Spiders use a wide range of strategies to capture prey. Some species trap it in sticky webs, lassoing it with sticky bolas, mimicking the prey to avoid detection, or run it down. Most spiders detect their approaching prey by sensing vibrations, however the active hunters of the species have acute vision, and some hunters show signs of intelligence in their choice of tactics; and their ability to develop new ones.
This natural exterminator most often utilizes a sticky web, to capture its prey. Varying the placement of webs, allows different species of spider to trap different insects; in the same area. Although web-building spiders generally have poor vision, they are extremely sensitive to vibrations. On the other hand, Wolf spiders, Jumping spiders and some Crab spiders, capture prey by ambushing or chasing it, and rely mainly on their vision; to locate suitable prey.
In some spider species, males and females mimic different ant species. Ant-mimicking spiders will modify their behavior, to resemble that of the target species of ant. For example, some spiders may adopt a zig-zag pattern of movement, avoid jumping or imitate the behavior of a dying ant; to attract worker ants. Furthermore, several ant-mimicking spiders will prey on unwanted ant pests, as well as the ants' livestock, such as aphids; another common garden pest problem.
The trouble with this approach, is that many people fear spiders, far more than the pest they are trying to eliminate. As such, spiders are rarely seen as a provider of effective pest control services, in homes and gardens.
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