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How to Get Rid of Banana Spiders

Date: 22,10,2025

Author: Aosion

How to Get Rid of Banana Spiders
Table of contents

What are banana spiders? Are banana spiders poisonous?
How big do banana spiders get(banana spider size)
what do banana spiders eat
Where do banana spiders appear
What harm does the banana spider bring
How to get rid of banana spider florida
How to Get Rid of Brazilian Wandering Spiders

What are banana spiders? Are banana spiders poisonous?

The Two Main Types of "Banana Spiders"

1. The "Harmless" Orb-Weaver: Trichonephila clavipes

This is the spider most often called a banana spider in the southeastern United States.
 
They build large, intricate, golden-colored orb webs that can be over three feet wide. They are often seen in forests, gardens, and along trails.
 
However, their venom is not medically significant to humans. A bite might cause some minor, localized redness and itching, similar to a bee sting.

2. The "Dangerous" Wanderer: Brazilian Wandering Spider

This is the spider that makes headlines and is the one you're thinking of when you hear about dangerous spiders in banana shipments.
 
True to their name, they are wandering hunters. They don't build webs but roam the forest floor at night in search of prey. This wandering behavior is why they sometimes end up hiding in bunches of bananas.
 
Their venom is a potent neurotoxin. A bite can cause severe pain, sweating, rapid heartbeat, and in rare, severe cases, paralysis and breathing problems that can be fatal, especially to children.

How big do banana spiders get(banana spider size)

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the size for each type:

1. Golden Silk Orb-Weaver

This is the large, yellow and black spider commonly seen in the southeastern United States. Their size is impressive, especially for the females.
Female Body Length: 1 to 1.5 inches (2.5 to 4 cm)
Their bodies are long and cylindrical.
Female Leg Span: 3 to 5 inches (8 to 13 cm)
With their long, slender legs extended, they can be as wide as the palm of your hand or even larger.
Male Body Length: 0.2 to 0.3 inches (5 to 8 mm)
Males are dramatically smaller and are often seen hanging at the edge of the female's web.

2. Brazilian Wandering Spider

This is the highly venomous spider sometimes found in banana shipments. They are also very large, but in a more robust and stocky way.
Body Length: 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm)
They have a stout, heavy-bodied appearance.
Leg Span: 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm)
Their leg span can be truly impressive, often compared to the spread of an adult's hand.
In summary: A large Brazilian Wandering Spider can have a leg span of up to 6 inches, making it one of the largest spiders in the world by mass.

what do banana spiders eat

Both the Golden Silk Orb-Weaver and the Brazilian Wandering Spider are carnivorous predators that primarily eat insects and other small creatures.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown for each:

1. Golden Silk Orb-Weaver Diet

This spider is a passive hunter that relies on its incredible, strong web.
Primary Prey: Flying insects are their main food source. This includes:
Large Insects: Grasshoppers, moths, beetles, wasps, and flies.
Bees and Dragonflies: They are capable of catching and eating these strng fliers.
Butterflies: They are a common catch.
Occasional Prey: Their large, strong webs can sometimes trap smaller vertebrates, though this is not their primary food source.

2. Brazilian Wandering Spider Diet

This spider is an active hunter that does not build a web to catch food.
Primary Prey: They hunt for ground-dwelling and tree-dwelling prey, including:
Insects: Crickets, katydids, and other large insects.
Other Invertebrates: They will eat other spiders, scorpions, and even millipedes.
Larger Prey: Due to their large size and potent venom, they can successfully take down:
Small Reptiles: Such as lizards and geckos.
Amphibians: Like tree frogs.
Small Mammals: Including young mice or pinkie pups (in the wild, this would be very rare, but it demonstrates the power of their venom).

Where do banana spiders appear

Here’s a clear breakdown of where you're likely to encounter each type. 

1. Golden Silk Orb-Weaver

This is the spider most people in the Southeastern U.S. call a "banana spider." They are a common sight in warm, humid environments.
Where they commonly appear:
Geographic Range: Primarily the southeastern United States (from North Carolina through Texas), as well as parts of Central and South America.
Specific Habitats:
Forest Edges and Trails: They love to build their webs in sunny, semi-open areas where flying insects are abundant.
Gardens and Parks: Often found between trees, shrubs, or on man-made structures like fences and lamp posts.
Power Lines and Signposts: They frequently use these open spaces to anchor their large webs.
Near Water Sources: Streams, marshes, and ponds attract many insects, making them prime hunting grounds.

