Living with Spiders in the Okanagan: To kill or not to kill?
As someone who lives in the beautiful Okanagan region of British Columbia, I have encountered my fair share of creepy crawlies. One common sight here are spiderwebs in hedges. While some individuals may be tempted to grab a can of bug spray and rid themselves of these eight-legged creatures, I have come to appreciate the benefits that my spiders provide.
First, let’s get one thing out of the way: not all spiders are dangerous. In fact, most species found in North America are completely harmless to humans. The spiders you are most likely to find in your hedge are orb-weavers, jumping spiders, and wolf spiders. These spiders are not aggressive and are unlikely to bite unless they perceive a threat. If you do happen to get bitten, it will most likely feel like a small pinprick, and the symptoms will be like that of a mosquito bite. You may experience some itching and swelling, but these symptoms will typically disappear after a few hours.
One good reason to leave your spiders be is that they provide a valuable service to your garden. Spiders are natural pest controllers and will devour a wide variety of insects that would otherwise damage your plants. By keeping the spider population intact, you are essentially creating a natural balance that will benefit your garden in the long run.
Of course, there are some situations where it may be necessary to get rid of your hedge spiders. If you or someone in your household has an allergy to spider bites, it is best to err on the side of caution and remove the spiders from your property. Additionally, if you have a large infestation, it may be necessary to bring in professional pest control to address the issue.
Living with spiders in your hedge may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it is important to remember that these creatures are not as scary as they may seem. By leaving them be, you are providing a valuable service to your garden and creating a natural balance that will benefit your entire property. Of course, there are situations where removal may be necessary, but by taking the time to learn more about these fascinating creatures, you may just find that they are a welcome part of your garden ecosystem.