Are Spider Bites the Real Reason That We are Afraid?
There are a lot of misunderstandings when it comes to spider bites which feeds into people’s fear. Arachnophobia, the fear of spiders, is a common phobia affecting many individuals. One of the most surprising findings is that the fear of being bitten by spiders is not the primary reason behind most people’s arachnophobia. Instead, it often stems from the unpredictable movements of spiders. The fear of being out of control is usually the root cause for most animal phobias.
My job is to help people overcome this fear. Through powerful workshops, I teach various proven phobia-fighting techniques including education. This helps build fascination and compassion. Additionally, it also dispels false information about how dangerous spiders actually are. I will share some of the things I teach to my clients in this blog, and the facts might really surprise you.
Addressing Misinformation About Spider Bites
Dispelling misinformation and false beliefs about spiders is a crucial part of overcoming arachnophobia. One very common myth (or misunderstanding really) is that spiders are poisonous. This is not true. Spiders are venomous unless you are eating spiders and getting poisoned by them. This misunderstanding the definition and difference between poisonous and venomous is frustrating to say the least! But just how likely is a spider bite to happen and how dangerous are they?
One of the biggest myths is that spiders are highly dangerous. This misconception is largely perpetuated by the media, which often sensationalises spider-related stories with a negative spin. Additionally, films like “Arachnophobia” have contributed to the irrational fear that spiders are out to hunt us aggressively. Let’s look a bit more into the true nature of spiders. They are actually incredibly passive and gentle creatures doing a lot of good for the world. They are one of the animals we need to fear the least as one of the animals helping humanity the most.
Spiders’ Passive Nature and Reluctance to Bite
Most spiders are inherently passive creatures that would rather avoid conflict than engage in it. Their reluctance to bite humans stems from a basic survival instinct. In fact, many spiders do not have fangs strong enough to penetrate human skin. On the rare occasions when bites do occur, they are often “dry bites,” meaning no venom is injected.
Spiders understand that humans are much larger and pose a significant threat to their safety. Biting not only puts them at risk but also expends precious venom needed to hunt prey. Instead of attacking, spiders prefer to flee when confronted. This natural behaviour underscores their non-aggressive nature and highlights that spider bites are usually a last resort, only occurring when they feel directly threatened and unable to escape.
So How Dangerous are Spider Bites?
In reality, spider bites, even from some of the world’s most venomous spiders, are rarely fatal. In my therapy workshops, I often share a chart illustrating the most dangerous animals to humans by the number of deaths they cause each year. Spiders do not even make the top 20 list. They are responsible for fewer than 10 deaths worldwide annually. Statistically, you are 300 times more likely to be struck by lightning than to be bitten and killed by a spider
Ironically, dogs, the most popular pet on earth, are in the fourth position! Human beings are at number two! We have much more to fear from each other than spiders! Additionally, there are lots of other dangerous invertebrates that spiders actually eat on this list. This includes the number one most deadly animal of them all…mosquitos.
Spiders: Beneficial Predators
Mosquitoes, kill nearly a million people each year, are far more deadly. Interestingly, spiders play a significant role in controlling mosquito populations. Spiders are voracious predators, consuming a vast number of insects, which helps to keep pest populations under control. According to a study published in the journal Science of Nature, spiders consume an estimated 400 to 800 million tons of insects annually!
To put this number into perspective, that is equivalent to the entire weight of the human population, if not double, in insects! Spiders are eating more insects every year than birds and bats combined. Without spiders, we would literally be living a hellish existence. So many more insects would be biting our skin, spreading diseases and destroying our crops. Spiders keep the delicate balance of life.
We have little to fear from spiders. On the contrary, we have much to be grateful for. Spiders play a crucial role in our ecosystem by controlling insect populations, including mosquitoes, which are the deadliest animals to humans. By keeping mosquito numbers in check, spiders indirectly prevent many human deaths each year.
Spiders Contribution to Biodiversity
Spiders contribute significantly to biodiversity, which is vital for a healthy ecosystem. Their presence supports the survival of other species, creating a web of life that sustains various forms of wildlife. The natural pest control spiders provide is crucial for maintaining the balance in various ecosystems, from forests to urban areas.
This immense predation helps to regulate the populations of potential pest species, thereby protecting crops and reducing the need for chemical pesticides. This ecological service not only benefits humans by preserving agricultural yields but also supports the health of plant communities and the animals that depend on them.
Moreover, spiders themselves are a vital food source for a variety of other animals, including birds, reptiles, and small mammals. Their role in the food web is critical, as it helps sustain the populations of these predator species. For instance, the presence of spiders has been linked to higher biodiversity in bird populations, as noted in a study by the British Ecological Society.
Spiders also contribute to the decomposition process. Some species help break down organic matter by preying on insects that feed on decaying material. This process aids in nutrient cycling, which is essential for soil health and the overall productivity of ecosystems.
Furthermore, the diversity of spider species contributes to genetic variability within ecosystems. Each species has unique adaptations and ecological roles, from web-building to hunting strategies, which enhance the resilience of ecosystems to environmental changes. The loss of spider species can therefore lead to reduced ecological stability and a decline in ecosystem services. Spider are a key species for all life to thrive.
