anyone know about SPIDERS??

MaggieAndBernie



Joined: 26/07/2008
Posts: 2012

Message Posted:
08/06/2009 09:10

Help! does anyone know anything about N Cyprus spiders? (apart from our friend on this forum) Just caught one strolling across my living room floor and he is HUGE! and I'm not exzagerating (scuse spelling) must be more than 3 inches across & FAT!!! At the mo he's under a tupperware pot with a big stone on top - dunno what to do with him - if he's harmless I'll put him outside as far from the house as poss - but do they bite????

Wish my Bernie'd hurry up and get back here!

Trudy


Joined: 25/05/2009
Posts: 369

Message Posted:
08/06/2009 09:18

Ewwwww!!!! I heard you get tarantulas here, is it one of them? I haven't heard of any poisonous spiders but then its not my specialist subject so dont quote me on it! God i hope i never ever see one though, think i'd die on the spot!!! Highly arachnaphobic!

booitsme


Joined: 04/02/2009
Posts: 667

Message Posted:
08/06/2009 09:29

We had an enormous spider wandering across the outside wall. Its legs looked like pipecleaners and I swear if it was much bigger I would be able to see it smiling!!!! ANyone know of there are poisonous spiders here?

denali2007


Joined: 04/01/2008
Posts: 111

Message Posted:
08/06/2009 09:31

Don't know much about spiders but I have a plug in 'thingy' and I have never seen one in my apartment. I would invest in one if I were you !!

smithy


Joined: 17/07/2008
Posts: 5301

Message Posted:
08/06/2009 09:35

Maggie there is a post on here about spiders and what to do to get rid or prevent them coming in the house, I hate the buggers so its worth reading, something about conkers have a read, get your neighbour to put it outside for you. take care

Sheila xx

niftyduo


Joined: 27/04/2008
Posts: 230

Message Posted:
08/06/2009 09:46

Please post a picture and we can have a shot at an identification. Take care it may be unpleasant, I believe there is a nasty one on Cyprus but more info is needed.

Littlenige



Joined: 24/12/2006
Posts: 3594

Message Posted:
08/06/2009 09:47

does he look like this ?



http://www.flickr.com/photos/nigeandpat/257100699/sizes/o/in/set-72157594306884551/

MaggieAndBernie



Joined: 26/07/2008
Posts: 2012

Message Posted:
08/06/2009 09:49

Right I've managed to slide a plastic chopping board under him and transport him out into the garden - the bugger only headed straight for the house when I let him go! had to fend him off with a sweeping brush! My hands are shaking and heart racing - I know it's early but I think I need a stiff drink now! Took a couple of photos of him but don't know how to put them on here, but if anyone's interested I can email them.

louthlass


Joined: 09/11/2008
Posts: 271

Message Posted:
08/06/2009 09:53

Could be a tarantula or a wolf spider, but without more details it is difficult to say what it is. Tarantulas do bite, and can cause sickness in the very young and elderly. I used to deal with them almost everyday when we were on a certain beach doing parascending years ago. They slept in the damp parachutes at night! They can swim,as we found out when we tried to prewash the chutes in the sea.

I kept a wolf spider a whole summer in my kitchen in it's web. It used to come out for water and became quite tame. By the way, I also am frightened of spiders, but treated with respect, they will not harm you.

Oleander


Joined: 03/05/2009
Posts: 302

Message Posted:
08/06/2009 09:58

Littlenige - what's the spider in your link called? I saw one like that a couple of weeks ago.



This has reminded me that, a couple of years ago when I was standing on the harbour wall at Bogaz, very early in the morning, looking over that little beach with the sunbeds below the Restaurant there, I saw what I thought were lots of small crabs (so many it looked as if the sand was moving!) On closer inspection, it turned out to be loads of big spiders! Never seen them there since but it put me right off going onto that bit of beach!

Littlenige



Joined: 24/12/2006
Posts: 3594

Message Posted:
08/06/2009 10:02

it is a tarantula !!! harmless but has a nasty bite.

louthlass


Joined: 09/11/2008
Posts: 271

Message Posted:
08/06/2009 10:03

The spider Nige put up is a tarantula.

frontalman



Joined: 28/02/2008
Posts: 499

Message Posted:
08/06/2009 10:03

Might be an idea to put it a bit further than your own garden. I am fascinated by them and would love to find a big chunky one, though my wife hates (fears) all of them. A friend found a proper spider (tarantula) in her house and she swears it pushed open the bathroom door!

