We get it! Spiders might not be everyone’s favorite garden companions. Over the years they’ve gotten the unfortunate reputation of being creepy, and we have yet to meet anyone who enjoys walking through one of their webs late at night. Yikes!

 

But did you know that the spiders who call Southern California their home are really the unsung heroes when it comes to your garden’s pest management? These eight-legged arachnids – not insects – perform a vitally important function by vigilantly watching over your garden from their webbed sanctums and keeping your yard free of bothersome bugs. Moreover, despite their unnerving reputation, our local spiders almost never bite.  So read on to learn more about three garden creepers that you’ll want to keep in your garden:

 

Orb Weavers (Family Areneidae) – Orb weavers create symmetrical webs which are spun in concentric circles. Their webs are often sited between trees or in walkways. After spinning their impressive webs, orb weavers sit in the center, waiting to feel the web vibrations from insects that fly, fall or are blown into their web. They vary greatly in color, shape and size.

 

Wolf Spiders (Family Lycosidae) – Wolf spiders hunt during the day and night and typically prey on insects walking or resting on the ground. Unlike orb weavers, wolf spiders create a small, thick web where they rest. They typically have a distinctive eye pattern and are usually black and white in color.

 

Jumping Spiders (Family Salticidae) – Jumping spiders are active and hunt during the day. Unlike other arachnids, they do not create a web but rather stalk and pounce upon their insect prey, often jumping distances that are many times their own body length. 

 

So the next time you see a spider, don’t panic and grab a broom. Choose to keep the creepies and remember that So Cal’s spiders are actually helping you out. And, who knows – after reading this, you may even invite a few of them to help you decorate for Halloween. 

To learn more about California spiders, visit the University of California’s Integrated Pest Management web page.