Home / Lifestyle / Cranberry Growers Debunk Viral Myths About Spiders in the Bog
Cranberry Growers Debunk Viral Myths About Spiders in the Bog
5 Nov
Summary
- Cranberry farms face social media rumors about spiders overrunning the bogs
- Farmers say spider populations are normal, not a "biblical plague"
- Cranberries are a misunderstood crop, with many misconceptions about how they grow
As the 2025 cranberry harvest season approaches, cranberry producers in the United States are once again facing a wave of viral social media rumors about their crops being overrun by spiders. Over the past few years, videos and posts claiming that cranberry bogs are home to "thousands of spiders" have been circulating online, with some even alleging that potential farmhands are screened for arachnophobia.
However, cranberry farmers say these claims are largely fabricated or exaggerated. John Stauner, who runs a cranberry farm in Wisconsin, acknowledges that spider populations do rise in the fall, but insists there is no "biblical plague" of arachnids. Amber Schultz, a fifth-generation cranberry grower in Wisconsin, echoes this sentiment, stating that while spiders, along with other insects, are present in the bogs, "there are not monsters living out here."
The issue, according to the farmers, stems from the general public's lack of understanding about cranberry cultivation. Unlike popular belief, cranberries do not actually grow in water year-round, but rather in sandy beds that are flooded during the harvest season. This unique growing process, combined with the relative obscurity of cranberry farms compared to other agricultural operations, has led to a proliferation of misinformation.
As they work to combat these viral rumors, cranberry producers are also hoping to educate the public about the true nature of their crop and the farming practices involved. Schultz, who runs a social media account called "Cranberry Chats," says her focus has shifted from debunking the myth that cranberries grow in water to addressing the spider-related falsehoods. Stauner, meanwhile, is proud to showcase the environmental stewardship practices on his farm, such as using native nematodes to control pests.
Despite the challenges posed by the social media frenzy, the cranberry industry remains resilient, with many multigenerational farms continuing to thrive. As the 2025 harvest season approaches, these farmers are determined to set the record straight and share the true story of America's beloved holiday fruit.