Common Misconceptions: Putting Spider Threats into Perspective
Misattributed Spider Bites With Skin Conditions
Spiders often get blamed for insect bites or other skin conditions that they did not cause. Unlike many other insects, spiders have no interest in human blood and do not seek to bite us. As mentioned, most spiders do not have fangs strong enough to penetrate human skin. According to the Mayo Clinic, many suspected spider bites are actually caused by other arthropods or underlying skin conditions such as bacterial infections.
A study published in the journal Dermatology found that many skin lesions attributed to spiders were actually due to other causes like bacterial infections, fungal infections, or bites from other insects. MRSA, a staph bacterium that is resistant to antibiotics, has often been unfairly blamed on spiders. By villainizing spiders and not exploring other options, people can be denied getting the treatment they need quickly.
This misunderstanding contributes to the unnecessary fear of spiders, further perpetuating myths about their danger to humans. Understanding the true causes of these skin conditions can help alleviate the fear and promote a more accurate perception of spiders.
Dispelling Myths About Dangerous Spiders
Facts About the World’s Deadliest Spiders
Understanding the facts about the world’s deadliest spiders can help dispel the myths surrounding their danger to humans. Here are some key points to consider:
Sydney Funnel-Web Spider: The World’s Deadliest
The Australian Funnel Web Spider, considered the world’s deadliest spider, has not caused any fatalities since 1981, thanks to the development of antivenom. That is well over 40 years! This spider is primarily found in specific regions of Australia and is not aggressive unless provoked. Hundreds of thousands of Australians are living their lives just fine with the world’s deadliest spider in their back gardens. In fact, the Funnel Web Spider is a protected species and featured on one of Australia’s coins!
It’s good news that even bites from the most dangerous spider can be easily treated. And like other spiders, they would just prefer to run away from you than bite.
Brazilian Wandering Spider
The Brazilian Wandering Spider (Phoneutria fera) is also often cited as the most venomous spider. It is also misleadingly the ‘banana spider’ because of fears of it hitching rides on produce to supermarkets. However, these wandering spiders are found deep in the jungles of South America far from any banana plantations. Usually, when a spider is found on bananas or other produce, it’s a mistaken identity of another harmless species of spider. Phoneutria fera rarely bites. When it does, antivenom is readily available and effective. This spider is more interested in hunting insects than attacking humans.
Black Widow Spider
The Black Widow Spider in North and South America is known for its potent venom. However, bites are infrequent and usually occur when the spider is accidentally disturbed. Black Widows are very passive and very shy spiders so hide away as much as possible. While its venom can cause discomfort, fatalities are extremely rare even with without the anti-venom!
Brown Recluse Spider
The Brown Recluse Spider has a reputation for causing necrotic wounds. However, bites are rare, and severe reactions are uncommon. Most bites heal without complications, especially with proper medical care.
Tips for Overcoming Arachnophobia
Educate Yourself About Spiders
Learning about spiders and their behaviour can help reduce fear. Understanding that most spiders are harmless and beneficial can change your perception and diminish anxiety. Education also builds compassion and fascination. Learning the truth about spiders will transform how you see, think and feel about spiders. You will begin to focus on their fear instead of your own.
Gradual Exposure for Arachnophobia
Gradual exposure to spiders in a controlled environment can help desensitise you to their presence. Start with pictures and videos before progressing to real-life encounters. Don’t keep avoiding and getting others to help you, this only makes the fear worse. The more you avoid, the more you reinforce to your survival part of your brain that spiders are a real threat. The best way to get over a spider phobia is to confront your fear.
Professional Help for Arachnophobia
Consider seeking professional help like Creature Courage if your fear of spiders is overwhelming. Therapists specialising in phobia treatment can provide strategies and support to help you manage and overcome your fear. The Spider Courage Experience is designed to help people get over their fear of spiders in as little as one day! Additionally, the tools and techniques you will learn on the therapy will help you address wider anxiety issues. This means that the benefit of the therapy will go far beyond just helping the spider phobia, it helps improve overall mental health.
Conclusion
Overcoming the fear of spiders involves understanding and dispelling the myths that surround them. Spiders are not the dangerous, aggressive creatures they are often portrayed to be. Instead, they are passive, beneficial predators that play a vital role in maintaining ecological balance. By educating ourselves and others about the true nature of spiders, we can reduce irrational fears and appreciate the important role these creatures play in our world. By embracing knowledge and understanding, we can transform our fear into appreciation, recognising spiders as essential allies in our fight against more dangerous pests.
Get in touch today if you would like to arrange a free consultation call. You can find out more about how you can get over your fear of spiders with Creature Courage.
Resources
NHS Inform provides valuable insights into managing phobias and anxiety.
For more detailed information on the ecological importance of spiders, you can refer to the British Arachnological Society and Science of Nature. These resources provide extensive insights into the various ways spiders contribute to biodiversity and ecosystem health.