MaggieAndBernie



Joined: 26/07/2008
Posts: 2012

Message Posted:
08/06/2009 10:04

Been trawling the net and found this site



http://www.whatsthatbug.com/2008/03/10/tarantula-from-cyprus/



I'm pretty sure my visitor was a European Tarantula (Chaetopelma Gracile)



I think that's what your mate in the picture was too Nigel!



Ugh........just hope he stays away now I've given him the 'brush off'

niftyduo


Joined: 27/04/2008
Posts: 230

Message Posted:
08/06/2009 10:13

from the web: Chaetopelma gracile: Temperament: Can be aggressive, though it would rather run and hide than attack. This species is very fast and skittish. It has mild poison (no worse than a bee's sting). This species is also known for its ability to jump and escape. CANNOT BE HANDLED. Not a recommended speices for beginners, though it is a rewarding spider for anyone with some experience.



what fun?

everon


Joined: 18/04/2009
Posts: 956

Message Posted:
08/06/2009 11:59

found a tarantula in our bathroom, I swear it had clogs on, it was soooo big it made a noise (clip clop) as it raced towards my bedroom, sorry all you spider lovers, it had to be exterminated!! our friends arrived home to find one on their doorstep, they live on the top floor of an apartment block!!!!!!!!! so no one is safe x

mia100max


Joined: 19/03/2008
Posts: 404

Message Posted:
08/06/2009 12:05

I have been told by a Turkish Cypriot that the ones with the stripy legs are poisonous and can give you a nasty bite. I do a spider check whenever i go to bed now!

MaggieAndBernie



Joined: 26/07/2008
Posts: 2012

Message Posted:
08/06/2009 12:07

everon msg 16 I'm NOT a spider lover! far from it - they terrify me! but I heard it's very bad luck to kill one - something about Robert the Bruce in a cave?

However, I am now worried that my spider may not have been alone i.e was it a female? were there eggs somewhere? Will Daddy spider & all the little spider kids now come and get me for getting rid of Mamma?

Don't know if I'll ever sleep soundly in this house again - maybe I'd better get drunk tonight? (any excuse lol)

Maggie x

wanderer


Joined: 05/02/2009
Posts: 1653

Message Posted:
08/06/2009 12:35

Spiders keep insects & flies at bay as they feed on them so should be encouraged .

But perhaps the larger ones should be accommodated outside the home

rosieposie


Joined: 04/07/2008
Posts: 99

Message Posted:
08/06/2009 12:39

I am terrified of spiders but have learned to deal with them as I live on my own. A can of cockroach spray is very handy!!



I have no idea what I would do if I had a tarantula in my apartment! I mean, if I don't die of shock first from seeing it, what is the best way of removing it?



I know of 2 people in the last few weeks who have had them in their houses! Aarrghhh!

rosieposie


Joined: 04/07/2008
Posts: 99

Message Posted:
08/06/2009 12:46

I am terrified of spiders but have learned to deal with them as I live on my own. A can of cockroach spray is very handy!!



I have no idea what I would do if I had a tarantula in my apartment! I mean, if I don't die of shock first from seeing it, what is the best way of removing it?



I know of 2 people in the last few weeks who have had them in their houses! Aarrghhh!

roisin


Joined: 19/03/2009
Posts: 358

Message Posted:
08/06/2009 15:58

I think spiders die after laying their eggs don't they ?

MaggieAndBernie



Joined: 26/07/2008
Posts: 2012

Message Posted:
08/06/2009 16:14

Lets hope so Roisin!

tarry67


Joined: 16/05/2008
Posts: 1053

Message Posted:
08/06/2009 16:37

If there is a female then I can assure you there will be a male around. I have had dozens of the nasty buggers in different houses here over the years and I am still as scared of them now as I was then. The female seems to stay indoors during the day and then goes hunting at night, probably walked over us all many times in bed.

booitsme


Joined: 04/02/2009
Posts: 667

Message Posted:
08/06/2009 16:38

Yup, littlenige, that sure looks like the fellow we had on the wall. I'm not scared of spiders but there was no way I was going to do my usual thing of picking it up and putting it eslewhere! At least ours was outside not too sure how pleased I'd be if it took up residence inside

Littlenige



Joined: 24/12/2006
Posts: 3594

Message Posted:
08/06/2009 16:38

mY DOG WAS SNIFFING AT ONE IT BIT HIM ON THE NOSE AND jumped on his head !!

