For many of us, there is absolutely nothing charming about a creepy crawly spider. However, they actually play a role in relieving hay fever and other seasonal allergies.
After hearing the details on this one, some of us may thank our eight-legged friends the next time we encounter one in our homes and gardens.
Here we go!
Don’t be too quick to kill or throw out spiders
Embed from Getty ImagesIt’s pretty normal for many people to instantly want a spider gone when they find an uninvited guest in their space. Spiders are scary and creepy to a lot of us.
Yet, if your seasonal allergies are wreaking havoc, we suggest taking a beat to figure out how to live in peace with an arachnid or two.
Spiders aren’t just carnivores
Embed from Getty ImagesBefore we really start spinning the web on this one, there are important things to know.
While most people are very familiar with the spidey tendency to spin an intricate web to catch prey (AKA bugs), it’s a lot less heard of for them to eat anything else. However, in areas with fewer insects around, certain spiders are willing to make some dietary adjustments.
Sometimes spiders eat pollen
Embed from Getty ImagesWhile many spiders try to stick to an insect-only diet unless there’s an emergency, orb-web spiders, the most common garden spiders, like to eat pollen even when there are bugs in the neighborhood.
In fact, it can make up a quarter of their diet.
When spiders eat pollen, it can have a very helpful perk
Embed from Getty ImagesThe springtime can be especially brutal regarding hay fever and other seasonal allergies because flowers are in full bloom, and the air is typically rich in — you guessed it — pollen.
Yet, if you have spiders around, you may notice less pollen in the air. That’s right; spiders may inadvertently help deter annoying allergies.
They catch pollen in their webs
Embed from Getty ImagesWe know what some of you may be thinking: Why don’t we see these mysterious pollen-loving spiders eating pollen in a flower? Well, it’s because many spiders partake in pollen that gets stuck in their webs. When the wind blows, pollen gets into their webs and our poor noses!
Do you think they ever use pollen-like seasoning with their protein-rich bugs?
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Some spiders are officially classified as omnivores
Embed from Getty ImagesWhile all spiders have been found to eat insects, some have such a high pollen intake that it changes their classification to omnivores, because they eat both animals and plants.
Maybe one day we’ll see some vegan and vegetarian spiders!
Pollen is basically everywhere in the spring
Embed from Getty ImagesWhile we can’t speak for place, we can say that during the spring, there’s usually a plethora of pollen from all directions worldwide. From tree pollen, weed pollen, grass pollen and, of course, flower pollen. Yup, most people with allergies don’t stand a chance.
Putting up with some spidey friends in the yard may not be so bad if it means some protection from the pollen.
This could be a game-changer for those with compromised immune systems
Embed from Getty ImagesSadly, not everyone feels the pain of too much pollen the same way. For those with weaker immune systems, allergies can be especially brutal. We’re not saying to buy a bunch of spiders and let them loose in your home (unless you want to!).
But maybe telling your cat, your family, or yourself to leave the local spiders alone during the spring months is the way to go.
This will probably only work with wild spiders
Embed from Getty ImagesAs cool as a pet tarantula is, it’s probably not going to eliminate pollen like a wild tarantula might. Indoor spiders aren’t coming into very much contact with outdoor pollen.
But if you have some indoor plants tickling your nose, your pet spider can weave some of that pollen.
Let us know what you think in the comments!
Embed from Getty ImagesDoes this make you think of spiders through a different (and possibly less cringe-y lens)? Let us know in the comments.
