S & W Pest Management Inc : Insect Guide

Pest Guide » Spiders » Yellow Garden Spiders:

Yellow Garden Spiders
Argiope spp.
Color: varies, common is black and yellow
Legs: Eight
Shape: Round
Size: up to 1" long or larger, up to 3" leg span
Antennae: No
Flight: No

These spiders, sometimes called banana spiders, are the largest web-spinning spiders in Nebraska. Full-grown females of the common Nebraska species exceed one inch in body length; males are usually much smaller. These spiders make beautiful, large "orb" webs in gardens and between tall grasses and weeds.

One common type of this spider, the black and yellow garden spider, has silver hairs on the back of its forward body section. The large abdomen is marked in black and bright yellow.

Another common species, the banded garden spider, is like the black and yellow garden spider. It has lives in the same locations, builds the same type of web, and is a large spider. But the pattern on its abdomen is different. The abdomen is marked with alternating thin, broken, horizontal silver and yellow lines on a black background.

Garden spiders attract a lot of attention because of their size, bright colors and large webs. They also build their webs in open areas near humans. Some people are uncomfortable working around such large spiders, but many gardeners welcome these attractive insect-eaters.

Prevention:

The best approach for controlling spiders is through placement of sticky traps to capture a few spiders that may have entered. Maintaining sticky traps behind furniture, to either side of exterior doors, and in the garage is an excellent way to intercept most spiders as they enter.

Install tight-fitting screens on doors and windows to prevent entry.
Seal or caulk cracks and crevices where spiders can enter the house.
Install yellow or sodium vapor light bulbs outdoors since these attract fewer insects for spiders to feed upon.
Be sure to dust and vacuum frequently around windows, corners of rooms, shelves, under furniture, and behind mirrors and pictures.
If you see spider egg sacs, remove them.

If you would like to make an appointment with S & W Pest Management, please fill out the online appointment form or call 1-877-989-BUGS.