Spiders are one of the scariest insects that can exist and, at the same time, the most common to find. There are many types of arachnids, and in most cases, it is very easy to identify them without problems.
There is one, in particular, that is striking because it has fascinating characteristics, and that is the Dock Spider. This species not only has a huge size, but it can also be underwater, so curiosity about it is normal.
What Are Dock Spiders?
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These spiders are generally feared due to their intimidating appearance and characteristic large size. It is the largest native Canadian arachnid in the area, apart from walking on water.
Five types of these spiders reside in habitats by aquatic zones, but their nests are in plants or varied structures. Their appearance is very characteristic, but they are still commonly confused with wolf spiders, even though it is smaller.
Life Cycle
In general, dock spiders’ life cycle begins in autumn times, and then they spend winter as a baby. After maturing, they mate in the spring and carry their egg sacs for a few weeks.
Female spiders can produce up to three egg sacs before the end of the season.
Mating
Mating may be one of the dock spiders’ most interesting rituals because they can only do it once. Males do not usually live long after the act, at most about 3 hours.
The spider fills the female with sperm using an appendage known as a pedipalp. She then remains attached to her partner until she dies, unless the female eats the other in less time.
Normally, about 20 minutes pass, and the objective of this act is to fill the young with nutrients. It is believed that it is necessary and allows the eggs to come out very healthy compared to not doing it.
Eggs
For an impressive it may seem, this species’ egg sac can produce up to 1,000 young without problems. A disturbing fact for some people, but important for others interested in the subject.
It is essential that this act quickly in the elimination of the arachnid, also as a precaution.
Hatching
Dock spiders have a very particular system in the hatching process as they build special nests for their young. These are made of the thread that the arachnid produces and is located between rocks, tall grasses, and under piers.
Its function is to provide babies with a refuge during their maturation process in which they get rid of exoskeletons.
Are Dock Spiders Dangerous?
Normally, the first thought about these spiders is that they are dangerous due to their size, but they are not. They are very friendly insects and do not attack unless threatened or their young.
They are very protective of their eggs, especially since the mother stays alive throughout the hatching process. Proof of this is that they weave cobwebs to protect babies from any external problem.
Do They Bite?
Spiders of this type do not usually bite unless strictly necessary. They do not tend to be very aggressive. Also, the contact is not dangerous unless the victim is allergic to the poison.
What is unavoidable is the pain, as it can be as intense as a bee sting. Before any problem, you must go quickly to a doctor since the consequences can be harmful.
Why Do You Have Dock Spiders?
These types of spiders love to be in areas near water, such as seas, ponds, lakes, rivers, streams, and much more. This means that even pools or sheds can become infected fairly easily if there are boats.
They are insects capable of attacking and feeding on other species larger than theirs. Tadpoles, small fish, and frogs are common in their diets.
They build large nests usually located under docks, rocks, rocks, and even large grasses. If you live in an area with a water body around it, you have dock spiders.
Do Dock Spiders Infest Houses?
It is not very common to find furniture spiders inside the house, but they can be seen in sheds, cabins, restrooms, or boats. But as obvious as it may seem, their favorite place to be in the docks, since hunting there is ideal for them.
What Do They Eat?
These arachnids are known for being very skilled hunters, so their diet is extremely varied. They can catch a little of everything, like insects, tadpoles, minnows, and other small fish.
They consume the latter implies that they are among the few invertebrate species that manage to feed on vertebrates. That is quite a huge achievement that is awarded thanks to their size and fishing skills as they can also swim.
Also Read: Spiders In Garage
How To Eliminate Dock Spiders Naturally?
Once you have the pest on the property, it can be difficult to eliminate it, but it is impossible. Certain natural ways will help fight the arachnid.
Use spider products
This may not be the most natural solution, but it can’t just be discarded out of nowhere. It is the simplest and most effective alternative, although, at the same time, it is one of the most harmful compared to others.
Luckily some options have more natural components that can be used in aquatic areas. Some plants like peppermint oil can work perfectly to repel dock spiders without side effects.
Spider webs
These are products designed exclusively to prevent spiders from entering ships. They are accessible and adapt to any boat without difficulties.
Constant cleaning
Keeping spaces in order can help eliminate spider infestations or make them worse. Vacuum cleaners are excellent at removing live arachnids along with their young and cobwebs.
Hire a professional
Having the help of an expert pest control person may be the only solution when it is too big. Luckily many professionals are dedicated to the work and know dock spiders.
How To Prevent Dock Spiders?
Although it is common for arachnids of this style to be in aquatic areas, it is possible to prevent their appearance. Only a few important steps need to be taken.
- Limit standing water on and off the property as much as possible.
- Take care of the place’s hygiene by keeping the plants pruned around the water’s edge.
- Make changes and eliminate unnecessary debris such as rocks and even piles of wood, as these are common nesting sites.
