Banana Spiders

How to identify Banana Spiders

People use the name banana spider to describe several spiders commonly found on banana plants. These include the venomous Brazilian wandering spider and a few harmless species from the genus Cupiennius. While it’s possible that either of these pests could travel into Canada by way of banana shipments, the Cupiennius variety is more common.

Many homeowners mistake them for Brazilian wandering spiders, which have similar features and have highly venomous bites. It often takes an expert to tell the two types of spiders apart.

Signs of an infestation

Banana spiders do not make webs, so it may be hard for homeowners to detect them in homes. When traveling on fruit, the pests may be on the outside of bananas or in the bags that contain them.

Banana Spiders Removal

Although there is only a slim chance of finding a Brazilian wandering spider or banana spider in Canada, safety is always the wisest choice. Do not touch or attempt to remove pests on fruit. Contact the pest control specialists at Orkin Canada with any spider-related problems to determine the best course of action.

How to prevent Banana Spiders from invading

Inspect produce in the store before purchase to avoid carrying a banana spider into the house.

Habitat, Diet, and Life Cycle

Habitat

Brazilian wandering spiders live in South and Central America. Sometimes, these spiders make their way into other countries on fruit shipments. However, these pests mostly live in the Amazon, where they see little human contact.

Cupiennius banana spiders are more widespread in Central America. The chances that they will be exported to Canada on banana crops is low, but it can happen. These pests hide during daylight and emerge at dusk. Banana spiders are most active during the first three hours of the night.

Diet

Banana spiders do not use a web to trap its prey. Instead, they wait in trees or bushes until the opportunity to attack arises. Prey includes crickets and other large insects.

Life Cycle/Reproduction

Certain banana spiders communicate using pheromones. Males and females vibrate on leaves to detect each other for mating. Females then make cocoons that encase their eggs. After hatching, spider young start feeding and molt to become adults over about nine months to a year.

Commonly Asked Questions

How worried should I be about Banana Spiders?

Most of the problems caused by banana spiders are due to misidentification. People who think they are dealing with a dangerous species may panic when there is no need.

Do Banana Spiders bite?

Yes. A Cupiennius spider bite feels like a bee string but has no lasting effects. On the other hand, true Brazilian wandering spiders have highly venomous bites that can be fatal.