So You Think You've Seen a Spooktacular Spider in Denver? ️
Denver: a city known for its majestic mountains, craft breweries, and...spiders? Yep, those eight-legged wonders share the Mile High City with us. But fear not, arachnophobes (people scared of spiders), this guide will help you identify your creepy-crawly cohabitant and learn to live in, well, not exactly harmony, but peaceful coexistence.
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| What Spiders Are In Denver |
The Usual Denver Denizens:
House Spiders: These little guys are the roommates you never asked for, but they're also the least bothersome. They spin messy webs in corners, catching pesky flies and gnats. Basically, they're nature's pest control service (that charges rent in the form of tolerating their presence).
Wolf Spiders: Don't be fooled by the name, these aren't fuzzy hunters. Wolf spiders are fast and agile, hunting their prey without webs. They're not aggressive towards humans, but seeing one dart across your basement floor can be a real heart-stopper.
Black Widows: Now, onto the venomous ones. Black widows are easily identified by their shiny black bodies and the tell-tale red hourglass marking on their abdomens (though some may not have a clear hourglass). These spiders are shy and prefer undisturbed areas, but it's important to be cautious around them.
Fun Fact: Black widows aren't always deadly! The severity of a bite depends on various factors, and males and immature spiders are not as venomous as adult females.
Reminder: Take a short break if the post feels long.
- Hobo Spiders: These chunky brown spiders are often mistaken for brown recluse spiders (not found in Colorado). Hobo spiders are more nuisance than danger, and their bites are rarely serious. Still, it's best to avoid startling them.
Helpful Hints for Human-Spider Relations:
Leave the little webs alone: If it's not in your direct path, there's no need to declare war on the resident house spider. They're actually keeping the fly population in check.
Catch and release (or relocate, if you prefer): If a spider has set up shop in a less-than-ideal location, gently capture it with a cup and release it outside.
Seal up the cracks: Spiders love finding cozy nooks in your home. Sealing up any cracks or holes around windows and doors can help prevent unwanted spider guests.
Remember: Spiders are more scared of you than you are of them. If you leave them alone, they'll usually do the same.
Tip: Skim once, study twice.
Frequently Asked Spider Questions:
How to identify a spider? A quick Google search with a description or picture can usually help you narrow it down.
Tip: Don’t just scroll — pause and absorb.
How to get rid of spiders? Exclusion (sealing entry points) and regular cleaning are the best methods. If you're having a serious infestation, a pest control professional can help.
QuickTip: Focus more on the ‘how’ than the ‘what’.
How dangerous are spider bites? Most spider bites in Denver are mild and cause nothing more than redness and irritation. Black widow bites are a different story, so seek medical attention if bitten by a black widow.
How to avoid spiders? Reduce clutter (spiders love hiding spots) and keep basements and crawlspaces well-maintained.
How to live with spiders? Respect their space, and they'll likely respect yours. Remember, they're usually more interested in catching bugs than bothering you.
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