I consider myself a compassionate and peaceful person.  Opposed to wars (including the one in Iraq), completely unappreciative of “pretend” graphic violence in movies or WWE.  Not a big fan of hunting for sport (as opposed to hunting for food – and even that makes me feel sad for the animal). Live and let live I say.  I scoop up those giant slugs that like to devour my plants, and toss them over the fench into the field, hoping (in denial) they won’t find their way back to me (I admit I have resorted to some slug pellets at times). I don’t like to kill bugs or even spiders – usually preferring the “catch and release” method of removing them from my home, or an occasional flush down the toilet (giving them a fighting chance if they can swim and hold their breath : ) Â
Not so with hobo spiders. They are very poisonous and I kill them, though a bit reluctantly. I surprised myself this week, however, when I realized I was actually taking pleasure in watching this very large hobo spider die. I sprayed him with Grant’s Ant & Spider Killer as he was crawling on my patio screen.  He fell to the ground and ran/hobbled out to the patio, spinning himself in circles for 10 minutes as I stood over him gleefully saying “die, spider die… “    Â
I bought some sticky traps and have captured 2 very large, 2 medium, and 2 small hobo spiders in the past week.  This, in addition to the 2 that I flushed and three that I sprayed. Â
I think it’s time to get a cat.
eeeeww. I hate hobo spiders as well. I really used to be into the “catch and release” method with spiders… until they started invading my house. Then I realized that they don’t pay rent, they don’t do chores, and I don’t love them- so why should I allow them to live in my house? And if I put them outside, they’ll only find they’re way back in again. So, unfortunately, killing is a necessary evil when it comes to Hobo spiders.
I think a cat is a great idea. Hopefully it will nearly eliminate your hobo problem…
Why doesn’t this hobo spider carry a bandanna knapsack over his shoulder?
I hate snakes way worse than spiders but this hobo guy is UGLY.
A kitty is so in order right now. My sweet Fatness even killed scorpians.
Ah, what fun. This brings to mind my experiences with roaches in Las Vegas. But we won’t go there. You’ve hated spiders all your life, and I’m the one who always had to come to your rescue when a spider happened to venture into your path. Never mind that you were 14 and I was 9… The time you screamed while in the bath tub was probably my favorite. You’d think a mad axeman had climbed out of the cupboard or something. My heavens, girl, just get out of the tub!! Why lie there and let it descend upon you?
This Die, Spider, Die thing is a new development. I imagine you glaring down at him (how dare he put even one leg on your patio!) he hobbles and curses you. And then, upon his happy and most satisfying demise (or sad, agonizing death, depending on whether it’s his viewpoint or yours), you doing a little dance over his disgusting, lifeless, 8 legged body, clapping your hands and shaking your hips in delight (okay, maybe not shaking your hips). Ding, dong, the spider’s dead… It’s quite a sight to imagine. I’m sorry I missed it.
LOL….. That spider in the tub was decending faster than I could get out!!! If I lifted myself up, I’d be even closer to him!!!
Yes, you have been my spider savior on more than one occasion. Thank you 🙂
Your Las Vegas roach stories are among my favorites… when are you going to start blogging and share your witty tales?
Why a cat?? Do they hunt and or eat spiders??
Many do… at least hunt/kill them. Not all eat them. Rob said his home in Idaho became hobo spider free when he got a cat.
But I think I’d also like the company a cat would provide.
Yes, I’m voting for her to get a cat. I believe a cat could be the source of great amusement.
What might you name a cat, Allison? When it comes to great cat names, it would be hard to beat “Fatness”.
It would be very hard to beat Fatness… in name, as well as in personality.
Not sure what name I would choose – will probably wait til I see the cat. Name will just have to fit…. the cute cat I thought I wanted is no longer available from the shelter : (
Yes, I agree Fatness is a great name, but you are a clever girl.
Teach him early how to sit still so you can balance objects on his head.
OK Roaches in Las Vegas I understand :0) JD and Ben used to sit on the patio when they were boys and shoot them with BB guns. They both became really good shots that way. I hate spiders… don’t like snakes either. My favorite way of getting rid of Black Widow spiders is to spray them with Paul Mitchel Freeze and Shine and then set a match to them… Pooof no more spider. Get a Cat Allison they are good company and bugs and rodents fear them. you could name your cat Killer…….
LOL, Jean…. I never would have expected you to be a spider torcher…. LOL….. that’s really funny. I wish Kristin would post her roach story. I’m hoping she’ll start a blog herself and post it there…
Okay, I just have to post this. I think this is a very important public service video we all need to see.
LOL – oh, thank you so much for adding this Kristin.
LOLROF too too funny