No Words Do Justice to the Exquisite Iris

An Iris Unfolds to Reveal its Mysteries

Unfolding Iris in Mid-April, © B. Radisavljevic

Spiders and Insects Explore the Mysteries of the Iris

Spiders Use the Iris as Hunting Ground, © B. Radisavljevic

An Iris Inspires Awe

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How I Got Rid of This Black Widow

It's Easy for Black Widows to Creep into a Garage

I believe this is the same black widow that was hanging out on my overhead garage door last week. I had to be very careful when I opened it because I wanted to make sure this lady wasn't going to drop on me. This is where I found her today, very close to the garage door.

I'm still storing a lot of boxes, and I know some of these spiders are going to creep into them. That's why I plan to wear heavy gloves when I start going through those boxes. I will also have a can of Terro Spider Spray next to me when I start sorting through those boxes.

I hadn't planned to deal with black widows today, but I saw this lady when I was bringing the groceries in. I had to take her photo first, since these spiders often scurry away before I can photograph them. It was windy, and the door was open, so I'm surprised she didn't run away.

After I Took the Picture, I Killed the Black Widow

Last time I was at Walmart to pick up a prescription, I knew I needed a weapon to use against the spiders. I decided to get Terro Spider and Ant Killer -- the only product Walmart had to kill spiders. I hate using sprays, and I don't use them for ants. I just don't want to get too close to a black widow and a spray is just the right treatment for a spider that's out in the open, as you can see this one is. 

When I tried to use it last week, the spider was above my head. I couldn't get the spray to come out. I guess it's because I was aiming up. I'm supposed to keep the can upright or aim slightly down. I'm  very glad the spray decided to work  today. I'm pretty sure it killed the spider. She tried to get away, but I think it finally killed her. I saw a small black heap on the garage floor after I no longer saw the spider in her web. It does take a few seconds for the spray to actually kill the spider. 

Had I shopped on Amazon first, I would have found Terro Spider Killer, which gets rave reviews. I'm guessing it's pretty much the same product since what I used also kills both spiders and insects. I expect I'll order the double pack of spider killer because it's supposed to help to spray it around the outside of your house to discourage spiders and other annoying insects from coming in. 

Protect Yourself. Be Prepared.

Don't wait until the spider is in your territory to buy the spray. You may not be able to find it locally when you need it. I had to settle for what I could find, even though it wasn't exactly what I was looking for. Fortunately it worked, but it was the only choice I had.

 If you don't have heavy work gloves, it's good to have those on hand, too. They will do double duty in the garden when you have to get rid of thorns or prune roses. 

Stock up now and be prepared for the invasion that's coming. 

 TERRO T2302 Spider Killer Spray, 2 Pack Terro 3200 Spider Traps 4 in a package, (Pack of 4, 16 Traps Total) Wells Lamont Full Leather Work Gloves with Ball and Tape Wrist Closure, Grain Cowhide, Large (1132L) Heavy Duty Goatskin Leather Work Gloves for Men and Women. General Purpose Utility, Driver, Rigger, Safety, and Gardening Gloves (Medium) Thorn Proof Gloves Perfect for Pruning Rose Garden, Blackberry Bushes, and Prickly Plants. Leather Gloves with Canvas Gauntlet, Long Elbow Length Gardening Gloves for Men & Women (Medium)

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More Ghosts from Halloweens Past

Ghostly Halloween Decorations

In a previous post I showed you some houses which had dressed up their yards for Halloween with exterior decorations.  Tonight, in the spirit of the quickly approaching holiday, I will show you more. This house really likes skeletons, though it appears ghosts are also welcome.

Spider Decorations

This house also seems to attract some creepy spiders. Young trick-or-treaters better be careful not to get caught in those spider webs. But once past the webs, they will still face the huge black spider and the skeleton who guards the door. I don't think I'd be brave enough to approach that door if I were five years old.

Halloween Skeleton, Ghost, and Spider Decorations, 

Scare Your Visitors When You Open the Door

When I was in elementary school my mom loved Halloween. She used to put a jack-o-lantern head on a floor lamp, wrap a sheet around the rest of it, and keep it just inside the door. When she opened the door, it would be dark except for that ghost with the evil pumpkin head. I believe we also had creepy music in the background. It did scare quite a few of the youngest candy beggars. Fortunately, it wasn't as creepy as this decoration.

Up from the Grave

How do your very young children react when they see these kinds of scary sights?

Be On the Lookout for Tarantulas

Warm Autumn Days Bring Tarantulas Out to Mate

It's getting to be the time of year when in certain parts of North San Luis Obispo County the tarantulas will be hunting at night. I first saw this one at the beginning of September in 2012 while I was walking on Santa Rita Road in Templeton. Look for them at dusk in September and October.

Tarantula in the Wild in Templeton, California

How Dangerous Are Tarantulas?

 Although many people are afraid of these large spiders because of their size and because they are hairy, most people have nothing to fear from them. They don't bite unless they feel cornered, and even if they do, it affects most people no more than a bee or wasp sting. Only those who are allergic need to worry.

Another defense the tarantula has is microscopic hairs or bristles on its abdomen that can break off when touched or even be thrust at an attacker. These hairs can irritate the attacker's skin. What I would really fear being stung by, though, is the tarantula's main predator, the tarantula hawk. See related articles below.

Where do Tarantulas Live?

Tarantula Burrow

Some tarantulas make their homes, or burrows, in trees, but the ones I have seen live in the ground. This is one of the burrows I saw near where I saw this tarantula. Notice the spider's silk around the entrance. Here's a good place for a tarantula to live if you want to keep one as a pet.

Learn More About Spiders in These Handy Reference Books

The books below are my go-to books for identifying and learning more about tarantulas. Click here for an even greater selection of books about tarantulas. 

The Tarantula Keeper's Guide: Comprehensive Information on Care, Housing, and FeedingTarantulas Up Close (Zoom in on Animals!)

Have you ever seen a tarantula  where you live? Where did you encounter it? Are you afraid of tarantulas?