You’ve probably heard the chilling rumor that people swallow up to eight spiders each year while they sleep. It’s one of those creepy myths that can send shivers down your spine, making you wonder if spiders are secretly crawling all over you as you sleep soundly. But is there any truth to this? Fortunately, the answer is a resounding no!
Let’s debunk this myth once and for all and help you understand why you don’t need to fear spiders sneaking into your mouth in the middle of the night.
Spiders Aren’t Interested in You
First and foremost, spiders are not interested in humans. Contrary to what some horror stories might suggest, they don’t actively seek us out as prey. In fact, most spiders in North America, including those you might encounter in your Sacramento home, prefer dark, quiet places and try to stay far away from humans.
Spiders are more likely to be found quietly tending to their webs or hunting for insects that live in areas with less human activity. They’re not trying to crawl into your bed or invade your space. So, the idea that a spider would make its way onto your face or into your mouth while you sleep is highly unlikely.
Vibrations Are Their Warning Signal
Spiders are highly sensitive to vibrations, which play a big role in their survival. When you’re sleeping, your body produces vibrations from things like your breathing, heartbeat, and snoring. These vibrations signal to spiders that there’s a much larger creature nearby—one that might not be so friendly.
Spiders, in fact, find these vibrations to be quite alarming and will typically avoid them. If you’re snoring or breathing heavily, the chances of a spider crawling across your body are practically nonexistent. If they do encounter such vibrations, they’ll instinctively retreat to safer areas, far away from your resting body.
The Myth of Swallowed Spiders in Your Sleep
Now, what about the claim that we swallow eight spiders a year in our sleep? This statistic has been debunked many times by arachnid experts, including Rod Crawford, the arachnid curator at the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture in Seattle. While there may be rare instances where a spider happens to crawl into someone’s mouth, this is an exceedingly rare and random event—not something that happens regularly. Most people who claim to have swallowed a spider don’t even have any evidence to support their story. So, rest easy knowing this myth doesn’t have any real legs to stand on.
What You Might Actually Be Dealing With
If you wake up in the morning with a bite mark or a swollen bump, it’s likely not from a spider. In fact, bed bugs, fleas, ants, or other insects are far more likely to be the culprits. These pests are much more inclined to bite humans while we sleep, especially when they find themselves in a warm bed. So, while the idea of a spider bite might sound scary, it’s much more probable that another insect is to blame.
Keeping Your Sacramento Home Spider-Free
If you're still concerned about spiders in your home, don’t worry! There are simple steps you can take to keep your living space spider-free. Regular cleaning, sealing cracks and gaps in your walls, and reducing clutter around your home will help discourage spiders from making your house their home.
For homeowners in Sacramento, if you’re dealing with a spider problem or want to take preventative measures, reach out to local pest control experts like us here at Zap Termite & Pest Control. We specialize in safe, effective treatments to keep your home free from unwanted pests, including spiders.
Closing Thoughts
The idea that we swallow eight spiders a year in our sleep is just a myth. Spiders don’t have any particular interest in humans, and they avoid us for the most part. The vibrations your body makes while sleeping are their warning signals, not an invitation. So, if you’re in Sacramento and worried about spiders or other pests, rest assured—your bed is much safer than you might think!
For more information or to schedule a spider control service, contact us today. We’re here to help keep your home safe and comfortable year-round!
