In the summer and fall we see plenty of spiderwebs around our homes and in the dark places in our attic’s and garages. The spiderwebs are created by tiny eight legged arachnids that find their way into our homes. These webs are a modern wonder as they’re outrageously strong for their size and yet super tiny. Harnessing the abilities of these web makers has been a top priority for many technological firms. How does a spider make its web? The spider uses a gland in its abdomen to produce a soluble solution that hardens to create webbing. Spinnerets in the abdomen of the spider weave the webbing into a fiber and create the spiderweb.

The silk made from spiders is a chain of proteins and amino acids that is stronger than steel. It has extremely high tensile strength which means it can be stretched very tightly before it breaks. Spiders can actually create up to seven kinds of webbing used for different purposes, but most spiders only use four or five different types. Some webbing is sticky and some is not. Spiders use their webbing for many different things, so having multiple kinds of spiderwebs and webbing is necessary.

SPIDERS SPINNING A WEB

Most people are familiar with orb spiders. These are spiders that make the traditional round spiderwebs that you see hanging from trees in the corners of rooms. The shape of the spiderwebs are known to scientists as a planar orb web. This web is held in place by seven guidelines attached to solid objects around it which can include walls, leaves, branches or anything else that it can find that is solid. In order to do this, it will use both the spinnerets, its abdomen and its legs to create this structure. A Broken Arrow exterminator can help you get rid of these pests.  

A spider will use one of its fourth legs to pull a strand of webbing from its web gland. The other fourth leg will pull webbing from about 20 different spinnerets and create a balloon like structure. Then it will wait for a warm gust of air which will take it up in the air to wherever the spider can find a spot to attach its web. As it flies through the air, the mainline will attach to something and grab on. From here it will pull the line in and swing around, finding the 14 points that are needed to hold the guidelines into place. Once those are in place, the spider can simply move in concentric circles leaving behind a circular web pattern of spiderwebs silk creating the trap. Your Broken Arrow pest control company will have more information.  

THE PURPOSE OF A SPIDERS WEB

Spiders use webbing for both defense and offense. Spiders can sense when a predator has come in contact with their web. They can also sense when an insect that is prey falls into their net. In most cases, the prey will be immobilized by the sticky web. The spider will jump into action and finish off its pray by biting into it. This can be a dangerous situation because many times the prey is not completely immobilized by the webbing. Some spiders will actually wrap their prey up in webbing before they attack. In some cases, a spider will leave a line of sticky web across the ground.  Then it will wait for something to come across and get stuck on the single line.  The spider will feel the pull and jump into action, wrapping its prey up with more webbing and then finishing it off with a lethal bite.

The pattern of the web is unique to the spider species. Many entomologists can identify a spider simply by its web. Where it’s placed and the pattern that is created upon it are telltale signs of what kind of a spider has created this. Most spiders also can consume webbing once they’re done with it to recycle it. Orb spiders tend to make very symmetrical shapes with their webs. Other spiders, such as the hobo spider, create a complicated structure that’s designed to capture their prey. The web that is created is kind of like a carpet with a funnel in it. A hobo spider rests inside the funnel and waits for an insect to land on the outside plane of the web. This irregular pattern captures its prey and the hobo spider jumps out of the cone attacking its prey. 

THE BROWN RECLUSE

Brown recluse, which is very prevalent in Oklahoma, uses its webbing for a different purpose. It doesn’t use the webbing like a net to catching its prey.  Instead he uses it to create a very irregular shaped nest. This protects the young from predators and other dangerous things. The brown recluse instead hunts its prey by stalking it and pouncing on it when it least expects it. Because of this, they can be dangerous because they can use their poisonous venom against humans as well.  Call a reputable Tulsa exterminator for help.  

Spiders don’t get stuck to their own web because the guide lines are not sticky lines. This gives them something to hold onto and not get attached to. Also there are claws at the end of their feet give me ability to have the least amount of contact with whatever they’re standing on. This gives them the ability to walk on the sticky lines without getting completely stuck to the webbing. Spiders are very adept at moving on their own webs.

DEALING WITH SPIDERS IN YOUR HOME

If you’re having an issue with spiders or any other pests, maybe it’s time to call in a reputable Tulsa pest control company. Here at TermMax Pest Control, we’re the best in the business when it comes to dealing with spiders and other pests. We service the greater Tulsa area including Coweta, Claremore, Catoosa, Sand Springs, Broken Arrow, Prattville, Sapulpa, Bixby, Jenks, Owasso, Turley and much more. Call today for a free estimate. We’re here to help!

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