How to identify and get rid of banana spiders

There are a lot of myths, folklore, and falsehoods that get passed along online. One of those myths is about banana spiders. These notorious spiders hitchhike on your bananas and can’t wait to bite you with their venom.

The problem with this myth is that too many spiders have been called banana spiders. This can range from harmless garden spiders to the dangerous Brazilian wandering spiders in South America. For those of us in the U.S., we have nothing to fear.

Several species of spiders are called banana spiders. Those include golden silk orb weavers and yellow garden spiders. Both of these spiders are yellow and black and spin large webs to catch insects. While they look intimidating, they are beneficial to gardeners and homeowners, as they reduce the pests in and around your home.

These spiders set up shop in sunny spots, although sometimes their large webs can be a bit much if they’re right by your house.

Banana spiders are hard to miss with their vivid yellow and black bodies and sprawling webs. You can spot these spiders by their distinctive, colorful markings and large orb webs that often appear in gardens or near buildings. Their webs are usually built in sunny areas where the light attracts their prey. This could be in your garden, outside buildings, or in sunny windows. They have some similar characteristics to joro spiders.

Some common characteristics of banana spiders:

• Yellow and black markings
• Large webs
• Large body with thin legs

How big are banana spiders?

Banana spiders have a leg span between 1 to 3 inches.

In the U.S., banana spiders are commonly found in the southern states, thriving in warm climates and often spotted around gardens and wooded areas. You’ll find them outside, typically in gardens, on the edges of forests, or around buildings where there is plenty of sunlight and structures to support their large webs.

Banana spiders don’t typically make their way into our homes, but if you want to keep them clear from your house or yard, then the best option is an insect barrier spray. An insect barrier keeps spiders from entering your home or property, and you can spray it inside and around your home for maximum protection. With the Pestie Smart Pest Plan, you’ll get a pro-grade, DIY solution delivered right to your door so you can enjoy a pest-free home year-round.