Aspider'sdiet consists mainly of mosquitoes, flies, moths, and sometimes even other spiders. So, despite the fear that these eight-legged predators can induce in humans, they’re beneficial creatures to have around since they can help prevent other pesky insects from invading your home.
While spiders feast primarily on insects, some large spiders have been known to eat worms, snails, and even small vertebrates like frogs, lizards, birds, and bats.1,2
SPIDER SNACKS
A study conducted by Lund University in Sweden estimates that spiders eat 400 to 800 million metric tons of insects each year.1 To put that number into perspective, humans consume approximately 400 million tons of meat and fish annually.3
HOW DO SPIDERS CATCH THEIR PREY?
Some spider species are passive hunters that spin intricate webs to catch their supper. Other species, including crab spiders and wolf spiders, are stealth hunters that actively seek out their prey as they move around.
DO SPIDERS EAT PLANTS?
Some spider species spice up their meat-heavy diets with vegetarian meals from different plant types. The menu can include nectar, plant sap, honeydew, leaf tissue, pollen, and seeds.4
DID YOU KNOW?
Crab spider
Spiders can survive for long periods of time without feeding. Crab spiders, for example, are extremely patient hunters that can wait days or even weeks to catch a tasty treat.
HOW TO HELP GET RID OF SPIDERS
Even though spiders can be helpful by eating other insects, particularly harmful ones like mosquitoes, many people don’t want to welcome these critters inside. ReadHow to Help Get Rid of Spidersto find out how to banish these unwanted guests from your home.
FIND SOLUTIONS FOR SPIDERS
Explore our family of products designed to help you get tough in the fight against spiders and keep them from invading your home.
Sources:
1. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00114-017-1440-1
2. https://phys.org/news/2017-03-spiders-million-tons-prey.html
4. https://entomologytoday.org/2016/03/15/spiders-enjoy-vegetarian-meals-occasionally
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FAQs
What do spiders like to eat the most? ›
Spiders are carnivores and typically hunt for live prey. However, they will also consume other dead animals, as well as nectar and fruits. The most common prey for spiders are insects and other small arthropods, such as ants, flies, beetles, and moths.
Does raid prevent spiders? ›Raid Multi Insect Killer, Kills Ants, Spiders, Roaches and Flies, For Indoor and Outdoor use, Orange Breeze Scent, 15 oz. Amazon's Choice highlights highly rated, well-priced products available to ship immediately.
What do spiders get eaten by? ›Many amphibians, reptiles, and fish eat both insects and spiders. Some hunt spiders, while others wait near their nesting places to ambush them. Snakes and lizards like geckos, chameleons, and anoles also help keep the spider population in check.
Do spiders eat flies or drink their blood? ›Myth: Spiders do not literally eat the insects they kill; they only suck the "juices" or blood. Fact: You can find this myth in many books; even some scientists, who have never bothered to look for themselves, believe it. There is not a particle of truth in this idea!
How long can a spider go without food? ›The amount of time that spiders can live without food varies between different species of spiders. Larger species tend to live longer without food than smaller species, but in general, they can go anywhere from 30-60 days without food.