Q. I read on Facebook that fake spiderweb decorations can kill birds and even some insects. Is that true?
The white stringy material that we stretch across windows, trees, Halloween decorations and other objects can be dangerous for a variety of wildlife, including birds and insects. Wildlife can become entangled in fake spiderwebs and once entangled may not be strong enough to break free. Sometimes they remain entangled until they are rescued, sometimes they become prey and sometimes they are found too late.
Wildlife rehabilitators report taking in animals entangled in fake spider webs. How often animals become entangled I’m not sure, but a quick internet search shows it does happen.
If you love the look of incorporating fake spiderwebs in your Halloween decorating, use them to decorate the inside of your windows and doors (just be mindful of your cats and other indoor pets). If your outside decorating just isn’t complete without fake spiderwebs, use sparingly and leave up for a short period of time, checking the webbing a couple of times each day. You’ll be helping your local wildlife and may be able to re-use it!
