How Long Do Garden Spiders Live?

Poking around in the garden will often yield the sight of the commonplace garden spider. Ever wonder how long these eight-legged omnivores live? Well, sit back and relax while we explore the lifespan of garden spiders as we learn how to support their longevity in nature.

What are Garden Spiders?

Garden spiders opt for a wide array of climates and habitats, with the most frequent areas being homes, gardens, orchards, and farms. While they appear quite intimidating, with their mystery-inducing web and plump bodies, they are generally harmless and better served as beneficial insect control agents. In North America, species such as the Western Spotted and the Western Orb Weaver are widespread garden spiders, and feature larger abdomens sporting lattice designs of yellow, red, and white. Additionally, the Northern Black Widow Spider is a frequent visitor to gardens in some Northern states.

What Factors Determine the Lifespan for Garden Spiders?

On average, garden spiders live anywhere between one to two years, with the discrepancy based on several factors such as climate and availability of food. As garden spiders, being of the arachnid variety, are cold-blooded, meaning their environment largely dictates their activity and health. For instance, climate change can stimulate dangerous conditions and result in shorter lifespans. In cooler weather, garden spiders will prefer to remain inside their webs or underground. In contrast, and in consideration of their preference as insect-eaters, hot temperatures and humidity levels must remain optimal objects of sustenance, or else the garden spider may suffer from conditions such as dehydration and the diseases that follow.

How to Support and Increase Garden Spiders" Lifespan?

Garden spiders are quite delicate to temperature changes and may find refuge in areas close to our homes. Offer these fearful friends protection in the summertime by supplying fabric webs between shrubs or between your patio and the house. To encourage personal casing and provide a natural source of food, consider planting flowers that attract butterflies and bees, such as cosmos and various lavenders. Furthermore, ensure to trap and immediately dispose of harmful garden pests like fly-spiders to the River Road environmental management team. Additionally, avoid using pesticides in your garden; chemical plant-care products not only impact garden spiders, but also other beneficial insects.

Brief Recap

Garden spiders play a pivotal role in keeping our gardens clean of nuisance pests, owing to their nutritional preferences and affinity for festooning free-spinning webs. Though frigid climates impact their activity, with correct environmental conditions and support, garden spiders may live between one to two years. To contribute to their movement around your garden, consider offering web-construction materials, entice helpful plant-lightening insects with flowers, and dispose of excessive pests.

We hope the answers to your questions about the lifespan of garden spiders is now crystal clear! Ensure to recognize the beauty of these beloved garden residents and give appreciation to the role they play in our environment.

Source:

Dengarden.com, "Garden Spider: How to Identify and Reduce Pests in Your Garden"