Orb Weaver Spider
Large orb-weaving spiders that build the classic circular spoke-wheel webs. Harmless to humans and extremely effective at catching flying insects, including many pest species.
Why you want them
Orb weavers are among the most visible garden spiders and among the most productive insect catchers. A single spider can remove dozens of insects from the garden each day, including whitefly, leafhoppers, small moths, and gnats. They rebuild their webs nightly and are active throughout late summer when flying pest pressure is highest. Their presence is a reliable indicator of a healthy, diverse garden ecosystem.
Helps control
How to attract them
- Dense shrubs
- Long grass
- Fennel and umbellifers
- Structural plant supports
Preferred habitat
Between plant stems, shrubs, and fences where flying insects pass. They prefer open sunny spots with anchoring points for web construction and rebuild webs each night.
What harms them
Insecticide use, removal of garden structure that provides web anchoring points, and overly frequent garden tidying.
Things to know
Orb weavers are entirely harmless to humans. They bite only if firmly pressed against skin - and even then the effect is no more than a mild sting. Webs are easily moved if needed; the spider will rebuild.
Related pest guides
Garden, by Willowbottom works with nature, not against it. Support your garden allies and they will do most of the hard work for you.