Orb Weaver Spiders
Golden Silk Orb Weaver Profile
| Feature | Details |
| Scientific Name | Trichonephila clavipes |
| Size | Females: Up to 3 inches (body) |
| Other Names | Banana Spider, Calico Spider, Writing Spider |
Key Identification
In Florida, these are among the largest and most visually striking spiders you will encounter.
- The “Golden” Silk: Their webs are not white; they have a distinct yellowish-gold tint. This silk is incredibly strong and is designed to catch large insects (and even the occasional small bird).
- Physical Appearance: Females have long, cylindrical bodies that are olive-green to orange with white spots. Their legs have “tufts” of dark hair at the joints, looking like tiny leg warmers.
- The Web: These spiders build massive, semi-permanent webs that can span several feet across. You’ll often find them suspended between trees or attached to the eaves of Florida homes.
- The “Tiny” Male: You may see a much smaller, brown spider in the web. This is the male, waiting for an opportunity to mate without being eaten.
About the “Banana Spider”
The Golden Silk Orb Weaver is a Florida icon. While their size is terrifying to many, they are remarkably docile. They are not aggressive and will usually retreat to the edge of their web if disturbed.
They are highly beneficial to Florida homeowners because they act as natural pest control, catching flies, mosquitoes, beetles, and even large grasshoppers. However, because they love to build webs across walkways and pool enclosures, they can become a major nuisance for people trying to enjoy their backyards. If your lanai needs to be free of spiders, you can depend on our Advanced Spider Control!
How to Manage
Because these spiders are beneficial, we recommend a “Live and Let Live” or “Relocation” approach unless they are in a high-traffic area.
- Web Removal (De-webbing): Using a specialized extendable brush, we can remove the webs from your pool cage, eaves, and entryway.
- Exterior Power Dusting: We apply a repellent dust to the corners of pool cages and lanais.
- Vegetation Management: In Florida, these spiders use tall shrubs and overhanging branches as “anchors” for their webs. Trimming back foliage at least 3 feet from your home significantly reduces the chances of a web appearing on your porch.
- Lighting Adjustments: Like many Florida pests, the insects these spiders eat are attracted to white light. Switching to yellow “bug lights” reduces the food supply, encouraging the spiders to hunt elsewhere.
Frequently Asked Questions About Banana Spiders in Florida
Are Golden Silk Orb Weavers venomous?
Like almost all spiders, they have venom, but it is not considered dangerous to humans. A bite is rare and typically only happens if the spider is squeezed. The sensation is similar to a localized bee sting—redness and slight swelling that fades quickly.
Why is their web yellow?
Scientists believe the yellow pigment serves two purposes: it makes the web harder for insects to see against the Florida sun, and it may actually attract certain bees and flies that are drawn to the color yellow.
Why do they keep building webs on my pool cage?
Your pool cage is the perfect structural frame for a giant web. It’s sturdy and usually near outdoor lighting that attracts a “buffet” of insects at night.
Our Orlando Service Locations:
- Orlando
- Clermont
- Apopka
- Windermere
- St. Cloud
- Winter Garden
- Lake Buena Vista
- Kissimmee
- Sanford
- Davenport
- Oakland
- Minneola
- Lake Nona
- Ocoee
- Longwood
- Lake Mary
- Oviedo
- Winter Park
- Altamonte Springs
Our Southwest, FL Service Locations:
- Fort Myers
- Cape Coral
- Naples
- Babcock Ranch
- Lehigh Acres
- Ave Maria
- Estero
- Bonita Springs
- Marco Island
- Sanibel Island
