I just found a Banana Spider living on my deck. What should I do?
You can leave an optional "tip" with Mahalo's virtual currency, Mahalo Dollars. If you are asking a difficult question that might require some research, or if you'd like a wide variety of feedback, a higher tip often leads to more answers to your question.
M$16 Answers
@bunnyphuphu it looks like you will be ok. The Banana Spider from South America has a neurotoxic vemom like a Black Widow and is deadly.
The Bannana Spider from North America is venomous as well but usually will only get you a irritating welt for about 24 hours. I wouldn't take the chance telling the difference. They travel north with imported bananas.
To be safe either have you new friend expertly identified or carefully get him a new place to live.
--quote--
The nephila clavipes banana spider of North America possesses venom similar in nature to the venom of the black widow, but far less potent, making it quite harmless to humans. A bite from a North American banana spider will not result in much more than a welt that will pass within 24 hours.
--quote--
You can leave an optional "tip" with Mahalo's virtual currency, Mahalo Dollars. If you are asking a difficult question that might require some research, or if you'd like a wide variety of feedback, a higher tip often leads to more answers to your question.
M$Since it appears to be a fairly harmless little thing, I'd say - keep it!
Generally speaking, spiders are seclusive animals, and they are kind of "trappers" rather than hunters, i.e. spiders don't actually attack, or proactively seek prey, but rather, they sit on their nets, waiting patiently for a bug to come their way... They certainly don't stalk people ;)
I'd call her Spinster, how about that?
You can leave an optional "tip" with Mahalo's virtual currency, Mahalo Dollars. If you are asking a difficult question that might require some research, or if you'd like a wide variety of feedback, a higher tip often leads to more answers to your question.
M$
GAH!!!!!!!! (a tad bit arachnophobic here....)
@bunnyphuphu - definitively better than cable, and I can agree with you regarding the name, too!
Have a good time you two!
Thanks @interzone. I have always taken the approach of liking all creatures. Great and creepy. I can sit on the deck (when it's not 112) and watch her do her thing. It's almost better than cable! Also, thanks for the name too. although I do think webmaster is nice too.
ewwwwwwwwwwwwwwww!
I agree! High up on the eave, I would keep it too. If nothing else, it should provide some educational value as you make daily observations on eating habits, web building and repair, etc. Maybe you should call it the webmaster. LOL
I hate spiders but, lol! Love the answer. My brother once had a pet Raccoon. Lol. Scary huh.
i understand your appreciation of nature @bunnyphuphu, but having a bit of Arachnophobia i would send my husband out to kill the monster, lol. and because i know he feels the same way you do about "all of nature's living things" i'd probably make him bring me back some proof of eradication...lol
also if i saw the spider in this picture, i would sell my house.
yuck, just thinking about this situation makes me feel all buggy!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_silk_orb-weaver
http://www.fluther.com/disc/41655/how-would-you-keep-banana-spiders-out-of-...
http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-a-banana-spider.htm
http://www.badspiderbites.com/banana-spider/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brazilian_wandering_spider
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,509876,00.html
You can leave an optional "tip" with Mahalo's virtual currency, Mahalo Dollars. If you are asking a difficult question that might require some research, or if you'd like a wide variety of feedback, a higher tip often leads to more answers to your question.
M$
thanks @N4thanl. I'm getting attached to my spider. She seems to be happy and is keeping herself busy catching insects. If she gets to be a problem, I'll hose her down and make her move.
i would whack it down with a stick. sorry but all bugs, beuatiful or otherwise just creep me out.
Well, if you wanted to keep it as a pet, I would call your local pest control place and ask if they have more information about this type of spider. You obviously can't defang or devenomize it because then it would starve. The reason why I say call your local pest control is because they're sure to deal with this type of animal (Golden Silk Spider... aka Banana Spider) a lot and know what to do and what not to do while handling it. As far as I know, this spider is non aggressive though may attack if it's threatened. So don't touch!....Yet! lol
I know this is a different type of banana spider here but its for good reads (and a little comedy). It's about the Brazilian Wandering Spider. The title of the page is:
Natural Viagra: Spider Bite Causes Erection. May 1, 2007
http://www.livescience.com/health/070501_spider_venom.html
You can leave an optional "tip" with Mahalo's virtual currency, Mahalo Dollars. If you are asking a difficult question that might require some research, or if you'd like a wide variety of feedback, a higher tip often leads to more answers to your question.
M$
im sorry, even the spider costume creeeps me out!
Thanks for the link @andreaxxjean.
I'm sorry you have arachnophobia. I've only had one spider play happily on my hand, and that was Rosie the tarantula at the Butterfly Pavilion (near Denver).http://www.butterflies.org/arthropods.cfm
Maybe you could work up to having Rosie sit on your hand.
