Edmond Man Collects Spiders For Medical Research, Teaches Community About Their Benefits

Spiders may startle people, but one Edmond man said people should not kill them. That's because he will come and take care of the problem.  

His life's mission is to save spiders for a greater purpose. Edmond resident Nick Krueger said spiders are important to the environment and science. 

He sends the spiders he collects to researchers worldwide to help solve problems. Inside Krueger’s home, people would discover a whole new world.  

“There’s always something new to learn,” said Krueger, inside his “spider room. "Most people hear that you do that, and they say, ‘What? Why?’” 

He uses the words “weird and enthusiastic” to describe his hobby, but Krueger loves being unique. 

"It’s fun to be weird,” Krueger said. “Being normal is boring.” 

Krueger turned some people’s nightmares into an educational opportunity. He helped form an online community dedicated to spider education. 

“You really have an ambition to share that with people,” Krueger said. 

Krueger collects spiders like the black widow from people’s homes and sends them to medical researchers around the world. 

“If it helps one person in any way that would mean the world to me,” Krueger said. 

Krueger hopes to cure people’s flawed opinions of these eight-legged creatures. He said when people discover the facts – they’re left with less fear and more appreciation for the nature around them.  

“I just want people to know spiders aren’t out to kill you,” Krueger said. “That’s the most important thing you could ever learn is just be kind to animals.” 

Krueger’s online Facebook page has helped educate thousands of people about spiders. He said he enjoys teaching people about the important things spiders bring to the environment. Krueger teaches at several local libraries and schools to help kids learn more about spiders.