2. Brazilian Wandering Spider

This is the highly venomous spider associated with banana shipments. They are not native to the United States.
Where they commonly appear:
Native Geographic Range: Central and South America, particularly in Brazil, Argentina, and other tropical countries.
Native Habitats:
Rainforest Floor: They are nocturnal wanderers that hide during the day in dark, moist places on the ground.
Hiding Spots: They take refuge under fallen logs, rocks, piles of leaves, and in hollow termite mounds.
Banana Plantations: They naturally inhabit these areas, which is how they get their common name and end up in shipping crates.
Where They "Unexpectedly" Appear (Outside Their Native Range):
International Banana Shipments: This is the primary way they show up in news headlines. They can be accidentally packed and transported in crates of bananas.
Groceries and Supermarkets: As a result, they have been found in grocery stores and distribution centers in North America and Europe.

What harm does the banana spider bring

Here’s a breakdown of the potential harm from each.

1. Golden Silk Orb-Weaver

This common North American spider is often called a "banana spider" and is generally harmless to humans and beneficial to the ecosystem.
Harm to Humans:
Venom: Its venom is not medically significant to humans.
Bite: They are non-aggressive and very reluctant to bite. If a bite does occur, it is typically compared to a bee sting—causing brief, minor pain, slight redness, or itching that goes away quickly.
Harm to the Environment/Economy:Minimal to None. In fact, they are highly beneficial.
They are excellent natural pest controllers, catching and consuming large numbers of mosquitoes, flies, and agricultural pests.
The only minor "nuisance" they cause is their large, strong webs, which can be inconvenient if built across a garden path or between trees where people walk.

2. Brazilian Wandering Spider

This is the spider that makes headlines and poses a significant risk to human health.
Harm to Humans:
Highly Venomous: Its venom is a potent neurotoxin, and it is considered one of the most venomous spiders in the world.
Bite Effects: A bite is a medical emergency. Symptoms can include:
Immediate, intense pain at the bite site.
Systemic effects: Sweating, rapid heartbeat, high or low blood pressure, nausea, vomiting, and visual disturbances.
A characteristic symptom: In some male victims, it can cause prolonged, painful priapism (erections).
In severe, untreated cases, especially in children, the venom can lead to paralysis and respiratory failure, which can be fatal.
Harm to the Economy/Trade:
Major Nuisance in International Trade: Their tendency to hide in banana bunches causes significant economic disruption.
When found, it can lead to the quarantine of entire shipments, costly pest control measures, and temporary closure of supermarket sections, leading to financial losses.

How to get rid of banana spider florida

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to manage and remove them, starting with the most humane and simplest methods.

Step 1: Prevention & Humane Removal (Recommended)

The goal is to encourage the spider to move elsewhere on its own.
Remove the Web Regularly: This is the most effective method. Use a long stick or broom to sweep away the web. Do this consistently, preferably in the evening or early morning when the spider is often in the center of the web.
Relocate the Spider: If you need it gone immediately and humanely:Wear gloves for your peace of mind.Gently coax the spider into a large jar or container. You can place the container near it and use the lid to gently guide it in.Carry it to a suitable habitat away from your house (a wooded area, a large shrub, etc.) and release it.
 
Make the Area Less Attractive:
Reduce Outdoor Lighting: Bright lights attract the flying insects that the spider eats. Switch to yellow insect-resistant bulbs or move lights away from doorways and windows.
Trim Vegetation: Keep shrubs, trees, and vines trimmed back from your house. This reduces anchor points for their large webs and removes hiding spots.

Step 2: Direct Control (If Necessary)

Use a Hose: A strong blast of water from a garden hose can destroy the web and knock the spider down, encouraging it to move.
Insecticidal Soap/Spray: For a non-persistent, direct-contact option, you can use an insecticidal soap or a standard spider spray. You must spray it directly onto the spider to be effective. This method will kill the spider but has minimal residual effect, making it safer for other insects than long-lasting pesticides.

