Itsy Bitsy Spiders & Other Local Creepy Crawlies

If you're like me, when you PCS'd here you've found lots of little critters running around in/outside of your home. Since my son has no fear of anything creepy and crawly I decided to try and identify some of the most common ones we see in our home (We live in Hallasan Tower). The good news, it looks like all of them are more or less just scary looking.

Tent Caterpillars:

In the spring, the caterpillars took over the playgrounds (and our balcony). There was a lot of confusion and worry among the kids and parents over whether they were "stinging" caterpillars or not.

From what I've been able to find, these are a version of Tent Caterpillars. You can read about them here .

In general, the following seems to be a good rule of thumb that I found in a few different places:

"Many species of caterpillars are variously armed or clothed with setae and spines; however, only a relative few actually possess venomous or urticating structures. Thus, there are "stingers" and harmless "look-a-likes", and distinguishing one from the other solely on appearance is difficult. Determining which is which by "hands-on" personal bio-assay is foolproof but could be foolhardy and painful."

However, my husband, 2 year old, and I all handled these things all summer (even without washing our hands after wards) and never had any adverse reactions to them. So, I personally believe our Osan Tent Caterpillars are harmless. It did make our dog sick when she ate one though.

Earwigs:

I've found several Earwigs (they look like beetles with pinchers on their butts) in the house and unfortunately they meet an untimely death when we cross paths. Here is some general information and pictures.

"Earwigs are considered harmless to people, though they may emit a foul smelling liquid when disturbed. Larger earwigs might use their abdominal "pincers" to "bite" someone, but no venom is present. Though potentially unpleasant and perhaps disconcerting, no harm is done. Because earwigs hide during the day in dark places, they often get transported along with the object they hide in, and are easily overlooked. Most of our species are introduced, and new ones are constantly being introduced."

Seed Bugs:

Seed bugs are the bugs that look like stink bugs. A kind of slim body with triangle head. Here is a picture of a similar one.

"These bugs do not bite, sting, feed, carry diseases or otherwise cause harm to people, pets, the house or its contents. They cannot reproduce inside the house, as egg laying and development are restricted to the host plants during the summer months. They will, however, give off a pungent odor if you handle them, which is part of the insect's defensive strategy. They also may make a buzzing sound when flying."

We have personally squished these and they do stink when squished.

House Centipede:

These are by far I think the scariest looking. I can't stand to even get close enough for a shoe stomping. Here is a picture.

"Indoors they are likely to be found at all times of the year provided they have warmth and available prey. To the North they will only be found outside during Summer. Predatory on other arthropods, including cockroach nymphs, flies, moths, bedbugs, crickets, silverfish, earwigs, and small spiders. In short, they'll eat many things you'd probably much rather not have in your home. Consider these beneficial in your home, since they rid you of other pests.House centipedes are aggressive predators to things their own size but are not considered dangerous to humans. Their small jaws (actually modified front legs) cannot easily pierce human skin. In the rare event you were bitten, pain and swelling may result, but it would probably be no worse than a bee sting."

Golden Orb Weaver Spiders:

You know those big nasty green spiders hanging all over the place that seem to get bigger and bigger as the summer goes on? They seem to be a kind of Orb spider (named because of the types of webs they make) and, while they will bite if provoked, they aren't dangerous to you or your dogs.

For great info and pictures go to whatsthatbug.com or bugguide.net

Lauren, Guest Blogger