Orb-Weaver Spiders

What do orb-weaver spiders look like?

Orb-weaver spiders come in many shapes, sizes, and colors, so no identifying feature defines them all. However, if you're in San Diego, here are a few specific types you might encounter:

• Garden orb-weaver (Araneus diadematus): One of the most common species, this spider can grow up to ¾ inch long. It has a large, rounded or triangular abdomen and varies in color from pale yellow and orange to dark gray. Look for the distinctive white cross on its back.
• Spiny-backed orb-weaver (Gasteracantha cancriformis): These spiders are hard to miss. About ½ inch long, they have brightly colored, shell-like bodies. The upper side is often white or yellow with black spots and six prominent red or black spines.

Furrow orb-weaver (genus Neoscona): Often found near gutters or puddles, these brown spiders are about ½ inch long and have dark patterns on their backs that help them blend in with their surroundings.

What do orb-weaver spiders eat?

Orb-weavers primarily feed on flying insects like mosquitoes, gnats, flies, and even wasps. They’re also known to occasionally consume small animals like frogs, bats, or hummingbirds, although that’s rare.

Interestingly, orb-weavers aren’t strictly carnivorous. Juveniles, in particular, may consume pollen caught in their webs, sometimes making up 25% of their diet.

Can I identify an orb-weaver by its web?

Yes! While orb-weavers vary in appearance, their webs are unmistakable. If you’ve seen a classic, wheel-shaped spider web, that’s the handiwork of an orb-weaver. Their webs are intricate, circular, and designed to capture flying insects.

Where do orb-weaver spiders build their webs?

Orb-weavers prefer outdoor spaces where they can anchor their webs securely and catch prey. You might spot their webs in:

• Gardens and between plants
• Between shrubs or tree branches
• Around porch lights or outdoor fixtures
• Under eaves, on patios, or near windows
• In corners, structural gaps, or around trash bins

They often target well-trafficked areas for insects, like spaces near lights or flowers.

Are orb-weaver spiders dangerous to humans or pets?

Technically, orb-weavers are venomous,  but their venom isn’t harmful to people or pets. A bite might feel like a bee sting, but these spiders are docile and bite only in self-defense. If you don’t disturb them, they’ll likely leave you alone.

Will orb-weaver spiders infest my home?

Orb-weavers are primarily outdoor spiders and prefer to stay outside. You might occasionally find them near windows or porch lights where insects gather. They like slightly dirty surfaces and structural areas with anchor points for web-building. They generally don’t venture indoors.

How can I get rid of orb-weaver spiders?

Start by removing their webs. Orb-weavers typically avoid rebuilding in areas where their webs are frequently destroyed. Cleaning and scrubbing outdoor surfaces can discourage them from settling in. Also, keep an eye out for their papery egg sacs. Crushing them helps prevent future generations.

That said, orb-weavers can be persistent. If they keep returning, a residential pest control plan can help manage their activity and reduce the insect populations that attract them. For more information about  Harbor Pest Control’s ongoing home pest control services, please contact us today! 

What’s the best way to prevent orb-weavers and other spiders?

Consistent exterior pest control is the most effective way to keep orb-weavers and other spiders away.  Partnering with a licensed pest control professional ensures a more comprehensive solution. Your technician will target both the spiders and the pests they feed on, helping to protect your home’s exterior and prevent unwanted run-ins, especially the kind where you walk face-first into a web!