March 14th is Save a Spider Day

[Omaha Steve]

http://blog.therainforestsite.com/reasons-to-love-spiders/

There’s Nothing to be Afraid of When It Comes to Spiders. Here Are 8 Reasons Why

Physically, spiders aren’t what many would consider angelic creatures. It could be the amount of eyes spiders have. It could be the amount of legs. It could be the way that they move, or that, yes, some of them are poisonous. Maybe it’s some awkward amalgamation of the just-mentioned, as well as any other skewed fact floating around out there. Whatever the exact reason, for years now spiders have been looked at by humans with fear.



A Wolf Spider

Don’t get us wrong: arachnophobia (the fear of spiders) is a very real thing. In no way are we trying to say that it isn’t, or that those that suffer from it should for some reason feel ashamed. In celebration of Save a Spider Day (March 14th), what we hope this list says — what we hope this list proves — is that spiders aren’t just something to be screamed at, or squished beneath boot heels, but something to be respected, and even admired.

★ Debunked Spider Myth #1 ★
Myth: On average, us humans swallow eight spiders per year while we’re sleeping.

Truth: While we can’t say that it has never happened before, the number in this myth is absurd. The only reason a spider would be remotely interested in climbing into bed with you is in search of bed bugs. Not convinced yet? Check out this article further debunking this myth.


1. Spiders Are Ingenious Hunters
Some spiders pounce on their prey. Some ensnare their prey in a web of silk. Some dig trap doors into the dirt and let their prey fall into a very similar ball of silk. And others? There are many others that have their own individual way of hunting — their own techniques, their own schemes, etc. Which is impressive, no?

2. They Call Earth Home
The exact number of spider species is unknown. But, as of 2014, 45,000 different species had been identified. 45,000! And they span across the planet.


Read more at http://blog.therainforestsite.com/reasons-to-love-spiders/#HH7a3CWFRgUuhPdt.99

FULL story at link.

[Siwsan]

1. Or, in my case, save ME from a spider day

I have almost crippling arachnophobia. My older brother was the same. I trace it back to when we were taken to a drive in, when we were VERY young. By the time the 2nd feature came on, my parents probably figured we'd be asleep. In my memory, the movie was 'Tarantula'. We both woke up at about the time the GIGANTIC spider was towering over a building, probably in the process of devouring its latest victim. Thus was implanted a phobia. It's probably an irrational fear, for the most part, but it is also seemingly irreversible.

I try not to kill them - I just scream until someone comes along to rescue me. Apparently I have a very specific 'spider' scream.

[Adrahil]

2. I appreciate the sentiment... But...

So long as they stay away from me, they are welcome to love. The little bastards come near me and they must die. That is all. I've been bitten one too many times by one hanging out in my stuff in the garage.

[Mister Ed]

3. Never been fond of them, but I always spare their little lives.

It's easy to capture them and move them outdoors. I keep a clear plastic drinking cup and and an old sheet of shirt cardboard under the kitchen sink for the purpose.

Just pop the inverted cup over the spider, then slide the cardboard into place under the rim of the cup. Presto! Spider under glass. Then, it's easy to usher the little critter to the door.

[jonno99]

4. We're kinda the same way. What I have tried to instill

in my kids is that "spiders are our friends!".

I'll let them be if they are in the basement - catching the real enemy: centipedes(!)

But if the spider is found "upstairs" (bedrooms) - well sorry buddy you're either squashed - our outside you go (if convenient...)

[Nuclear Unicorn]

5. I saved one ---

on the bottom of my shoe.

[jonno99]

6. First laugh of the day

- thanks!

[JHB]

7. Suck it, Goblin!

"You mess with Spider-man, you mess with New York! You mess with one of us, you mess with all of us!"

[Solly Mack]

8. I think spiders are beautiful.

I will help a spider exit my home - except for deadly ones. Sorry. I won't risk the bite to help the widow or recluse get back outside.

Still, spiders are fascinating.

[Mnemosyne]

9. I save spiders. It's those cobs that bother me, leaving webs all over. nt

[VScott]

10. This calls for some spider humor.

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[Oneironaut]

11. I love spiders! I think people are afraid of them b/c of instinct, though.

I've never seen a black widow. They're rare around here (too cold I bet).

[hunter]

12. I'm pretty indifferent to spiders in our house. They eat things that are worse.

Black widow spiders don't get to live in our house or yard. As a kid my brother got bit by one and it left an ugly painful oozy wound on him about the size of a quarter.



The huntsmen spiders are relocated to the outdoors. The trick is catching them. They are big and hairy and run about as fast as mice, but they are easy to sneak up on when they are waiting perfectly still to ambush some other creepy-crawly.

[irisblue]

13. In my house dead, outside, fine, your world.