Spring Gardens and (EEK!!) Spiders
By Erica Campbell on March 28, 2012, 8:55pm
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I love to garden. I find it very relaxing to dig in the dirt and plant my flowers and vegetables, and then watch as they bloom and grow. As much as I love to garden however, I still scream when I see a large spider outside on the patio or inside, sitting in my house…usually in the bath tub.
Now I am sure we have all encountered the large spiders (or even small ones) and we could swear the spider is looking at us like we are its next meal. Sometimes, the more we look at it, the larger it becomes (and might even develop fangs) until we are running away from it in terror. However, spiders are very helpful and necessary to our environment. Some countries even raise spiders to collect the silk from the webs they spin.
Disliking spiders is very common, and the “eek” factor has been exploited by many a movie (such as: Arachnophobia) and books (as with author Stephen King). Spiders don’t have the cuddly, warm features as many other animals do and you can’t really snuggle with a spider. Even ladybugs are turned into cute little insects, but never the spider. Actually, the only time I have ever read about or seen a spider in a role that was positive, was in the novel Charlotte's Web.
But, let’s all relax. Spiders really don’t want to eat us or attack us in any way. They just like to hang out in places that humans also like (maybe spiders are just really social creatures and like the company). In reality, spiders are incredibly beneficial to us. Just don’t call them insects, because they aren’t. Spiders have eight legs, which makes them arachnids.
Many garden spiders are very busy making beautiful webs, made even more beautiful when covered in the morning dew, reflecting in the sunlight. These webs catch very annoying insects, such as gnats, mosquitoes and flies. In fact, a larger population of spiders around your house will mean you will have fewer pests to bother you. Without spiders, we would be overrun with those pests. YUCK!!!
Granted, there are some spiders that you should avoid, such as the Black Widow and the Brown Recluse (who will bite you and are dangerous). But for the most part, spiders just go about their business and don’t want to be bothered.
Here are a few tips to avoid an unpleasant encounter with a spider:
Know where spiders live. Spiders love piles of leaves, wood and junk. Attics, garages and basements are also favorites of the spider.
Wear protective clothing. When working in the garden or other outdoor areas, cover hands with gloves and wear long sleeves and long pants (if possible) to cover arms and legs.
Look before you reach. Before reaching into any dark areas, such as wood piles, look to see if a spider is there first.
Clean. Make sure areas, such as basements, garages, attics and outdoor storage areas are clean from any unnecessary clutter. Especially if that clutter is piled up against a wall or your house.
Despite their "eek" factor, spiders really are helpful creatures in many ways. There is definitely room in the garden for both of you.
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