Arachnophobia or the fear of spiders is a rare but often discussed condition under which sufferers experience panic attacks and extreme anxiety when they suspect the presence of a spider. In reality, few people have the phobia, but rather, a mild fear. Most of this trepidation stems from their alien appearance, their reputation as prodigious hunters, and the myths perpetuated about their bites. Few spiders bites are dangerous or will have any adverse effect of the victim. Most feel like a simple pin prick and less than 2% have venom that can cause damage or pain. There are only 5 types of spiders in the world whose bite have been linked to human fatalities and only 2 of those are found in North America. Even the poisonous spiders are rarely, if ever, aggressive toward humans. Most prefer to hide and only emerge when disturbed.

Many people try to remove these helpful arachnids from their homes, but they can actually prevent problems with pesky insects. Spiders will gladly eat mosquitoes and houseflies without ever making themselves known to homeowners. In most cases it is preferable to let them perform their vital duty to the ecosystem and avoid introducing harsh chemicals to the environment.

A Missing Link

A world without spider would have serious problems. If they were missing from the food chain, other predators could not control the rapid influx of insects. Though often misunderstood, spiders are good for the planet. They serve their purpose and add beauty to the natural world.

Page 2 of 2 :: First | Last :: Prev | 1 2 | Next