SPECIMEN: ARANEAE (MULTIPLE FAMILIES)

Species Profile

Spiders

Araneae (multiple families)

Threat Level: Moderate (3/5)Eco Impact Rating: 5/5

order

Araneae

family

Multiple

lifespan

1–3 years

colony

Solitary

The Western Cape is home to several medically significant spider species. The brown button spider (Latrodectus geometricus) and the black button spider (Latrodectus indistinctus) are neurotoxic and considered medically important. The sac spider (Cheiracanthium species) is responsible for the majority of spider bites in South Africa. The baboon spider (Harpactirinae) is large but generally non-lethal.

Biology & Behaviour

Most spiders are beneficial predators that control insect populations. Medically significant species are cryptic — hiding in shoes, garden gloves, wood piles and dry plant material. Button spiders construct irregular, funnel-shaped webs close to the ground. Females are significantly more venomous than males. Latrodectus venom contains alpha-latrotoxin, causing severe pain, muscle cramps and systemic effects.

Signs of Infestation

Infestation Indicators

Irregular, tangled webs in corners, under furniture or in garden structures

Egg sacs (round, silken balls) attached to webs or surfaces

Button spider webs with funnel entrance near ground level

Shed exoskeletons near web sites

Spider sightings, particularly in dark, undisturbed areas

Clinical Organicism Protocol

Remediation Protocol

The Eco Pestelence 4-phase intervention methodology, calibrated specifically for spiders.

Phase 01

Detection

Systematic inspection of all known button spider microhabitats — rockeries, wood piles, compost bins, garden walls and outbuildings. Mapping of all active web sites and egg sac locations.

Phase 02

Isolation

Safe removal and off-site disposal of all egg sacs from medically significant species. Garden clearance advisory — removal of debris harborage sites. Footwear and garden glove safety protocol issued.

Phase 03

Neutralization

Physical web and egg sac removal throughout the property. Residual pyrethrin treatment applied to confirmed harborage zones and building perimeter. Targeted application only — no broadcast treatment to preserve beneficial spider populations.

10-Day Elimination Programme

The initial treatment eliminates active pests while eggs continue hatching over the following days — newly hatched pests contact the residual treatment, progressively clearing the infestation within ~10 days.

Phase 04

Shielding

Quarterly perimeter treatment for high-risk properties. Web monitoring during seasonal peaks (summer). Garden design consultation to reduce ideal button spider habitat near human activity zones.

Eco Commitment

The vast majority of spider species are beneficial. Our protocol targets only medically significant species, actively preserving the broader spider community as part of natural pest control in the garden ecosystem.

Concerned about spiders? Request a professional assessment.

Request Spiders Assessment Back to Encyclopedia