ARACHNIDS - Spiders
Friend or foe? I found this large spider in my hallway and happily it didn't move as I took it's photo. It stepped onto a long handled duster as I had hoped and I carefully deposited it in the garden. This is where they are useful as they help to get rid of the insects that attack our plants. One exception as far as I am concerned and that is the small red spider that causes havoc in the greenhouse.
I can empathise with anyone who suffers from a spider phobia. A tiny spider in a corner would have me cringing until I had a very simple and unexpected cure. I came across the biggest spider I have ever seen, in Malaya, and this just made me realise how harmless the smaller British spiders are in comparison. Poisonous spiders are more likely to be found in hot countries. British spiders are generally harmless although some can give you a bite.
Spiders are found indoors and outdoors and it is worth having a look at them (if you can bear it). Take a look at this link.
Spiders really get some of us in a panic but there are ways of getting them outdoors. I think the worst is when you find them in the bath or shower especially if you hadn't noticed they were there before you stepped in.
I find one of those fluffy dusters (some are feather) are useful as sometimes you can persuade spiders to climb onto it and then they can be taken outside. Another way, used by someone I know, is to use the vacuum cleaner to suck them up then it is a case of stand back when you empty the bag or wait till you find someone braver to do it.
Last but not least and probably the best, you can buy a special insect remover which consists of a plastic box with a sliding end on it attached to a long pole. Much kinder to use and useful for any unwanted insect.
Note - Please... don't squash them. They are part of our wildlife.
