How many spiders do I swallow?

You've probably heard the claim that the average person swallows eight spiders a year while sleeping. But is it true? How many spiders do you actually eat in your sleep? Do people swallow insects at night without realizing it? And if so, how many spiders do you eat a year? Let's break down this urban myth and separate fact from fiction.

Our resident doctor of entomology and author of Ask the Bug Doc, Nancy Troyano, will help you sort through some of the misinformation out there in this edition of “Mythbusters.”

Do you eat spiders in your sleep?

Have you ever wondered how many spiders the average person eats a year? You might have heard this urban legend before, but relax—it's just a myth.

The truth is that most spiders are harmless and much more scared of you than you are of them. They prefer quiet, empty parts of your home. Human noises like snoring, breathing, or even your heartbeat create vibrations that spiders avoid. These sounds signal danger to a spider, keeping them far away from you.

Plus, think about it—most people would immediately wake up if they felt even one spider leg on their face. And if you're awake, it's very unlikely that you'd swallow a spider by mistake.

So, whether you have arachnophobia or not, rest easy knowing that swallowing spiders in your sleep is one worry you can forget. 

How many spiders do you eat in a lifetime?

Unless spiders are a part of your diet during the daytime, like they are for some cultures, the answer to the question ‘How many spiders do you eat in a lifetime?’ is highly likely to be zero!

If you’re worried about spiders in your home, call our spider control experts at Western Exterminator pest. Our highly trained technicians can identify both the type of spider in your home and possible entry points. They will also make recommendations to seal these areas to prevent spiders and other pests from seeking shelter in your home.

Check out some more facts about spiders and learn about spider bites and how to prevent them.

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