Garden Spider
Predator
Garden spiders are patient predators that catch flying insects in their webs, making them useful companions in flower borders, hedges and sheds. The common garden spider is widespread and harmless to people. By taking a share of flies, midges and other small insects, spiders help maintain a lively, balanced garden ecosystem.
How to identify it
A female garden spider is commonly 10-18 mm long, while males are smaller, around 5-13 mm. It is often orange-brown, grey or yellowish, with a pale cross-shaped pattern on its rounded abdomen and banded legs. Adults build circular orb webs, often renewed regularly. Egg sacs contain many young spiderlings, which hatch and disperse. Spiderlings are tiny versions of adults and grow by shedding their outer skin several times.
How it helps your garden
Garden spiders catch flies, midges, mosquitoes, small moths and other insects that blunder into their webs. They do not distinguish pests perfectly, but their predation contributes to natural balance without chemicals. Webs near doors, fruit cages and flowering borders can intercept many flying insects, while also providing food for birds and other wildlife later in the season.
How to attract it
Leave some structural variety: shrubs, tall stems, fences, trellis, grasses and rough corners give spiders places to anchor webs. Avoid sweeping away every web, especially in quiet parts of the garden. Keep log piles, leaf litter and dense planting for overwintering shelter. Grow diverse single flowers, including RHS Plants for Pollinators, and avoid pesticides that reduce insect prey or harm spiders directly.
Tips
If a web is inconvenient, move it gently with a twig rather than destroying it repeatedly. Garden spiders are not aggressive and should be observed, not handled. Leave egg sacs and sheltered stems through winter so young spiders can emerge when spring insects return.
Garden Spider: frequently asked questions
How does garden spider help the garden?
Garden spiders catch flies, midges, mosquitoes, small moths and other insects that blunder into their webs.
How do I attract garden spider to my garden?
Leave some structural variety: shrubs, tall stems, fences, trellis, grasses and rough corners give spiders places to anchor webs.
How do I identify garden spider?
A female garden spider is commonly 10-18 mm long, while males are smaller, around 5-13 mm.
General guidance for encouraging wildlife in UK gardens. Page updated 19 Sep 2026.