Despite their ubiquitous nature, many people remain afraid of spiders. This is understandable, as some spiders can be dangerous to humans. On the other hand, some people are thrilled by the idea of keeping a spider as a pet. If you’re considering joining the latter group, is it possible to keep house spiders as pets?
Yes, house spiders are generally harmless to humans and can make for interesting, low-maintenance pets. Some people are fascinated by how spiders build their webs, while others simply enjoy watching them move around. While some people may feel intimidated by spiders, generally speaking, they pose no threat to humans. In fact, many people are surprised to learn that spiders can actually be quite gentle creatures.
If you’re interested in keeping house spiders as pets, there are a few things you should keep in mind. For starters, there are different varieties of house spiders – some of which are more docile than others.
Additionally, you’ll need to provide your spider with a suitable habitat. This means creating a space that replicates the spider’s natural environment as closely as possible. This also includes having a good grasp of what the spider needs to eat.
What are Makes House Spiders Different from Other Spider Varieties?
A few key things set house spiders apart from other spider varieties. For one, they tend to be much smaller in size. This makes them less imposing and thus less likely to cause fear in people who encounter them. As a matter of fact, house spiders are more afraid of humans than we are of them!
They are also more likely to flee when they sense danger than attacking. The only time that they are likely to attack is when they are trapped, and the only thing that they can do to save themselves is to bite you. Even if they do, you may notice that their bites aren’t particularly painful. Sometimes, they also like to play dead as their way of defense.
Another key difference between house spiders and other spider varieties is their diet. House spiders primarily eat insects, while other spider varieties, such as tarantulas, may also eat birds.
Benefits of Keeping House Spiders as Pets
While most people squirm at the thought of a spider in their home, there are actually many benefits to keeping these arachnids as pets. These eight-legged creatures are low-maintenance pets, making them ideal for those who don’t have the luxury and time to care for other pets, such as dogs or cats. Here are some of the other benefits of keeping house spiders as pets:
Spiders Provide Natural Pest Control
By nature, spiders offer natural pest control solutions to your home. Their diet mainly consists of insects like mosquitoes, flies, and moths – all of which can be pesky (and dangerous) pests in your home. By keeping spiders as pets, you’re essentially getting rid of these insects in a natural way. This is often overlooked, but it’s one of the main reasons why spiders can be great pets.
Spiders are Interesting to Watch
Let’s admit it – spiders can be fascinating creatures to watch, especially when you see them build their webs. While some may find it creepy, others find it oddly satisfying and therapeutic. If you’re the latter, you may find it fascinating to see how these creatures go about their everyday lives.
Spiders are Low-Maintenance Pets
As mentioned earlier, spiders are low-maintenance pets. Contrary to popular belief, spiders are not actually dirty creatures. In fact, they are very clean and rarely need to be bathed. They also don’t need to be taken on walks or fed as often as other pets. All they really require is a regular supply of food (insects) and a clean place to live. As long as their basic needs are met, spiders can be easy and rewarding pets.
Different House Spider Varieties and Their Characteristics
While most of us know the common house spider, there are actually a variety of different house spider species. Here’s a look at three of the most common ones, along with their key characteristics:
The Common House Spider (Tegenaria Domestica)
As its name suggests, this is the most common type of house spider. It is usually brown or gray in color and has a body that is about half an inch long. The common house spider is not considered dangerous, and its bite usually only causes minor irritation. It rarely bites and only does when it feels trapped and can only find recluse in biting.
The European House Spider (Tegenaria Duellica)
The European house spider is very similar to the common house spider, except that it is slightly larger in size. It also has a more distinct coloring, with a brown body and orange or yellow markings on its legs. Like the common house spider, the European house spider is not considered to be dangerous.
The Giant House Spider (Eratigena Atrica)
The giant house spider is the largest of the three, with a body that can reach up to one inch in length. It is brown or gray in color and has a very distinct coloring on its abdomen. The giant house spider is not considered to be dangerous, but its large size can be intimidating to some.
Common Dangers Associated with Keeping House Spiders as Pets
While there are some benefits to keeping spiders as pets, there are also a number of dangers that should be considered. Before you jump on the idea of taking care of a common house spider, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks involved. Here are some of the most common dangers associated with keeping spiders as pets:
Spiders Can Bite You
We’ve mentioned earlier that spiders rarely bite human beings unless necessary. Whenever these creatures are faced with a threatening situation, they may either play dead, run, or give a dry bite. A dry bite is a non-venomous spider bite that usually only breaks the skin.
While most bites from common house spiders are not considered to be dangerous, there is always the potential for an allergic reaction. If you’re considering keeping a spider as a pet, it’s important to be aware of the risks involved.
Spiders Can Carry Disease
Spiders can carry a number of different diseases, which can be transmitted to humans. While the risk of disease transmission is relatively low, it’s still important to be aware of the potential dangers.
Spiders Can Be Escaping Artists
Spiders are notoriously good at escaping from small spaces. If you’re not careful, your pet spider could escape from its cage and end up crawling around your house. While most spiders are harmless, there are some species that can cause serious health problems if they bite humans.
As a result, it’s important to be cautious when handling your pet spider and to make sure that its cage is secure. If you’re not comfortable with the idea of your spider escaping, then it’s probably best to choose another type of pet.
General Tips on How to Take Care of a House Spider
When it comes to taking care of a house spider, there are a few things to keep in mind. First and foremost, it’s crucial to provide a comfortable home for your spider. Their cage should be large enough for them to move around freely, and it should be well-ventilated. It’s also important to keep their cage clean, as spiders are very sensitive to changes in their environment.
In terms of food, most house spiders will eat small insects like flies and moths. You can either catch these yourself or buy them from a pet store. It’s important to remember that spiders are carnivores, so you should never try to feed them fruits or vegetables.
Finally, it’s essential to handle your spider with care. While they’re not dangerous, they can be easily scared and may bite if they feel threatened. If you need to handle your spider, it’s best to do so with a pair of gloves.
Final Thoughts
The idea of keeping house spiders as pets may not be for everyone. It’s true; common house spiders are not the most cuddly creatures in the world. However, they can make for exciting and low-maintenance pets. If you’re willing to take on the responsibility, there are a number of benefits that come with it. Just remember to be cautious and to handle your spider with care!
