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Spiders That Kill Termites

Though many people are afraid of spiders, they are actually beneficial predators that can prevent many pests. Almost any species of spider will eat termites when given the chance, but some spiders are more likely to dwell near termites and prey on them. Spiders are unlikely to completely eradicate a termite infestation once it has set in, but they can prevent termites by killing the first few that show up in your home.

Venomous Spiders
- Black widows kill and eat termites.
  
  The brown recluse and black widow are the two most common venomous spiders in the United States. Black widows have rounded black bodies with a distinct red hourglass on their abdomens. They may also have small red dots around their bodies and on their heads. Brown recluses are brown or tan with a faint violin-shaped marking on their abdomens. Both species of spiders live in abandoned wooded areas, making them ideal predators of termites. Though a bite from these spiders is dangerous, few people actually die from them. Further, they are unlikely to bite unless their web is invaded by a person.
Wolf Spiders
- Wolf spiders have long legs relative to their bodies.
  
  Unlike many other spider species, wolf spiders hunt for their prey instead of building webs. They have excellent eyesight, and one row of two eyes is more prominent than the rest of their eight eyes. They range in color from dark brown to tan and have long legs and oval-shaped bodies. Several species of wolf spiders live in and around wood and frequently eat termites. These spiders are fast and are willing to chase their prey for short distances. Their bites are not dangerous to people, but are very painful.
Jumping Spiders
- Jumping spiders resemble tarantulas.
  
  Jumping spiders are often mistaken for tarantulas because of their long, hairy legs. They have oval-shaped bodies and large, visible eyes. The jumping spider family contains more than 500 species in a variety of colors ranging from drab brown to brightly spotted. Like wolf spiders, they hunt for their prey rather than build webs. Several species of jumping spiders live in abandoned areas likely to be invaded by termites. These spiders can jump up to 40 times their own height. They are not venomous or aggressive toward humans.
Orb Weavers
- The black and yellow argiope frequently builds webs in gardens.
  
  Orb weavers are one of the largest spider families, with thousands of species. They are named for the large, spiral-shaped webs they build to capture their prey. They come in a variety of colors, but most have bright color patterns on black bodies. The black and white argiope, one of the most common American orb weavers, has a rounded black body with yellow or orange spots on its abdomen. Their webs can trap dozens of termites. Though they may be mistaken for venomous spiders because of their bright color patterns, they are not harmful to people.

Insects & Science