Spider hater man!

Spider hater man!
Originally uploaded by icemakk.

Bugs. I hate bugs, especially spiders. Down here in Australia they have lots of spiders, some of which are fairly huge. Many spiders are deadly if you get bitten and they are the small ones. The trouble I have with nature is, that anything that can kill you, should be at least be as BIG as you. Anything that you can squash with your shoe should not be able to take you out of the equation. Seems fair. I know a croc or shark can kill me so I avoid them. It is easy to spot one more or less. It is not like you can put on a shoe and have a crocodile in there waiting to pounce. Back home we have bears and we know they are deadly. They are also large and smelly and easy to spot so one can avoid them.

I have only seen one killer arachnid so far, the red back. Not normally an aggressive spider, it can kill you if it bites and you don't receive medical treatment right away. This little bugger likes to hide in dark, sheltered areas. Places like woodpiles, storage sheds, shelves, your boots and other spots where you may reach in to get something only to have the 8 legged one nip you.

The funny thing I have noticed is most Aussies accept this and rarely kill off the spiders. "Just leave it alone" I often hear, "It's not bothering anyone and it eats other insects." Not bothering you? Hey, if it bites me, I could die. I find that to be a bit of a bother!!

Unless this spider is eating ALL the annoying insects, by the ton, I say spray it or squash it. Yeah yeah, it is part of the eco system but I have always been of the belief that nature is wonderful. It is just spoiled by insects! Now hand me my can of Raid. I see a spider, a fly and a cockroach that are all about to meet their maker. After that, I can get back to enjoying the natural beauty of this place.