Step 3: Chemical Pesticides (Generally Not Recommended)

Residual Pesticides: Spraying residual insecticides around your home's perimeter is largely ineffective against orb-weavers. They do not crawl around on treated surfaces; they build webs in the air between objects.
Environmental Impact: Broad pesticide use harms beneficial insects (like bees and other pollinators) that you want in your garden, and it can contaminate the environment.

How to Get Rid of Brazilian Wandering Spiders

Dealing with a Brazilian wandering spider  is a serious matter due to its highly venomous nature. This guide is structured from the safest, most recommended actions to what you can do if professional help is not immediately available.
 
If you suspect you have found a Brazilian wandering spider, especially outside of its native South America (e.g., in a shipment of fruit), follow these steps:

DO NOT Panic or Approach It. They are defensive, not aggressive, and will only bite if they feel threatened.

DO NOT Try to Swat, Squash, or Handle It. This dramatically increases your risk of being bitten.
 
Isolate the Spider Immediately.
 
If it's in a container (like a box of bananas), carefully place the entire container inside a larger sealable plastic bin or a heavy-duty garbage bag and close the lid.

If it's loose in a room, close all doors and windows to contain it in that single area. Place a towel under the door to block the gap.

Recommended Method: Call a Professional

This is the safest and most effective way to handle the situation.
 
Pest Control Professional: Look for a company experienced in dealing with venomous pests. Tell them you suspect you have a Brazilian wandering spider so they come prepared with the right equipment.
 
Local Agricultural or Health Authority: In many countries, finding a regulated pest like this in imported goods must be reported.
 
If the spider was found in a store, immediately notify the store manager. They have protocols for this and will contact the relevant authorities.
 
If You MUST Act Before Help Arrives (Extreme Caution)
Only consider this if the spider is contained and you cannot get professional help for an extended period. Your safety is paramount.
 
What you'll need:
Long, thick gloves
Long sleeves and pants
Closed-toe shoes
A large, clear container or jar with a tight-sealing lid
A stiff piece of cardboard or a magazine
Insecticidal spray labeled for spiders (as a last resort)

Method 1: Capture and Contain (Safer than Killing)

This is preferable because it allows for positive identification by an expert.
Wear protective clothing covering all skin.
Slowly place the clear container over the spider.
Carefully slide the piece of cardboard under the container, trapping the spider inside.
Hold the cardboard firmly against the lid and quickly flip the entire assembly over.
Secure the lid tightly. You can tape it for extra security.
Keep the container in a safe, isolated place until a professional can take it.

Method 2: Using Insecticide (Cruel means)

From a safe distance, spray a direct, sustained stream of insecticide directly onto the spider.
Do not approach until you are sure the spider is dead. Wait several minutes after it has stopped moving.
Crucially, DO NOT dispose of it immediately. Place the dead spider in a sealed bag or jar and preserve it in rubbing alcohol. This is vital for identification and medical purposes if someone was unknowingly bitten.

Method 3: Professional Ultrasonic Spider Repeller(Scientific Method)

If you don't want to kill it, but just want to drive it away, this is the best way.This electronic spider repeller does not use any chemical substances. It will emit the ultrasonic and electromagnetic to repel the unwanted pest out off your home, warehouse, hotel, supermarket, garages, office, etc..
 
 Ultrasonic Spider Repeller emits ultrasonic waves cover your room

❌ What NOT to Do

Do not use a vacuum cleaner. It could injure the spider, causing it to release venom, and it could potentially crawl back out.
Do not attempt to kill it with a broom or shoe. This puts you within striking distance.
Do not assume it's the only one. If you found one in a shipment, inspect the area carefully for more.
If a Bite Occurs
Remain as calm as possible.
Seek emergency medical attention IMMEDIATELY. This is a life-threatening emergency.
If possible, safely take a photo of the spider or carefully collect the body (without getting bitten again) for identification. This helps doctors administer the correct antivenom.
Wash the bite area with soap and water.
Keep the affected limb elevated and immobilized.
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