there are 4 black dots on the red abdomen, which gives them a resemblance to the famous insect. But only males who are ready to mate have such a striking appearance. Females are usually completely black with a brown spot in the eye area. The entire body of Eresus is covered with hairs, which makes it seem velvety, and you just want to stroke it. But it is better not to do this, since the spider has an aggressive character and can bite very painfully. You can meet these handsome guys in many European countries.

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Hawk repeller OC-3

Ultrasonic dog repeller Yastreb OS.03

Designed to protect against stray dogs. The device is equipped with a gentle mode for training your pet. This device does not have a deterrent effect on special-purpose dogs, fighting or trained dogs.

Upper position (“?”): Turns on the flashlight. The LEDs installed in this device are very bright and have an additional effect on dogs, and can also be used as a flashlight.

Middle position (“I”): in this position, the device emits a weaker signal, using it you can attract the attention of your dog for training.

Bottom position (“II”): the position when the device is in repellent mode (the device will automatically begin to emit ultrasound and light).

The sound is perceived by the dog at a distance of 5-25 m, the most effective distance is 4-8 m. The sound does not harm the dog’s psyche.

Hawk 500

Tarantula

Our list on most-beauty.ru continues with the wolf spider, which is widespread in different parts of our planet. The South Russian tarantula is found in Crimea, Adygea, regions of the Krasnodar Territory, Kuban and Donbass. In Ukraine, encounters with them should be feared in the southern coastal regions.

The poison, like that of the phalanx, will not lead to death, but causes unpleasant itching, redness, and severe swelling. Allergic reactions may appear after a few days. The swelling subsides after 3-4 days, but the place where the poison entered will still hurt for a long time for two to three weeks.

By the way, on our website most-beauty.ru there is an interesting article about the TOP 20 most beautiful spiders in the world. We highly recommend watching it!

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Etymology

The specific epithet tredecimguttatus means "thirteen spots". In 1778, the karakurt had already been described as Aranea brevipes, but this description was ignored by later editors and is today excluded from taxonomy as a forgotten name (nomen oblitum), hence Pietro Rossi's description in which he named the species Aranea 13-guttata in Fauna Etrusca , has become valid. Rossi already mentions the variability of the species, however, later attempts were made to identify specimens with fewer red spots on the abdomen and other features as separate species. In 1805, Charles Walkener placed the spider in the new genus Latrodectus as part of his revision of the genus Aranea. In 1966 it was placed as a subspecies of Latrodectus mactans, but promoted to species again in 1983.

In different countries, the spider is also known by other names:

• Pietro Rossi in the first description also mentions the Italian trivial name Marmignatto for this species of spider. Hence the Germanized name Malmignatte. In 1837, Charles Walkener, in his work Histoire naturelle des insectes, described the species Latrodectus malmignatus, identical to the karakurt. Most often, “Malminhatte” refers to the European black widow, but sometimes species living on other continents can also be called this.
• The name "karakurt" is used in southern Russia and Central Asia. The meaning of this word, which can be translated as “black wolf,” indicates the danger of the spider to animals and humans, which is assessed by the population of these areas as high. Every summer there are reports from Kazakhstan that a large number of camels die from bites if they are not treated with antiserum: the country does not produce the serum, and the antivenom produced in Uzbekistan costs more than $130. According to another point of view, the name translates as “black insect” (Wikipedia also adheres to this version).
• Used in many European languages, the later name "black widow" stems from the observation that the female, after mating, eats the smaller male, thereby turning herself into a "widow". However, this behavior, which can also be observed in most other spiders and some other arthropods, is not the rule.
• In Spanish, the name araña sangrienta is also used, which translates to "blood spider", probably due to the spots in the coloration.

Detail from page 695 of the German magazine Die Gartenlaube by publisher Ernst Keil (1879)