Spiders are fascinating creatures that often evoke both fear and curiosity. Many homeowners who find them in the home want to get them out of the home as soon as possible. How long can spiders live without food? Depending on the species, they can go several weeks or months without eating. So if you think that they will die of starvation in your home, guess again.
Let’s learn more about spiders.
How Long Do Spiders Live?
The lifespan of spiders can vary significantly depending on the species. Generally, most spiders live for about one to two years. However, some species have been known to live much longer. For instance, the female tarantula can live up to 20 years in captivity, while their male counterparts typically only survive for 5 to 7 years. It’s important to note that these numbers are estimates, and individual spiders’ lifespans can be influenced by various factors such as their habitat, availability of food, and overall health.
What Are the Life Cycle Stages of a Spider?
To truly understand the lifecycle of a spider, we must delve into its stages of development. Like other arachnids, spiders undergo a process called metamorphosis, which includes several distinct phases:
a) Egg Stage
The lifecycle of a spider begins when a female lays her eggs in a protective sac or web. These sacs contain numerous eggs, ranging from a few dozen to hundreds, depending on the spider species. The mother spider diligently guards the eggs until they hatch.
b) Spiderlings or Juvenile Stage
Once the spiderlings hatch from the eggs, they enter the juvenile stage. At this point, they resemble miniature versions of adult spiders but lack full maturity. During this phase, spiderlings disperse through various methods, such as wind dispersal or hatching close to prey sources. They go through multiple molts, shedding their exoskeleton, to grow and develop.
c) Adult Stage
Upon reaching maturity, spiders enter the adult stage. This phase is characterized by the ability to reproduce and build intricate webs to catch prey. Different spider species exhibit various behaviors during this stage, including mating rituals, hunting strategies, and web-building techniques.
How Long Can Spiders Live Without Food?
Spiders are known for their remarkable ability to survive extended periods without food. While each species has different requirements, many spiders can go several weeks or even months without a meal. Their low metabolic rate enables them to conserve energy and survive in environments where prey may be scarce. However, it’s essential to note that prolonged hunger can weaken spiders, making them more vulnerable to diseases and other threats.
Take a look below at a video about spiders that can go 2 years without eating!
Other Recommended Maintenance
Now that you know about how long spiders can live without food, let’s take a look at a few other areas of recommended maintenance.
One of those is mothballs keeping spiders away. Many people don’t like spiders so many homeowners will put out mothballs. As moth balls disintegrate, the smell repels spiders and other rodents. They are easy to use and safe (if you don’t get too close to them.)
Another is LED lights and if they attract spiders. They actually do not but the prey the spiders like will follow the light. This then brings the spiders into the light to get their next meal.
Lastly, moles and what they do in the winter. Moles do not hibernate but will dig deeper into the ground and continue to burrow to stay warm.
When to Call a Professional?
As homeowners, it’s common to come across spiders around our living spaces. While most spiders are harmless and beneficial in controlling populations of other pests, certain circumstances may necessitate calling a professional for assistance:
- Infestation: If you notice a sudden influx of spiders in your home, particularly if they belong to venomous species like black widows or brown recluses, it’s crucial to seek expert help to ensure proper identification, removal, and preventative measures.
- Unusual Behavior: If spiders are displaying unusual behavior such as aggression, excessive webbing, or biting, it’s advisable to consult a professional to assess the situation and provide guidance on potential underlying causes.
- Risk to Health and Safety: For individuals with allergies to spider bites or are at high risk due to underlying health conditions, seeking professional assistance is vital to minimize the chances of harmful encounters and maintain a safe living environment.
Conclusion
Understanding spiders’ life cycle and lifespan is valuable knowledge for homeowners. With this information, you can make informed decisions about when to seek professional assistance and how to coexist peacefully with these remarkable creatures. Remember that although spiders may evoke fear, the majority of them are harmless and play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of our ecosystems. Reach out to Waypoint Pest Services, we will take a look at your pest control needs in Tampa and Central Florida.