The consequences will be dire: Why you should avoid exterminating spiders in your home
If you're afraid of insects and reach for a shoe or rag to exterminate a spider in your home, you'd better think twice before taking that fatal step. Although arachnophobia, or the fear of spiders, is a common affliction, there are compelling reasons to coexist with these eight-legged creatures, especially for people of faith.
In Ukraine, where spiders are ubiquitous, it is important to note that the vast majority of spider species found in homes are completely harmless. It is only in the southern regions that potentially dangerous spider species can be found in the summer months. In most other regions and at other times of the year, spiders living in homes are completely harmless. Fighting arachnophobia can be difficult, but the consequences of exterminating these arachnids may surprise you.
The ecological perspective
First of all, let's look at the ecological perspective. Spiders are integral components of the natural food chain. They feed on a variety of common household pests, including mosquitoes, ants, gnats, and woodlice. By settling a spider in your home, you are essentially bringing in a free and natural pest control agent. A house spider helps to keep harmful insects at bay, reducing the need for chemical pesticides and making your life more environmentally friendly.
Esoteric value
Secondly, from the esoteric point of view, spiders have been symbols of good luck and wisdom in various cultures throughout human history. The spider itself is often associated with wisdom and longevity, and its tangled web is seen as a protective barrier against misfortune and negative energies. It is believed that cobwebs in the house intercept negative energy from the outside world, preventing it from entering the living space.
The legend of protection
One of the most intriguing legends associated with spiders is related to Mary and Joseph, who, together with the baby Jesus, tried to hide from the soldiers of King Herod. When the soldiers approached, the family hid under a bush covered with spider webs. It was this skillful natural camouflage that saved them from detection and subsequently from harm. This legend emphasizes the protective properties attributed to spiders.
Beliefs that prohibit killing spiders
For many believers, especially in Christian traditions, killing a spider is perceived as a grave act fraught with serious consequences. It is believed that taking the life of a spider can lead to the accumulation of terrible sins for which a person must repent for the rest of his or her life. It is believed that such an act repels good luck, prosperity, and personal happiness, causing poverty, disease, and eternal sadness. Even more sinister is the killing of a small spider, which can "attract" bad luck to children.