If not, you can always get a cute plush version of a spider (with a cute dog inside!)
It would nice if my spider was a Wondering Spider... that way I'd have a backup plan if I needed help in the 'love department'.
LOL Wandering Spiders are deadly... So I don't think you'd want one of those on your deck.
I think my dog would rip me to shreds if I tried to put one of those costumes on him... He's a lhasa apso.... but he's viscous.
http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-a-banana-spider.htm
Given that this South American is a very venomous spider I would say keeping it as a pet is right out. If you have a local animal control office you may want to call them ASAP.
You can leave an optional "tip" with Mahalo's virtual currency, Mahalo Dollars. If you are asking a difficult question that might require some research, or if you'd like a wide variety of feedback, a higher tip often leads to more answers to your question.
M$
Well... I don't mean 'pet' in the way that I would hug her, and squeeze her, and call her George. (her name is Spinster, the Webmaster)
As long as she stays in her little area and I in mine... I don't think I'll need to call out the cavalry. But if she's pregnant and planning on having her 10 million babies on my deck... that might be a problem! Thanks.
You can leave an optional "tip" with Mahalo's virtual currency, Mahalo Dollars. If you are asking a difficult question that might require some research, or if you'd like a wide variety of feedback, a higher tip often leads to more answers to your question.
M$
I agree.
@lesliec - when I went to post this, I was surprised to find out that there is a sub category under animals just for spiders! I'll venture to guess that it wasn't your idea to put that one in.
You better find out who at Mahalo loves spiders, since they now know it's one of your weaknesses. (evil laugh)
yup. chances are my sister would find it first, bringing the house down screaming.
@lesliec Come on Lesliec! I'm actually a HUGE fan of spiders for one simple reason...they eat mosquitoes (my own personal nemesis), and that makes me hero's in my book.
I'm sure it will do a good job taking care of those pesky bugs in the summer.
I would suggest keeping all the little bunnies away from it though..
You can leave an optional "tip" with Mahalo's virtual currency, Mahalo Dollars. If you are asking a difficult question that might require some research, or if you'd like a wide variety of feedback, a higher tip often leads to more answers to your question.
M$
Meanwhile, wisegeek says:
"The North American banana spider is not aggressive, but if you notice banana spiders building webs close to your home and would like them to move, simply tear down the webs. The spiders will relocate further away where they can continue to do their part in keeping down the insect population.
Other names for the N. clavipes or North American banana spider include the writing spider and golden orb weaver. The argiope or yellow and black garden spider is similar in size and sometimes confused with the banana spider. It too is known as 'the writing spider' due to zig-zag patterns in its web."
Using the latin names you can look up more about all these spiders from reputable science sites. If you live in North America the spider is almost certainly beneficial despite people's usual dislike for them.
You can leave an optional "tip" with Mahalo's virtual currency, Mahalo Dollars. If you are asking a difficult question that might require some research, or if you'd like a wide variety of feedback, a higher tip often leads to more answers to your question.
M$
I think my usage is correct; but, you could ask Mahalo a grammar question about it.
Sorry, Posted in the wrong place..
Moved to my answer.
Hi,
I think your first line is the opposite of what you meant:
billions to one that the spider is "a harmless one"
I think you meant:
billions to one that the spider is "deadly"
Interesting. I didn't find any good links on "a million to one" or "a billion to one" other than a question on that other Q&A site asking which way the odds go (no good answer to the question by the way).
Maybe a cultural thing? Interesting question for posting on Mahalo?
Either way, I'm sure people knew what you meant, so I will give it a rest.
And sorry again for the accidental post. Gets tricky sometimes.
The phoneutria or South American banana spider is a large, aggressive spider with a body length of about 1.3 inches (3 cm). This banana spider primarily makes its home in the rain forests but can also be found in cities, where, between 1970 and 1980 it was reportedly responsible for the hospitalization of some 7,000 people in southeastern Brazil.
The South American banana spider's venom is neurotoxic, or acts on the nervous system, and is similar to the venom produced by redback spiders, also known as black widows. A phoneutria banana spider's bite will cause immediate pain, a cold sweat and irregular heartbeat. Antivenin does exist and the bite can be deadly so immediate medical attention is necessary.
Other names for the dangerous phoneutria banana spider include: bananenspinne, kammspinne, and wandering spider.
The nephila clavipes banana spider of North America possesses venom similar in nature to the venom of the black widow, but far less potent, making it quite harmless to humans. A bite from a North American banana spider will not result in much more than a welt that will pass within 24 hours.
N. clavipes banana spiders have elongated bodies that resemble a banana in shape and coloring, beautifully bright yellow and black. The males are about half the size of females, and dark colored. Females grow quite large with a body length of about 1.1 inches (33 cm). North American banana spiders prefer sunny areas and tend to like tall plants or trees. They will often spin a web across a walkway or trail, spanning several feet. The web of the North American banana spider is orb-shaped, golden, and is stronger than most spiders' webs. In fact its silk is stronger than comparable threads of Kevlar or steel.
