If you know me well, that is one statement you would never have heard me mutter in my entire life. Until moving to the country.
There are spiders everywhere. I don’t like them. I cringe, I leap, I run away.
Not all spiders mind you. Daddy Long Legs don’t bother me (they spin in a dizzy-like fashion to fend off predators, which makes me smile at their mad ingenuity), and what I call ‘rain spiders’ border on being cute. That is pretty much where it ends.
Anything with an abdomen bigger than my thumbnail, well that’s another story altogether. Found in the house, my Englishman shakes his head at my pathetic cries for help, catching and releasing them into the bushes. Really. Way too kind I feel (although Ruud Kleinpaste aka ‘the bugman’ would probably nominate him for a knighthood).
The downside
There are many White-Tailed spiders in the countryside. Someone told me once (note to self, don’t believe everything you hear) is that this nasty breed are just ‘passing through’ on their way to the coast. Well this far inland, I do doubt that. They don’t make their own webs, rather hijack other spider webs. They are plain nasty and once bitten, need first aid (clean the bite area with antiseptic or warm soapy water; place ice on the bite (not directly onto the skin) to reduce any pain or swelling). According to Ministry of Health, White-Tailed spiders do not cause skin damage or ulcers, however if in doubt (very red, painful, blisters or infected) check it out at the doctors.
If you have never seen a Huntsman spider, that is probably best. I’ve seen two so far. I don’t have a photo. I was too busy running. These are HUGE and orange-brown (the variety I saw) and not timid. One was on top of the hedgerow when I was out mowing and as I stood about a metre away from it, almost eye-to-eye, (still with the motor running) it actually took a few steps towards me (if spiders take steps). Upon researching them, they are native to Australia and while they bite humans, would rather go after spiders. Nocturnal, they hunt and are most active around 3am. Thankfully I am sleeping (I’d rather not know what they get up to).
There are plenty of bushes, hedges and fruit trees within easy reach and relatively close to the house. Living in the country, I need to get use to this. I am getting better but they still send a shiver down my spine at the sight of one.
The upside
The most AMAZING therapy for my fear of spiders, is rejoicing in the wildlife in our garden. For they love spiders more than I would have ever known if I hadn’t made the move out of the city.
Sparrows and Fantails hover at the sash windows, poised effortlessly, picking spiders from the webs that have accumulated in the corners. They are a delight to watch. If only I have my camera poised ready to capture them!
Goldfinch sit on the hedgerow and feast in a spider lucky dip. The hedges are covered in webs and the goldfinch know they are on to a good thing, their beaks covered in tell-tale fine candy-floss like silk.
Lest we mention Sonic. ‘Sonic’ the hedgehog has been a regular visitor. What seems a youthful and vigorous feeder, it forages well…in the sandpit, in the grassy lawn. A busy little thing. Insects and spiders mainly, thankfully.
So while I am yet to overcome my fear of spiders, I feel rest assured that mother nature has cleverly provided a mighty fine balance.
Meanwhile, I sit, with an eagle eye open for anything hairy and crawly, with a glass jar at the ready.
