Charlotte’s Web, Little Miss Muffet: Those childhood books with their stories of spiders were probably created to ease children’s fears of spiders. They worked. Many children are fascinated by spiders and other insects, but ask most adults about spiders and you will get a very different reaction!
On the Master Gardener Help Desk we have been receiving many calls and emails with photos attached with all kinds of spider webs. With the morning dews many folks are alarmed by the number of webs in their shrubs and garden plants. They have probably been there awhile, but just not as visible without dew. They catch debris, plant clippings from previous pruning, falling leaves, and can make the plant look like it is dying.
In most cases spiders are nothing to worry about. In fact, they are your friends. Examine your shrubs, looking for stippling from spider mites or the immobile insect, scale, or other signs of insects. If you are not seeing anything, don’t be alarmed. If you do have some insects the spiders will clean them up for you. Before you jump to the conclusion that all of those dead leaves came off your plant, check to make sure they are the same as the rest of the plant. Ask yourself if anyone has pruned this year. It could even be clippings from a nearby plant.
A gentleman brought me a bag of greyish strings, like pop beads, that he had carefully removed from all of his plants. When I told him they were egg sacks of spiders he was disappointed that he had removed them, realizing how beneficial they are to keeping balance in the garden. He took them home. The big colorful spiders that hang in orbs and vibrate the web are also very beneficial, though scary with their bright colors.
Even Black Widows are beneficial, though you may not want them too close to the house. Regular sweeping will help discourage their nesting places, which will be protected from weather, but near water, if possible. Under the hose holder, around grills, and downspouts are likely places. Wear gloves when gardening and be vigilant, but don’t overreact. Look under the rims of big pots especially, and check all pots before bringing them inside in the fall.
If spiders are entering the home, check your door sweeps. For uneven floors a rolled up old towel will seal the bottom of doors you do not use frequently. For doors where they would pose a tripping hazard spray the bottom outside of the door with household pest control.
Last night as I was sitting at a stop light, tiny spiderlings began to descent on my windshield in their little webbing parachutes, just like in Charlotte’s Web. When you think about the hazards to them and how many enemies they have, it is a wonder that any survive! Recognize them as the friends that they are and if you really think your plants have a problem bring a sample to the office and we will check it for you. Our Help Desk number is 540/776-7178.
– Barbara Leach, Horticulture Technician, VCE Roanoke
