September 27, 2023
Let’s get straight to the point: I’m a dad of three, a college graduate, and a homeowner, but I’m absolutely terrified of spiders. Yes, you read that right—terrified. I hope this is a safe space to express this fear, as it’s not something I casually discuss. Don’t get me wrong; I don’t scream at the sight of a spider, but I certainly prefer not to see them or know they’re lurking around my house. Just typing the word “spider” sends a jolt of anxiety through me.
The unfortunate part of this situation is that I’ve somehow become the designated spider eliminator in our household. At least once a month, I come home to find a cup flipped upside down with a book on top of it, and I know what’s coming. My partner discovered a spider, trapped it, and now expects me to take care of it. Like a good partner, I suppress my fear and squish the little eight-legged creature with a tissue. I emerge looking heroic while my family sleeps a little better, thinking they are safe from nighttime bites.
But a recent article in Time Magazine by entomologist Sarah Williams from North Carolina State University has made me reconsider my approach. Instead of squashing that little critter, perhaps I should be setting it free outside—or even allowing it to coexist in my home. I know, I know; some of you might be thinking it’s cruel to kill spiders in the first place. However, arachnophobes might also be catching their breath at the thought of allowing spiders to roam freely in our homes. Yet, Williams presents some compelling points.
For starters, spiders are generally more afraid of us than we are of them. And while that’s true—after all, I’m enormous compared to them—I still know that panicked insects can make irrational choices, like jumping onto your skin and delivering a bite. However, spider bites are far less common than I once believed. In fact, if you think you’ve been bitten by a spider, there’s a good chance it’s just a skin lesion. According to AnthropodEcology.com, only 3.8% of people seeking treatment for spider bites actually had one; a whopping 85.7% had skin infections instead.
I get it; my personal tolerance for spider bites is zero, so even 3.8% feels risky. Yet, Williams points out that most spiders found in homes lack the capability to break human skin due to their tiny fangs. The most common household spiders, like cobweb and cellar spiders, are generally harmless.
Moreover, these spiders can be quite beneficial. Instead of posing a threat, they help control nuisance pests and even harmful insects like mosquitoes. And let’s be honest: if there’s something I despise more than spiders, it’s mosquitoes. Some spiders even prey on other spiders, creating a fascinating ecosystem behind the walls of my home—even involving a bit of cannibalism!
While this knowledge isn’t exactly helping my sleep, it does make me realize that each time my partner asks me to kill a spider, I might be doing more harm than good. The overarching message here is to stop panicking every time we spot a spider and to recognize that it could actually be doing us a favor. I know this seems like a leap of logic, especially for someone like me who occasionally wakes up sweating from nightmares involving gigantic spiders. It’s reminiscent of Bilbo Baggins in The Lord of the Rings, except I don’t have a magical sword—just a box of tissues.
One thing is certain: if my partner finds a spider, I could spend all day convincing her how harmless they are and why we should simply let it go outside to do its spider thing. But I doubt she’d be on board with that idea. Truthfully, I’m not keen on having it in the house either. So, I think I’ll aim for a compromise. The next time I come home to find that upside-down cup, I’ll take that little creature outside and set it free.
It may very well return, but hopefully, it will be cleverer and better at hiding. As long as it doesn’t make itself visible, we should be able to coexist peacefully.
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Summary:
This article explores the common fear of spiders and suggests rethinking our instinct to eliminate them. By presenting scientific insights, it argues for coexistence with these creatures, highlighting their benefits in pest control. A personal narrative underscores the author’s journey from fear to understanding, ultimately advocating for a more compassionate approach towards spiders in our homes.