The North American banana spider is not aggressive, but if you notice banana spiders building webs close to your home and would like them to move, simply tear down the webs. The spiders will relocate further away where they can continue to do their part in keeping down the insect population.
Other names for the N. clavipes or North American banana spider include the writing spider and golden orb weaver. The argiope or yellow and black garden spider is similar in size and sometimes confused with the banana spider. It too is known as 'the writing spider' due to zig-zag patterns in its web.
Although the bite from an N. clavipes banana spider is harmless, an allergic reaction could be severe. If you've been bitten by a spider of any kind and feel concerned, collect the spider, if possible, and see your doctor or contact your local poison center.
http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-a-banana-spider.htm
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brazilian_wandering_spider
You can leave an optional "tip" with Mahalo's virtual currency, Mahalo Dollars. If you are asking a difficult question that might require some research, or if you'd like a wide variety of feedback, a higher tip often leads to more answers to your question.
M$
You can leave an optional "tip" with Mahalo's virtual currency, Mahalo Dollars. If you are asking a difficult question that might require some research, or if you'd like a wide variety of feedback, a higher tip often leads to more answers to your question.
M$
You can leave an optional "tip" with Mahalo's virtual currency, Mahalo Dollars. If you are asking a difficult question that might require some research, or if you'd like a wide variety of feedback, a higher tip often leads to more answers to your question.
M$You can leave an optional "tip" with Mahalo's virtual currency, Mahalo Dollars. If you are asking a difficult question that might require some research, or if you'd like a wide variety of feedback, a higher tip often leads to more answers to your question.
M$You can leave an optional "tip" with Mahalo's virtual currency, Mahalo Dollars. If you are asking a difficult question that might require some research, or if you'd like a wide variety of feedback, a higher tip often leads to more answers to your question.
M$You can leave an optional "tip" with Mahalo's virtual currency, Mahalo Dollars. If you are asking a difficult question that might require some research, or if you'd like a wide variety of feedback, a higher tip often leads to more answers to your question.
M$
www.badspiderbites.com/banana-spider/comment-page-2
You can leave an optional "tip" with Mahalo's virtual currency, Mahalo Dollars. If you are asking a difficult question that might require some research, or if you'd like a wide variety of feedback, a higher tip often leads to more answers to your question.
M$Mom Knows (previous research/personal experience)
You can leave an optional "tip" with Mahalo's virtual currency, Mahalo Dollars. If you are asking a difficult question that might require some research, or if you'd like a wide variety of feedback, a higher tip often leads to more answers to your question.
M$
We have a banana spider on the outside of our screened porch. It is magnificent! There are two "hot air balloon shaped" sacs near it. There was only one until recently. What is that? Are there baby spiders in the sacs? Is it true that the mother will die after they are born?
I check it every night before I go to bed and every morning when I arise. My family says I want to make certain it hasn't moved! Actually, I'm fascinated by it. The web is awesome and it holds things and wraps them up and then they disappear.
By the way, I HATE spiders. I can't believe I'm writing you about it but it's amazing!
@buddawiggi - Ugh...it's like Steve Irwin's mentally handicapped evil twin...=( I couldn't watch it all the way through...I tried! just couldn't...
@buddawiggi - so I guess the only thing I have to worry about is that if she becomes feral and comes after me, the bite isn't any worse than a Black Widow? Well... I was bitten by one of those spiders and my lips swelled up bigger than Angela Jolie's. It attacked my mucus membranes. I looked like this for a few days... (I kid you not!)
We just got back from Jamaica and while on a tour our guide found one of these spiders for my 5 year old daughter she and I both held the spider and it was fine. Our guide told us that they were not dangerous and would not bite it was about the size of the spider in the picture. They are beautiful. Enjoy it.
that video is completely disgusting! poor demented kid...
The kid that eats all the marbles in pre-school is not supposed to live long enough to breed....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B2qbl-dRVz0This kid probably wont make it.
"I am not an Arachnologist"
Beautiful use of the disclaimer, this should start the "I'm not a" meme here on Mahalo. Who says these disclaimers should only be used for health questions.
Great answer btw.. I would of said "step on it" ...
@bunnyphuphu No, I'm not arachnophopic (sp?) You're probably right actually, I wouldn't kill it, unless I had to. You just have better judgment than me by asking this question.
@jeffhoard... do I sense a little arachnophobia? If you saw this spider, you'd see that it's too beautiful to step on.
Plus if you tried to step on it, it would be a big as your foot and its fangs would go through your shoes and into your foot causing instant paralysis and sudden death!
(trying hard to give Jeff the heebie jeebies!)