When I was a child the sight of a spider would set me off shrieking and climbing onto anything available to get above the level of their scurrying eight legs.
I don't know whether or not I was actually frightened of spiders but looking back I think I was maybe programmed to fear spiders. Little girls screamed at spiders didn't they? It was the thing to do and also caused a fuss!
When I grew up I started to learn more about spiders and gradually came to be fascinated by them. I even stroked a tarantula this year when it was making a public appearance at a local pet shop. Last year when we were on holiday a spider was spinning its web outside the kitchen window and Martyn got some great video which show how skilled a garden spider is at spinning. I was saving it until I could get some frosty or dew laden spider webs photos but conditions haven't provided any and so I decided to share the video now instead of waiting longer.
I have also written an article on Garden Spiders on our website here
I hope you're not too frightened of spiders as most gardeners can't avoid coming across them in greenhouses and sheds.
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What a great video!! I don't mind spiders as long as they aren't real big.
ReplyDeleteThat video is amazing. I used to be really frightened of spiders but tried to overcome my fear when I had kids as I didn't want them to be frightened too. It seems to have worked, my daugher especially is only too happy to hold all manner of things, including tarantulas when we've come across them being shown at events.
ReplyDeleteWe were fascinated Robin - a bit like watching a spider do macramé
ReplyDeleteI do think fear of them is progammed in Jo so you have done well with your daughter's programming!
Spiders don't bother me in the slightest and never have although I am careful around them as some can have a nasty bite if frightened. My Hubby hates them and my friend Kate is terrified....I think they are fascinating creatures and i love them so much for all the nasty flies they capture for us...loved watching the video!!
ReplyDeleteI have tried to make sure that none of the children i have looked after over the years ( and believe me there's been a lot) are scared of anything...but I have also educated them in being kind and the defences of each different animal/instinct...I think knowledge can often conquer fear.
I don't mind finding 1 or 2 spiders at the same time. But more than 10 at once will give me a shudder.
ReplyDeleteWe had a really robust spider season last year and there were more web makers in the garden than I had ever seen before in the area. Our new neighbors moved to our street from London and they were relieved when we let them know recently that spider season in Oregon is not typically so robust. We had a wonderful laugh over it too because they were so ashamed to ask us about it in the first place.
ReplyDeleteI did the same sort of thing when I was a primary teacher, Tanya - I never let the children kill spider. I dread to think how many children I taught at 35 - 40 a year it soon mounts up!
ReplyDeleteI guess that I'd be more wary in Australia Diana as you have some poisonous species don't you
Hi Ficurinia - I'd have been busy with my camera!
I would say I "dislike" spiders. I find them a bit creepy, and I always get a shock when I see one unexpectedly (scuttling out from underneath an old flower-pot perhaps).
ReplyDeleteI think most spiders are actually beneficial to gardeners, aren't they? I don't think they eat our plants, but they do eat other insects which may cause damage. The more aphids they eat, the better, I say.
Spiders certainly don't do any damage to plants and eat plenty of nasty insects Mark so I reckon they are worth leaving be.
ReplyDeleteUsed to hate them but did what you did and read up about the UK ones online. Now i just ignore them and right enough i never see the same one again.
ReplyDeleteI don't mind spiders I was always the one they use to call to get the spider out of the bath. Scorpions and those type especially the one with lots of legs I don't like at all especially when the crawl on your head an then fall down into your nightie
ReplyDeleteIt's amazing how when you understand something the fear goes Chef UK
ReplyDeleteI don't wonder that you draw the line at things crawling down your nightie Cathy!
Interesting post. I have a soft spot for spiders.
ReplyDeleteThey only eat other living animals, so won't nibble at plants. The only downside is that they are just as happy to eat a honeybee as a pest insect - but one the whole they do more good than harm in the garden :)
Mo
You're right Mo spiders are indiscriminate but often bees are strong enough to break free so I don't think it too badly affects the bee population.
ReplyDeleteThat's a fantastic video, they really are skilled little weavers. I used to hate spiders, and I'm still not overly fond of finding large ones indoors (but just leave them be). I love the spiders in the garden though, and go to great lengths not to break their webs even if it means going the long way round.
ReplyDeleteIt was fascinating for us to watch the video too Janet as zoomed up the technique they use is incredible
ReplyDeleteLove 'em. I do have respect for the Black Widow and Brown Recluse and give them room.
ReplyDeleteIt's hard to garden if one is running away screaming most of the time.
That's very true Nell Jean - I too would be very respectful of poisonous spiders. I suppose the more you learn about them the more you can avoid a confrontation.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love them. They're referred to as "good people" around here because they eat aphids and all sorts of other rubbish.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, my 6 foot tall husband hates them - and admits it is because his mother taught all the children to be scared of spiders, but at least I have now re-educated him enough that he calls me to remove them from the bathroom rather than killing them.
I hate to see people kill them - any pupils of mine got a lecture on the fact that it was a little life and should be respected - although I don't use the same moral high-ground where slugs and other nasties are concerned - but they didn't know that!!
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