Are Golden Silk Spiders in Florida Dangerous?
Posted by Mosquito SquadDecember 20, 2023
Not likely. Unlike some venomous Florida spiders, golden silk spiders’ venom has very low toxicity.
You don’t have to love spiders to appreciate those, like golden silk spiders, whose appearance is quite striking. Difficult to miss, the average size of this spider is about three inches in length. In late summer and fall, golden silk spiders are out in force. And while it can be a bit jarring to unwittingly walk through one of their massive and intricate webs, you need not worry much about receiving a toxic bite. For most, the bite from a golden silk spider is less painful than a bee sting. A minor skin reaction can occur, but typically subsides in a very short time. Some, who might be more reactive to the venom of golden silk spiders could experience nausea or dizziness.
Are golden silk spider bites common?
Like most spiders, the golden silk variety are not aggressive biters. They are defensive biters, which means if you pick one up, attempt to squish it, or accidentally step on it, you could receive a bite. However, golden silk spiders are not on the hunt for humans or pets to bite.
What do golden silk spiders eat?
Due to their large size, golden silk orb weavers can feast heartily on larger prey. While flies and small insects are part of their standard diet, so too are grasshoppers. Considered an apex predator in the insect world, they can devour just about anything trapped in their webs.
Where can golden silk orb weavers be found?
We can answer this question in two ways. First, are their common regional habitats. The golden silk orb weaver spider is native to the southeastern United States and Puerto Rico but can also be found in Peru and Argentina. In Florida, you can encounter this spider in your yard, along shrubbery or tree lines, in forested areas.
Is spider control necessary for golden silk orb weavers?
Considering these larger spiders are considerably harmless, and eat potentially more problematic pests, such as flies, gnats, smaller spiders, and mosquitoes, spider control is not required. They are interesting creatures to have around if you are into watching them build their intricate webs.
For more harmful spiders, and more invasive pests, Mosquito Squad offers spider and pest control services in Jacksonville FL and surrounding areas, including Ponte Vedra, St. Augustine, Nocatee, St. Johns, Fruit Cove, Neptune Beach, and more.
In addition to spider control, these pest control services include:
Also read: Do midges and mosquitoes attract spiders?
Call Mosquito Squad of Northeast Florida at (904) 844-0816 to learn more about our Jacksonville pest control services!