Be Kind to Spiders Week

Whether you find them fascinating, creepy or annoying, spiders are an integral part of keeping our gardens and homes pest free. To improve their image and our appreciation, the first full week of April is designated “Be Kind to Spiders” week.

Spiders are not insects, but arachnids related to scorpions, ticks and mites. There are more than 35,000 known species worldwide with 3,000 in North America.

Spiders eat a variety of insects, many of which carry diseases or damage our garden plants.

And while they’re busy eating bugs many invertebrates, amphibians, reptiles and even humans are busy eating them. They are a great source of protein and considered a delicacy in many countries.

So next time you feel the need to squash a spider, consider relocating it carefully out of your view and nearer to their food source.

A bit more information: Spiders may also hold the secret to better health. Researchers are also evaluating the benefits of spider venom for treating memory loss after a stroke, arthritis and some heart diseases.

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sustainable-gardening spiders

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