Have you ever seen a spider eating a bird? If not, then don’t worry. The chances of that happening are slim to none. Spiders aren’t the bloodthirsty monsters they are made out to be, but some spiders will eat birds if given the opportunity. This post is all about those spiders and what you need to know about them!
What are Bird Spiders and What do They Eat
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Bird spiders are a sub-species of the jumping spider. These arachnids are known for their tendency to jump instead of crawl, hence their name. The bird spider’s diet comprises insects, but they will also eat birds if given the opportunity. Bird spiders live in Australia and New Zealand, often residing in or near rainforests.
What Do They Look Like
Many different types of spiders eat birds.
Some of them have long legs, and others don’t. Some will only eat one type of bird, while others will eat anything they can get their hands on. They vary in size, shape, coloration, and behavior as well.
For example, the daddy-longlegs spider is an arachnid that does not spin a web for prey capture; instead, it hunts by using its two front legs to sense vibrations from nearby prey (typically insects). The wolf spider is another type of arachnid that has four pairs of eyes with six lenses each; these eyes allow the wolf spider to see almost 360 degrees around itself at all times. On the other hand, the black widow spider is easily identifiable by its underside’s characteristic red hourglass shape. This venomous spider typically preys on insects but will also feast on small vertebrates (including birds) if it has the opportunity.
Where Can You Find Them
Where can you find them? All over the world, but not many places. They’re found in temperate climates like South Africa, Europe, and North America. Some spiders that eat birds are found in Asia and Australia as well. Spiders that eat birds don’t live anywhere near the poles or tropics because it’s too hot or cold for them to survive there. So if you want to see what happens when a spider eats a bird, you’ll have to travel someplace where these two creatures coexist together on earth.
But beware! You may never come back alive! And even if you do make it back home safely with your limbs intact, the memory of watching one of these creepy crawlers gobble down a bird may haunt you for the rest of your life!
How Dangerous Are They to Humans
Whether it’s due to their aggressiveness or tendency to jump out at you from dark corners, spiders are among the most feared of all animals. However, even if you can’t stand them—or worse yet, have an irrational phobia about them—you should still know that there are only two species of spider in North America that might pose a danger to humans: the black widow and the brown recluse.
The black widow is found in warmer climates like California and Florida, while the brown recluse is found throughout North America. The black widow bites its victim repeatedly; with the brown recluse bite, there may not be any pain or itching for hours after contact, even when severe necrosis has begun. So while there is a risk of being bitten by either of these spiders, it is generally tiny unless you are handling them or live in an area where they are commonly found.
How to Identify a Bird Spider
The bird spider is a long-legged creature that looks like an oversized daddy longlegs. It can be found in the U.S., Europe, Asia, and Africa. This particular type of spider will eat birds if they’re available, but its diet consists mainly of insects and small invertebrates such as snails and slugs.
The bird spider’s bite isn’t dangerous to humans because it injects a mild venom that numbs the area around the edge. However, this does not mean you should try handling one! These spiders are known for quick reflexes, so don’t go near them with your bare hands unless you want them to jump on you or startle you with sudden movements.
The Importance of Knowing about These Creatures
Spiders that eat birds? Yes. And you need to know about them because they could be lurking in your home right now, waiting for an unsuspecting bird to fly past and make a meal of it. What’s worse is that these spiders actually look like the type of spider most people would want living around their house: small, dark brown with white spots on its back. But what good does looking like a harmless spider do when it can kill other creatures?
Tips for Getting Rid of Bird Spiders in Your Home or Yard
There are a few ways to tell if you have a bird spider problem in your home or yard. One giveaway is if you see spiders walking on top of the water—these are likely hunting spiders. Another clue is finding large, tangled webs near ponds or other bodies of water; these webs are typically built close to the ground and may contain several dozen individual strands of webbing. While there is no foolproof way to get rid of bird spiders, there are some things that can help discourage them from taking up residence near your home or property line:
- Keep your yard well-manicured and free of debris, including piles of leaves or wood.
- Trim any overhanging branches that might provide a bridge from trees to your home.
- Install fencing around ponds or other bodies of water on your property.
- If you have a bird feeder, make sure it hangs at least 12 feet off the ground.
If you do find yourself with a bird spider problem, contact a pest control professional for help. They will correctly identify the species and recommend the best course of action for getting rid of them.
What You Can do if One is Found Inside Your Home
It is not uncommon for spiders to enter your home. However, there are some steps you can take if one is found inside so that it doesn’t stay long. A spider infestation in the house may lead to health issues like skin rashes and eye infections. The best way to get rid of pesky spiders is by trapping them with fly bait or sticky traps. You can also use an insecticide spray or vacuum cleaner after being trapped. If these methods do not work, contact a pest control company for help getting rid of the problem at its source.
Ways You Can Prevent Them from Coming Into Your Home or Yard
Spiders are not generally known for being kind, but one type of spider is horrifyingly cruel. Birds that come into contact with the Brown Recluse Spider will have their feathers literally eaten away by it. The Brown Recluse feeds on birds because they’re much easier to catch than bugs, and they’re abundant in trees where birds nest.
Your region doesn’t have any Brown Recluse Spiders if you’re lucky. In that case, there are still a few things you can do to make sure these eight-legged friends don’t take up residence in your yard:
- Remove debris from the yard, such as fallen branches or leaves.
- Trim tall grass and shrubs so spiders can’t hide there.
- Donate old birdhouses and other nesting materials to a wildlife rehabilitation center instead of leaving them lying around where spiders could use them.
- Install tight-fitting screens on all windows and doors.
- Fix any cracks or gaps in the exterior of your home.
- Place traps near areas where spiders might be active, such as doorways, windowsills, and near the foundation of your home.
FAQs about Spiders that Eat Birds
How many types of spiders eat birds?
There are more than 200,000 types of spiders globally, and only a few eat birds as their primary food source.
Do all types of spiders eat birds?
No, not all spiders can stomach eating birds as their primary food source.
What do these types of spiders eat?
These types of spiders typically will feed on insects, other minor bugs, and reptiles.
