It's hardly a rare fear; an estimated 6% of the general population suffer from full-blown arachnophobia. The leading explanation is that our ancestors evolved to fear spiders, and this has been passed on to us. But there are a few problems with this, point out the authors of a new paper in Scientific Reports.
Generally, spiders want to avoid humans and will only bite as a defense mechanism if they are provoked. Many are extraordinary at hiding or camouflaging themselves because they don't want to be seen.
Answer and Explanation: While the theory is unproven, it is likely that spiders can detect human fear. However, there are only few studies about this topic and it is not yet known for certain. Different animals have sensory organs that are able to identify different stimuli.
An estimated 5 per cent of Australians have arachnophobia, but there are plenty of others happy to get close to the creepy crawlies.
“The spiders are probably larger in the urban areas as a result of more food, warmer temperatures (that is, the urban heat island effect) and a relaxation of predation,” Elizabeth says.
Many years ago we signed a treaty with the spiders of Australia. Spiders agreed not to come inside our houses. If they do, they get whacked with a thong (rubber footwear) or a rolled up newspaper. Squish marks are left on the walls as a warning to other spiders that venture inside.
It's easy to keep spiders away using natural products. These eight-legged creatures hate the smell of citrus fruits such as lemons and oranges. They also don't like peppermint oils, tea tree oils, eucalyptus, and vinegar. Using any of these around your home will keep spiders away.
“Our native spiders pose no threat to us. They are essential to our ecosystem; they are our friends, not our enemies so we need to find a way to learn to live alongside them. They really are more scared of you than you are of them and would much rather run away.
Psychologists believe that one reason why people fear spiders is because of some direct experience with the arachnids instilled that fear in them. This is known as the “conditioning” view of arachnophobia.
Most spiders live about two years, but some have been known to live up to 20 years when in captivity. Female spiders tend to live longer than male spiders. Many male spiders reach maturity within two years and die after mating.
Animals which feed directly on spiders include birds, reptiles, mammals and many arthropods, including other spiders, centipedes, scorpions and even some insects.
Spiders really don't like strong scents such as citrus, peppermint, tea-tree, lavender, rose or cinnamon. Add 15 to 20 drops of your chosen essential oil or a couple of capfuls of Zoflora fragrance to a spray bottle filled with water, and spritz around the house.
Vinegar: Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle and spray it directly onto any spiders you see. Vinegar contains acetic acid which burns the spider upon contact.
In Australia they are only found in the southeastern part of the country, from South Australia to Queensland via Victoria, New South Wales and Tasmania. You won't find them in the dry and arid zones. On the other hand, huntsman and wolf-spiders are found all over the country.
Which any Aussie will tell you, you absolutely should. But in general, the spiders and snakes keep themselves to themselves. Your most common encounter will be cockroaches, but since they exist in every hot country, from France to the US, roaches shouldn't put you off the Australian way of life.
Australia is well-known for its spiders, but the place isn't overrun with them. While we may have some of the world's most venomous species, you are unlikely to come across one unbless you go looking for one or happen to disturb one hiding away.
Experts warn that squashing a wolf spider may not be enough of a blow to kill all of her young. Or as pest control company Terminix puts it, if the spider you stomp on happens to be a female, the impact could release hundreds of spiderlings in your home.
Essential oils such as eucalyptus oil, peppermint oil, and rose oil effectively kill spiders and other bugs. The aroma from the oils will keep future spiders from finding their way in too. A bonus is that these oils all smell great, so your house will smell quite delightful too.
Plants provide cover that helps to protect spiders from predators, so perhaps the colour green makes spiders feel safe even when they are out in the open. By contrast, spiders seem to hate the colour blue, especially light blue.
Spiders usually need warmth, food, and shelter to survive. LED lights offer these elements perfectly and become a home for them. LED lights never emit UV radiation like traditional light bulbs. It means that insects will easily get attracted to LED light as it does not keep them away.
The simple answer is no. Spiders are not attracted to light. However, like any other animal, they are attracted to food. Since other insects gravitate toward lights, the spiders will follow them there.
First the good news. Huntsmen spiders do not – repeat NOT – have any inclination whatsoever to creep their spidery, eight-legged crawl across your face while you're sleeping. You did not wake up with spider tracks on your eyelids this morning, we 99.999% promise.
Sydney Funnel Web Spider
Found nearly exclusively in Sydney, this spider is often considered the most deadly in the world. With fangs that can pierce through fingernails, and one specimen reaching 10cm stretched out, this spider is serious business. A single bite can kill a human in 15 minutes.