Their venom is usually only toxic enough to kill small prey. The bite would definitely be painful, but it would not be fatal. The only potentially dangerous spiders we have in California is the Black Widow and the Violin Spider, which have caused some human fatalities. Even then, the lethal bites made up only a small percent of the total. Spiders and other arachnids are regular inhabitants of our gardens.
Spiders are well known for capturing and consuming all types of insects, including many pests.
Besides being important pest controllers, they are fascinating to watch. Walk into your garden at daybreak and look at the orbweaver s web glistening like diamonds with the clinging morning dew. During your afternoon weeding session, marvel at the alert jumping spider who is watching you as attentively as you are watching him. While picking your bouquets, observe how well the Crab Spider camouflages itself on your daisies, or how the Green Lynx Spider seems to become one with the leaves. Imagine what your garden would be like without these useful friends.