Survival of Spiders in a Vacuum Cleaner: An Unlikely Journey
When spiders find themselves sucked up into a vacuum cleaner, their chances of survival can be incredibly slim. This article delves into the factors that influence spider survival, from the mechanics of the vacuum to the environment created within the cleaning device.
Factors Affecting Spider Survival
Spiders can encounter various fates within a vacuum cleaner depending on the type of suction and the size of the vacuum. The bottom of a vacuum cleaner, with its firm brushes and small gaps, poses a significant threat to large spiders. As the vacuum moves over the spider's body, it is essentially crushed, leading to a swift and tragic end for the spider.
The Bottom of the Vacuum Cleaner
Instant Death
When a large spider is vacuumed using the bottom suction, it often results in immediate death. The narrow gap under the vacuum and the pressure applied by the brushes combine to crush the spider's body. As the vacuum moves over the spider, the brushes scrape away what remains of the insect, leaving little to no trace of its former self.
The Hose of the Vacuum Cleaner
Survival Chances
When using the hose of a vacuum cleaner, spiders have a slightly higher chance of survival. However, the journey through the hose is fraught with peril. The spider may crash into the walls of the tube, experiencing impacts severe enough to damage its internal organs. Even if the spider manages to navigate the tube, the journey to the vacuum bag often ends with impact against the bag's walls or being struck by high-speed dust particles. These can be akin to bullets on a microscopic scale, further diminishing the spider's chance of survival.
Environmental Challenges
The vacuum bag itself presents additional challenges. Spiders will likely dehydrate or suffocate in this foreign environment. It can take a considerable amount of time for either process to fully eliminate the spider, potentially surprising the unsuspecting owner when cleaning out the vacuum bag.
Survivor Stories: Stink Bugs and Spiders
The stubbility of spiders in a vacuum cleaner is often highlighted by experiences with other insects, such as stink bugs. Stink bugs, known for their resilience, can potentially survive longer within a vacuum cleaner. However, without proper treatment (such as spraying the vacuum with insecticide), these insects can continue to pose a nuisance.
Stink Bugs in Vacuum Cleaners
Brief Introduction
Stink bugs are known for their ability to withstand harsh conditions, even within the confines of a vacuum cleaner. While spiders may not share the same level of resilience, tens of thousands of stink bugs can be vacuumed up in a single session without much issue. Despite this, the vacuum cleaner remains an effective tool for removing these persistent pests.
Comparing Spiders and Stink Bugs
Survival Mechanisms
Spiders and stink bugs face similar environmental challenges within a vacuum cleaner. Both can find themselves caught in a confined space where dehydration or suffocation are prominent risks. However, stink bugs have been observed to survive for extended periods within vacuum cleaners due to their hard exoskeletons and ability to withstand physical impacts.
Predation
Interestingly, neither spiders nor stink bugs have many natural predators within vacuum cleaners. One notable exception is a specific species of bird that preys on stink bugs. However, the vast majority of creatures are incapable of surviving in this environment, making the vacuum cleaner an unlikely sanctuary for most insects.
Conclusion
The journey of a spider through a vacuum cleaner is a testament to the brute force nature of these cleaning devices. From the crushing power of the bottom suction to the high-speed impacts within the hose, spiders face numerous challenges that often prevent their survival. While some may survive briefly, the vacuum cleaner is typically a deadly environment for these arachnids. Prospective users should be mindful of this fact, especially when dealing with larger or more resilient insects like stink bugs.