Most people understand that bright lighting around your property at night is likely to deter larger animals but encourage tiny pests, like mosquitos or gnats. However, many people do not realize that having a bright property might actually encourage or invite several spider species, resulting in a need for pest control in Milton.

While it is true that the increased bug activity can encourage spiders to make their way to brighter areas, in truth, some spiders are attracted to light. There are some practical and evolutionary reasons or advantages to this behaviour.

Determining Whether a Spider Has a Preference To Light

Before delving into why spiders might be attracted to light, it is necessary to discuss how professionals and scientists know spiders like light. The attraction to light often determines the activity of the species or whether it is nocturnal or not.

In most cases, a spider that is attracted to the light is nocturnal. For spiders that prefer to hunt during the day, an attraction to light doesn’t seem to play a role because daylight is when they are most active.

Understanding Species That Prefer the Night

Spiders that primarily come out at night are nocturnal, meaning they sleep or rest during the day and hunt at night. Nighttime hunting is advantageous for spiders because their prey is usually tired from a long day of foraging.

Nocturnal spiders have an interesting habit of removing their webs every day and rebuilding them every evening. They will also consume the web remnants from the night before to conserve materials.

Coming out at night is an advantage to spiders because it increases their chances of survival. Most natural predators of spiders, including birds, are asleep in the evenings.

Understanding Species That Prefer the Day

Spiders that are active during the day, known as diurnals, typically have better eyesight. Spiders with poor vision tend to prefer hunting at night or in the evenings, avoid too much light.

Diurnal spiders have more eyes and benefit from daylight, specifically UV rays. The sun’s rays actually affect the quality of silk a spider can produce. The UV rays are how spiders make the necessary gel for stronger silk. Ultimately, the sun improves a spider’s silk and its defence mechanisms.

Learning How Evolution Played a Role in Preference

When reviewing the history of spiders, it is clear that some species evolved to prefer light and diurnal lifestyles. According to many researchers, the change likely had to do with changes in the environment, including the irradiation of sunlight.

UV rays play a vital role in the survival and trapping capabilities of diurnal spiders. Because nocturnal spiders do not receive the beneficial rays, their webs are less sticky or proficient for trapping, which is why most nocturnal species rebuild their webs every night.

Preventing Spider Infestations

Regardless of how you feel about spiders, they are fascinating creatures. Unfortunately, they can cause problems or become nuisances. To prevent spiders from nesting in or around your home, you will want to focus on controlling other insect populations.

The best way to control insect populations is with maintenance and cleaning. Keep bushes, shrubs, and other plants away from the foundation of your house. Also, keep the lawn cut, and any debris picked up. In the home, sweep and vacuum frequently and store food in airtight containers.

Finding a spider in your home or around your property is inevitable. However, only having a few spiders on your property is not cause for alarm. Suppose you find that spiders are overwhelming your outdoor area or making their way inside. In that case, you should contact a spider removal service. Call Truly Nolen, one of Canada’s leading pest control services.