Spiders tend to get a bad reputation, even though most species are harmless to humans. Garden spiders are common backyard visitors that often spark fear due to their large size and visible webs. But are garden spiders actually dangerous?

What Are Garden Spiders?

Garden spiders belong to the orb weaver family Araneidae. There are hundreds of different orb weaver species, but some of the most common garden spiders in North America include:

• Black and Yellow Garden Spider - Medium-sized spider with distinct yellow, black and white markings. Builds large vertical wheel-shaped webs.

• Banded Garden Spider - Has alternating brown and cream colored bands on its legs and abdomen. Constructs horizontal webs low to the ground.

• Marbled Orb Weaver - Features a round abdomen with gray, brown and cream markings. Known for building intricate spiral wheel webs in gardens.

These spiders use their orb-shaped webs to trap flying insects like flies, mosquitoes and bees. The circular pattern allows the spider to detect vibrations from all directions.

Are Garden Spiders Venomous?

All spiders have venom that helps them subdue prey. Venom toxicity varies greatly depending on the species.

Most garden spiders have venom that only mildly affects humans. When threatened, they are more likely to play dead or drop to the ground on a silk line to escape.

Bites may cause a stinging or burning sensation, mild swelling, and itchiness. Serious reactions are rare, but seek medical attention if bite symptoms seem severe.

Garden spiders prey on nuisance insects, so they do not bite humans out of aggression. Bites typically only occur if spiders get unintentionally squeezed or trapped against bare skin.

Do Garden Spiders Make Dangerous Webs?

Garden spider webs may look menacing due to their large size and visibility, but they pose no real threat to people.

The silk strands are extremely fine, so it's unlikely for them to adhere to skin if accidentally walked through. Webs are not strong enough to trap humans or restrict movement.

Young children should still be supervised outside to avoid getting webs stuck in their faces. Also, take care when riding bikes, trimming hedges or mowing lawns to avoid accidentally disturbing a web and startling its resident spider.

Beware that some people have allergies to spider proteins in spiderwebs that could cause skin redness, itching or rashes from contact. If this occurs, wear gloves and long sleeves when gardening around webs.

Are Garden Spiders Beneficial?

Far from being pests, garden spiders are extremely helpful to have around. Consider these benefits:

• Prey on annoying flies, mosquitoes, caterpillars and other garden pests. A single spider can eat hundreds of insects per week.

• Reduce need for chemical pesticides. Let these natural predators do their job.

• Pollinate plants when they accidentally get pollen stuck on their bodies.

• Provide educational opportunities for curious children to learn about nature.

• Create beautiful web designs that shimmer in morning dew. Fascinating works of art from nature!

• Indicator of a healthy ecosystem full of insect prey to catch. More spiders = fewer bothersome bugs.

Spider Pest Control Tips

Garden spiders don't require any control methods. Enjoy their presence and all the free pest control services they provide!

If webs become too unsightly, spiders can simply be relocated. Carefully move them to an out of the way area using gloves, a jar or stick. Avoid harming spiders as much as possible.

Knocking down webs is only a temporary solution since orb weavers will quickly rebuild them. Removing insects that spiders prey on is the best way to discourage them from sticking around.

Be sure to positively identify any spiders before considering removal. Many harmless spiders get mistaken for dangerous lookalikes, so it's best not to jump to squash spiders on sight.

Garden spiders are friends, not foes! Their scary looks belie the tremendous benefits they offer in controlling nuisance pests. Welcome them into your yard and gardens.