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If you live in Sarasota and have a pool cage, then yes—“spiders in your pool cage” might as well be your new seasonal bingo square. There’s just something about screened-in lanais that screams five-star spider resort. These eight-legged freeloaders don’t just show up for fun; they’re after the all-you-can-eat bug buffet happening on your screen enclosure.
Before you start burning down your patio furniture, let’s break down who’s squatting in your lanai, which ones could actually hurt you, and what you can do to evict them without turning your outdoor space into a war zone.
Key Takeaways
- Sarasota pool cages attract harmless spiders like spiny orb-weavers and wolf spiders—but widow spiders are the ones to keep your eye on.
- Most spider problems start with one thing: bugs. Reduce the bug party, and the spiders will go elsewhere.
- Regular sweeping, sealing gaps, and trimming shrubs touching your cage are wildly underrated power moves.
- Brown widows are way more common than black widows here, and their spiky egg sacs are a dead giveaway.
- You don’t need to coat your cage in chemicals—natural sprays, pressure washing, and some minor repairs can make a huge difference.
The Spiders That Actually Want to Live in Your Pool Cage
Let’s start with the regulars. These guys are common, sometimes creepy-looking, but mostly harmless.
Spiny Orb-Weavers
These are the colorful little weirdos with crabby-looking, spiked bodies. You’ve probably walked through their webs more than once. They’re tiny, not aggressive, and frankly doing you a favor by trapping flying bugs. Think of them as tiny ceiling snipers with really bad PR.
“Trashline” Orb-Weavers
They make messy webs that look like someone hung dental floss and trash in your cage. Their genius? They build a literal line of debris to blend in. You’ll find them near corners or under beams pretending to be nothing to see here.
House Spiders and Daddy Long-Legs
Two words: cobweb central. They’re in the corners, up high, and hanging out in the dimmest parts of your cage. Harmless. Mostly lazy. No need to panic.
Southern House Spider
Often mistaken for the brown recluse, this guy just wants a dark crevice and a little privacy. It’s not venomous, just misunderstood. The males roam and look way scarier than they are.
Wolf Spiders
Big, hairy, fast—like the SUV of spiders. You’ll see them darting across your pool deck like they’ve got somewhere to be. They don’t spin webs. They just hunt. You squish one and a bunch of baby spiders might explode off her back. You’ve been warned.
Jumping Spiders
These are the hyper little stalkers with bold colors and giant front eyes. They will stare at you, jump at you, and freak you out. They’re all attitude and no danger.
Huntsman Spiders
Oh yes, the “that’s-not-a-spider-it’s-a-damn-tarantula” one. Big, leggy, and lightning fast. Harmless, but they will sprint out from behind your hose reel like they pay rent. They eat roaches, which makes them a little more tolerable. Sort of.
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Request a QuoteBut Wait—Some Spiders Do Come With Baggage
Let’s talk venom. Sarasota isn’t swarming with deadly spiders, but we do have some contenders.
Brown Widow
Not to be dramatic, but if you find a creamy-white egg sac that looks like a sea urchin, congratulations—you’ve got brown widows. They’re more common than black widows in Sarasota and like to hide under railings, around patio furniture, and anywhere shady. Their venom is legit, but bites are rare. These gals are introverts.
Black Widow
You’ll know her when you see her: shiny, black, and rocking a red hourglass on her belly. She’s a little less common in Sarasota, but still shows up occasionally under eaves or in those hard-to-reach cage corners. Keep kids and curious pets away. And maybe…just don’t mess.
Brown Recluse (Spoiler: Probably Not)
Everybody thinks they’ve seen one, but unless you shipped your pool cage from Oklahoma, you’re probably looking at a southern house spider. Real recluses are super rare in Florida and don’t love outdoor spaces like pool cages anyway.
Want the Spiders to Move Out? Here’s Your Strategy
Sweep Like Your Sanity Depends On It
Got webs? Knock ’em down—fast and often. Don’t let spiders feel comfy. Get a long broom or duster and treat the cage like you’re doing spring cleaning on loop.
Pressure Wash the Drama Away
Every so often, blast that cage like it insulted your mom. It knocks out webs, egg sacs, and gives you a fresh start.
Get the Bugs Out = Fewer Spiders
Spiders show up for dinner. If your cage is packed with mosquitoes and moths, it’s a buffet. Treat the yard and the pool area for bugs and the spider population plummets.
Trim Your Shrubs
Plants touching your cage? That’s a superhighway into your screened haven. Cut them back, especially any that touch the top of the cage or crawl up the sides.
Seal the Cracks
Check the base, corners, door sweeps, and screens. Spiders (and their prey) find those gaps before you do. Fill ’em, tape ’em, patch ’em. Less access means fewer uninvited guests.
Essential Oils and Natural Sprays
Peppermint, citrus, vinegar—spiders are not fans. Mix it up in a spray bottle and mist doorways, corners, and beams. Bonus: your cage smells like a spa.
Diatomaceous Earth
This natural powder messes with bugs and spiders alike. Sprinkle a light layer around the base and in corners. It sticks to their bodies and wrecks their whole day.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why are spiders obsessed with my pool cage?
It’s dry, it’s got a roof, and there are bugs for days. For spiders, your pool cage is a penthouse suite.
Are the spiders dangerous?
Most aren’t. Spiny orb-weavers, wolf spiders, jumping spiders—harmless. Watch out for widows, though. They’re not aggressive, but their bites pack a punch.
How do I know if I have brown widows?
Look for round, spiky egg sacs under patio furniture, rails, or in the corners of your cage. Also, they tend to chill out near the doorframes and bottom screen edges.
What’s the best way to get rid of them without pesticides?
Web sweeping, trimming plants, essential oils, and pressure washing. Combine all four and you’re practically a spider-bouncer.
Do spiders help with other bugs?
Yes! Most of them eat mosquitoes, gnats, flies, even roaches. They’re nature’s tiny exterminators…until they get too cozy.
Should I call in a pro?
If you’re seeing venomous spiders or you’re constantly sweeping and they keep coming back, yes. Especially if you’re not into the DIY life or want someone else to handle the egg sacs from hell.
