Spiders are feared by many people, and on occasion, the phobia can be justified. If you live in a region where you can be bitten by the wrong spider—such as a black widow or a brown recluse—a very painful bite or visit to the hospital is a distinct possibility. And yes, there have even been some deaths associated with spiders
In the vast majority of cases, though, a spider is not only a harmless creature but usually helpful. Before killing a spider in the garage, it might be worth looking at its web and counting the number of trapped houseflies found there. Most spiders spend their lives trapping and eating insects, and every bug consumed is one you won’t have to swat or spray. Spiders are especially beloved by many gardeners since they are carnivores that feast on many insects harmful to garden plants.
Still, a cobweb dangling in your face or a large hairy spider crawling up through the bathtub drain is nobody’s idea of fun, so it’s understandable if you want to get rid of spiders when they appear inside the home.