Here in Florida, our proximity to the beach gives us the opportunity for seeing a lot of wildlife. There are plenty of crabs around Clearwater beaches. But in terms of your home, there is another “crab” to worry about–the crab spider. If you are dealing with a crab spider infestation, this is the blog for you!
A spider crab isn’t exactly a crab. It’s well . . . a spider. But this spider is common here in Florida, as well as most of North America. But spider crabs are a little bit different than your typical spider infestation. They prefer to stay outdoors if they can help it. However, this doesn’t mean you won’t ever counter them in your home. Let’s talk about the crab spiders, where to spot them, and most importantly how to get rid of them.
About the Crab Spider
There are over 2,000 species of crab spiders in the world. Here in North America, there are about 200 species. Some species are colors like white, yellow, orange, or a soft greenish tint. They stand out conspicuously in their surroundings.
But others have drab colors, seamlessly blending with the bark or soil, providing effective camouflage in their environment.
No matter the color, what sets crab spiders apart is their unique physical structure. Unlike other spiders, crab spiders have a broader, flattened body and two larger front pairs of legs. These adaptations allow them to grasp and hold onto prey effectively.
Meanwhile, their ability to camouflage is also noteworthy; some species can even change color to match their surroundings, making them excellent ambush predators!
Where do Crab Spiders Typically Live? Habitat & Behavior
Crab spiders are versatile in their habitat preferences. They love to spend time in gardens, meadows, and woodlands. But they also do not build webs to catch prey.
Instead, they rely on their camouflage and patience, waiting motionless for unsuspecting insects.
Once prey is within reach, they strike swiftly with their powerful front legs and immobilize it with a venomous bite. This hunting method is particularly effective in controlling populations of various garden pests, including aphids and caterpillars
What Attracts Crab Spiders?
Crab spiders are attracted to environments that provide them with ample opportunities for hunting and camouflage, as their survival and hunting strategies largely depend on these factors. Here are some key elements that attract crab spiders:
Flowering Plants
Crab spiders are often found on flowers, as these locations are ideal for ambushing prey. Many species have adapted to blend into the colors of the flowers they inhabit. This not only provides them with a hunting ground for pollinators like bees and flies but also a perfect camouflage against predators.
Plenty of Prey
An abundance of small insects is a significant attraction for crab spiders. Since they are ambush predators, environments where insects are plentiful will naturally draw them in. This includes gardens, meadows, and agricultural areas where they can find aphids, flies, mosquitoes, and other small insects.
Opportunity for Camouflage
Crab spiders do not spin webs to catch prey; instead, they rely on their ability to blend into their surroundings. Therefore, environments that provide good hiding places, like leaves, bark, and flowers, are attractive to them. Their ability to camouflage is also a defense mechanism against predators.
Warm and Sunny Locations
Like many spiders, crab spiders prefer warm environments. And here in Florida, there is plenty of warmth and sun!
That’s why crab spiders are often found in sunny spots where they can bask in the sun. This not only helps their hunting while attracting prey, but it also helps in regulating their body temperature.
Minimal Disturbance
Here’s a secret–crab spiders don’t want you to bother them. Areas that are not frequently disturbed by human activity or heavy machinery are preferable for crab spiders. As they rely on stillness and surprise for catching their prey, tranquil environments are ideal.
How to Prevent Crab Spider Infestation
The occasional crab spider isn’t necessarily a problem. In fact, crab spiders are beneficial for natural pest control. So, it’s important to use methods that discourage them without harming them or the ecosystem. Here are some strategies:
Reduce Flowering Plants
Since crab spiders are often attracted to flowering plants for the prey they attract, reducing the number of such plants, especially those known to attract a large number of insects, can make your space less appealing to crab spiders.
Manage Insect Populations
Controlling the population of insects, which are the primary food source for crab spiders, can make your area less inviting. This can be done through natural pest control methods, like introducing beneficial insects that don’t attract crab spiders, or through non-toxic, environmentally friendly insect repellents. Drive-Bye Exterminators can help if you are having trouble controlling insect populations, like ants.
Change Your Landscaping
Crab spiders prefer environments where they can easily camouflage. By keeping your garden or landscape simple and minimizing areas where these spiders can hide, such as piles of rocks, wood, or dense shrubbery, you can make the area less hospitable for them.
Maintain Your Outdoor Space
Regularly maintaining your garden or yard can help in deterring crab spiders. This includes pruning plants, clearing dead foliage, and keeping the area tidy to reduce hiding and hunting spots.
Create Barriers
Physical barriers can be effective in keeping spiders out of specific areas. For example, fine mesh screens on windows and doors can prevent them from entering homes.
Natural Repellents
Some natural substances are believed to repel spiders, such as essential oils (e.g., peppermint, eucalyptus). These can be diluted with water and sprayed in areas where spiders are unwanted. However, their effectiveness may vary, and they may need regular application.
Please be careful using any essential oil around pets, as they may be toxic.
What are the Signs of a Crab Spider Infestations?
Crab spider infestations are relatively rare compared to other spider infestations, mainly because crab spiders do not typically inhabit indoor spaces in large numbers.
They are solitary creatures and do not build webs for catching prey, which makes infestation signs less obvious.
However, if you’re concerned about an unusual number of crab spiders in your area, here are some signs and situations that might indicate their presence:
Increased Visibility of Spiders
Spotting crab spiders frequently, especially in areas like gardens, on plants, or near outdoor lighting fixtures, could indicate a higher-than-normal population. Remember, seeing a few crab spiders is normal and beneficial for pest control.
Presence on Flowers and Plants
Crab spiders are often found on flowers and plants, as they camouflage and wait for their prey. If you notice spiders that are blending in with the floral parts or lying in wait on leaves, these are likely crab spiders.
Egg Sacs
Female crab spiders lay eggs and cover them in a silk sac, often attaching them to plants or under leaves. Finding these sacs in larger numbers might indicate a significant presence of crab spiders.
Changes in Insect Populations
An indirect sign of crab spider presence is a noticeable decrease in the population of small insects in your garden. As natural predators, crab spiders help control pest populations.
Spotting Molting Exoskeletons
Like other spiders, crab spiders molt as they grow. Finding small, spider-like exoskeletons in your garden can be a sign of their presence.
Concerned About Crab Spiders? Drive-Bye Can Help
If you have a concern about a crab spider infestation, get help from us at Drive-Bye. While crab spiders don’t typically infest your home, this doesn’t make it impossible. Serving the Tampa Bay area since 2004, trust us to help with any type of insection infestation!
