Human–Spider Entanglements: Understanding and Managing the Good, the Bad, and the Venomous

Abstract

Considering the fear that spiders can generate in humans, examining human-spider interactions in urban settings may at first glance appear odd. However, human-spider interactions, which occur quite frequently in urban settings, do not necessarily have to be negative; they can, in some cases, foster respect and tolerance (sometimes through avoidance). When one considers how global transformations, invasive species, urbanization, and adaptation will impact human-spider interactions, a review of the literature pertaining to these encounters is timely. We begin this discussion by describing spiders and providing an overview of some of their positive and negative impacts. Challenges regarding species identification and envenoming are also discussed. After the role of biological, psychological, and social aspects in human-spider interactions are re-examined, we provide future options aimed at organizing broad-scale public programs for five specific target groups: 1) the general public, 2) health professionals, 3) educators, 4) naturalists, and 5) researchers. In the conclusion, we provide potential management and educational strategies aimed at increasing our knowledge and tolerance of these animals in urban settings.

Media framing of spiders may exacerbate arachnophobic sentiments

“…Spiders are iconic examples of animals that can bring about strong emotional reactions in humans (Hauke & Herzig, 2017; Lemelin & Yen, 2015; Mammola, Michalik, Hebets, & Isaia, 2017; Michalski & Michalski, 2010), leading to a distorted perception of risk, especially when referring to spider bites. While <0.5% of spider species are capable of causing severe envenomation in humans (Hauke & Herzig, 2017), and no proven fatality due to spider bites have occurred in the past few decades (Nentwig, Gnädinger, Fuchs, & Ceschi, 2013; Nentwig & Kuhn‐Nentwig, 2013; Stuber & Nentwig, 2016), the perception of the risk associated with spider bites remains skewed towards the potential harm spiders can cause in humans (Hauke & Herzig, 2017).…”

“…Indeed, even though human–spider encounters are frequent events because spiders are omnipresent in all terrestrial ecosystems (Turnbull, 1973), including indoor environments (Bertone et al., 2016), the objective risk of being bitten by a harmful spider is minimal in most areas of the world (Diaz & Leblanc, 2007). These considerations raise the questions of why such a skewed perception of risk persists in modern societies (Lemelin & Yen, 2015).…”