With more than thirty-five thousand species of spiders worldwide, spiders are easily mistaken and difficult for some to identify. Spiders have a total of eight legs, 6-8 simple eyes, two jaws (one of which contains a poison fang), and lacks any antennae or wings. About a week after mating, the smaller female spider can easily lay up to 100 eggs or more in a tiny silky sack. Most spiders have a life span of one to two years. After paralyzing their prey with a poisonous venom, spiders then eject a dissolving agent into their victims to and consume the liquid within their prey. Being nocturnal, spiders avoid daylight and will hide if disturbed.
Given the fact that most spiders are harmless, extermination is only recommended if harmful spiders are within the vicinity of humans. Another reason to exterminate would be if the webs become a nuisance. If residing outdoors, spiders prove to be very helpful as they provide natural pest control against many common insects. Dangerous spiders in North America include the black widow, hobo, and brown recluse. A bite from one of these spiders can be painful and will actually damage skin tissue.