Spiders can control stored-grain pests, bedbugs, cotton worms and pea aphids, to name a few. All arachnids have exoskeletons like insects, but they have no antennae or wings. The following illustration shows a typical spider, next to a typical insect. Most spiders have 8 eyes. The pincher-like mouthparts are modified into hollow fangs which inject venom into prey.
Prey consists of insects, mites and other small arthropods.
Females are usually larger than males. Males often leave their webs at mating time and these males may wander into our homes. Females either lay eggs in the web or carry them in a sac on their bodies. Most spiders live 1 or 2 years. While developing into adults, spiders molt from 4 to 12 times.