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Three Spider Facts Everyone In Alexander City Should Know

March 15, 2023 - Spiders

Spiders are a common sight around Alexander City, but they're not all the same. Some spiders found in homes are harmful, some are harmless, and some can even be beneficial! Alexander City pest control has some facts about spiders that will help you get to know them. Here are three things about spiders that you may not have known.

Spiders Have Lots Of Eyes But Cannot See Far Into The Distance

Most spiders have eight eyes, but they can't see far into the distance. Instead, they rely on their two large main eyes in the front to spot prey and predators. The other six tiny pairs of eyes are called lenses and are responsible for detecting movement.

The main eyes look dark, but the secondary ones have a layer of light-reflecting crystals behind their retinas. This gives them a silvery appearance. In many species, the principal eyes are particularly gifted at discerning form and detail, while the secondary eyes may have a lower resolution but greater sensitivity. The secondary eyes allow them to detect light on a cellular level, which helps them perceive small movements even when the spider is stationary.

All Spiders Produce Silk

All spiders produce silks, not just web spiders. Each spider can produce several types of silk, depending on the situation. The silk can be used for a variety of purposes, including:

  • Capturing prey and building webs. Some spiders produce sticky threads that help them catch their prey, while others produce strong, flexible threads that are used to wrap around their victims.
  • Travel. Some types of spider silks are also incredibly thin and lightweight, so they can be used to make ballooning trips across long distances!
  • Mating and reproduction. Some types of spiders use their silk to wrap around their mates during mating, while others use their silk as a way to protect their eggs.
  • Alarm systems. When an insect walks across the web, its movement triggers a response from the spider. It either rushes out and grabs its meal if it's small enough or avoids contact with creatures that might be too large for consumption.

The most common spider silk is made from two proteins called fibroin and spidroin, produced by glands in the spiders' abdomen. The silk can vary in thickness depending on how much water is present in the solution used to create it. The silk is initially produced as a liquid and hardens when exposed to air. It's made up of many tiny fibers twisted together to create a stronger thread. 

Spiders Cannot Chew Their Food Because They Lack Teeth

Spiders have a unique way of digesting their food, and they don't need teeth to get the job done. Unlike humans, who need to chew our food thoroughly before swallowing it, a spider's digestive system works by mixing enzymes with its prey's body fluids before pushing them through its esophagus and into its stomach. The enzymes break down the proteins, fats, and carbohydrates in the fluid into smaller molecules that are easier for the spider to digest. Once this process is complete, the spider regurgitates a liquid waste product through its mouthparts.

Why Everyone In Alexander City Ought To Consider Spider Control

Despite being fascinating creatures, spiders can be a nuisance or even a danger to homeowners. Spider control is a necessity for any Alexander City homeowner, and our team at Top Gun Pest Control is here to help you get rid of common types of spiders. We offer a variety of services to meet your needs, and we're available 24/7 in case you need assistance.

If you have any questions about ways to get rid of spiders in your home, please contact us today. We are here to help!