As we turn the corner into the winter season and start our end of year lawn care, it’s important to beware of spiders that may be in your yard.
If you are a resident of Utah, you are familiar with the vast array of bugs that accompany each season year-round. There are over 621 different species of spiders in the Beehive State.
Here are three main spiders you need to be on the lookout for while working on your yard.
1. Hobo Spider
Hobo Spiders are one of the larger spiders you may run into if you live in Utah. They can grow to a diameter of around 2 inches including their legs .Hobo Spiders do not form traditional webs. They create what is termed “ funnel webs.” This allows them to sit in the funnel they created inside the web and notice when prey has landed so they can attack fast. A bite from a hobo spider can swell and be as painful as a bee sting. You may find their webs in quiet, dark areas.
2. Black Widow Spider
This spider is termed, “The most venomous spider in North America.” If you see a Black Widow Spider in your yard, you will most likely be able to identify it by its sheek black color and red hourglass shape on its hard shell. These spiders usually measure out around 1.5 inches in diameter. The bite of a Black Widow Spider is to be most feared, as it is 15 times more potent than a rattlesnakes bite. If bitten, individuals may experience severe pain, difficulty breathing, muscle aches, and nausea. They spin large webs where they lay hundreds of eggs in a cocoon and wait to catch their food. They can mostly be found in dark areas or cluttered leaves and lawn equipment. While doing yard work-be very vigilant and beware—these spiders may be in your yard.
Wolf Spider
Wolf Spiders are termed “wolf” for their hunting activity. These spiders mostly hunt at night. Instead of spinning webs and waiting for their prey to land, they sprint and chase down their prey like wolves. Wolf Spiders can be light brown in color and have 8 large eyes. They can grow to a diameter of 1.2 inches and blend well with rotting plants and dirt. You may most likely find them in holes in the ground or burrows under rocks. If a wolf spider is cornered by a larger insect that wants to eat them as prey, they can drop a leg and have it twitch to use as a diversion so they can quickly escape. If bitten by a wolf spider, you might experience pain, swelling, and itching.
Check out Summit Lawn & Pest Control for your Pest Control Needs
Summit Lawn & Pest Control has over 10 years of experience in the green industry. We specialize in relieving your house and lawn of all insects and pests. We want you to be careful of these spiders that may be in your yard, and we are here to solve your problem. We service all of Utah County, including Orem and Provo. Contact us today for a quote!
