Spiders have an impact on nearly every community worldwide, whether we are aware of it or not. They are found on all continents but Antarctica, in all habitats. Spiders tend to be the apex predator of insects, playing a key role in their ecosystems. Arachnophobia or the fear of spiders is one of the most common fears, however it is generally a baseless fear. There are many practical applications of spiders and their byproducts. They are both an asset and a cost economically. They have impacts in the market of food, pesticides, and medicine.
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MedicineIt is common knowledge that there are many species of poison spiders. Their bites range from swollen and painful to plain deadly. These reactions are caused by venom released into the body (9). However, it has recently been discovered that spider venom has some medicinal purposes as well. It has been found that "40 percent of the venoms had compounds that blocked nerve activity linked to chronic pain" (10). There is currently much more research being done on the potentials of spider venom.
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Pest Control
Generally, spiders are shy and perfectly harmless. People tend to overreact at the sight of one. Spiders eat their fair share of insects, acting as a minor form of pest control within their domain. They can be used as a source of integrated pest management, in crops and gardens.
However, when spiders are found in the home it is important to have them looked at to be sure that they are not poisonous and thus dangerous. Spiders in the home can be controlled relatively easily. A clean home is less likely to attract spiders. If that fails, they can usually be controlled with insecticides, or a pest control company |
DietThe most commonly eaten spider is the tarantula. They are a good source of protein, and very low cost. In Cambodia, the fried spider is considered a delicacy. The taste has been described as "a cross between chicken and cod" (8). Spiders are also a very environmentally responsible lunch, as they take much less resources to raise than livestock.
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