WHAT DO SPIDERS EAT?

Powered by theSC Johnson^® Institute of Insect Science for Family Health

spider’sdiet consists mainly of mosquitoes, flies, moths, and sometimes even other spiders. So, despite the fear that these eight-legged predators can induce in humans, they’re beneficial creatures to have around since they can help prevent other pesky insects from invading your home.

While spiders feast primarily on insects, some large spiders have been known to eat worms, snails, and even small vertebrates like frogs, lizards, birds, and bats.^1,2

SPIDER SNACKS

A study conducted by Lund University in Sweden estimates that spiders eat 400 to 800 million metric tons of insects each year.¹ To put that number into perspective, humans consume approximately 400 million tons of meat and fish annually.³

HOW DO SPIDERS CATCH THEIR PREY?

Some spider species are passive hunters that spin intricate webs to catch their supper. Other species, including crab spiders and wolf spiders, are stealth hunters that actively seek out their prey as they move around.

DO SPIDERS EAT PLANTS?

Some spider species spice up their meat-heavy diets with vegetarian meals from different plant types. The menu can include nectar, plant sap, honeydew, leaf tissue, pollen, and seeds.⁴

DID YOU KNOW?

Crab spider

Spiders can survive for long periods of time without feeding. Crab spiders, for example, are extremely patient hunters that can wait days or even weeks to catch a tasty treat.

HOW TO HELP GET RID OF SPIDERS

Even though spiders can be helpful by eating other insects, particularly harmful ones like mosquitoes, many people don’t want to welcome these critters inside. ReadHow to Help Get Rid of Spidersto find out how to banish these unwanted guests from your home.