MaggieAndBernie



Joined: 26/07/2008
Posts: 2012

Message Posted:
08/06/2009 16:50

Well thanks for that Tarry67 (msg 24) Now I will definatly NOT sleep a wink tonight! anyone fancy an all night party at Baspinar?

sweep


Joined: 11/10/2007
Posts: 241

Message Posted:
08/06/2009 17:12

to all

please dont kill the tarantulas they are fantastic creatures and are harmless to humans there has never been a reported death from a tarantula so be nice and put them back in the garden were they can neat all those nasty flys and bugs.



remember you are the intruder not them they were there first.



be gentle kind regards sweep.

britvic



Joined: 05/09/2008
Posts: 3039

Message Posted:
08/06/2009 17:35

Here's the thread about conkers and spiders, very interesting..........

http://www.cyprus44.com/forums/16617.asp

mikelapta



Joined: 20/11/2008
Posts: 2186

Message Posted:
08/06/2009 17:41

Put sponges on their feet,cover with white paint,and let them go up and down the wall,will be quicker than you painting.They don't stop for a wine break!!!

Mike

xxx

Perry


Joined: 27/01/2007
Posts: 413

Message Posted:
08/06/2009 17:58

We had one up in Bellapais 2 weeks ago. they are Tarantulas - I was reliably informed by some of our Cypriot friends that although not 'dangerous' they will inflict a nasty and painful bite which will swell up and leave you feeling unwell for a day or so.

Not the nicest of cypriot creatures - try ans encourage the bigger lizards in your garden - they will eat the spiders

spider


Joined: 03/01/2009
Posts: 5527

Message Posted:
08/06/2009 18:12

OH DEAR, I just cant stand to even read this thread anymore..i have a fear of spiders,honest i do,i cant stand even to think about them...How the hell i got my name i just dont know....i Shake just thinking...and now i have to look all round the house all quiet,and peeking,HELP....am all on my own.OH S***,







Spider,x

MaggieAndBernie



Joined: 26/07/2008
Posts: 2012

Message Posted:
08/06/2009 18:24

Spider, I know how you feel! I don't even like the little 'incy wincy' ones but this brute was HUGE!! I am also on my own and feel it's going to be a long night! Off to try a glass or 3 of red

Maggie

spider


Joined: 03/01/2009
Posts: 5527

Message Posted:
08/06/2009 18:48

guess most of us will just not stop looking now for a few days,just had the hover round the whole house,but then they creep out from behind the curtain.!!! thats me going to shake and move everything,Oh what a job...and i call the hovering a BLUE job....for Mr Spider.!! guess i will just have to over do it everytime,MEN,just wont even go looking..

but hes very good when he hears me shout,!!! just picks the buggers up,talking away to them....its a bit like flying with me shudder with the thought...





Spider,x

sweep


Joined: 11/10/2007
Posts: 241

Message Posted:
08/06/2009 21:29

i have two large tarantulas in my bedroom, they are great to watch as i fall asleep each night.



the other half not to keen though!!!

Tuttut


Joined: 09/12/2008
Posts: 270

Message Posted:
08/06/2009 21:55

Hi All,



I have been told that if you place a goose egg in your property then this keeps them away.



If you go to Starling in Alsancak, head towards the meat counter/ cake bit, there is a shelf with some on, they are decorated and on a stand, but all the locals know about this myth.



Hope it works for you guys



xx

Tuttut


Joined: 09/12/2008
Posts: 270

Message Posted:
08/06/2009 21:56

Oh and they are about 25tl, priceless to keep them away

MaggieAndBernie



Joined: 26/07/2008
Posts: 2012

Message Posted:
08/06/2009 22:28

So what do you do with the goose egg? just sit it on the floor? cook it? please elaborate!

halffull


Joined: 26/01/2009
Posts: 571

Message Posted:
08/06/2009 22:49

Sounds like my congers might be good for the tarantulas to play football with! But will they keep them out?

halffull


Joined: 26/01/2009
Posts: 571

Message Posted:
09/06/2009 00:10

Thanks for the link nige, frightened the family, they've decided we'll have to go visit them rather than them come visit us!!!

annie


Joined: 30/05/2007
Posts: 208

Message Posted:
09/06/2009 00:14

Hi Britvic

My Daughter saw the picture of the spider on this thread and said " Youll need a bloody big conker to keep that bugger out" She has changed her mind about visiting now.

aweverard


Joined: 13/07/2008
Posts: 54

Message Posted:
09/06/2009 02:38

Get a Cat!



from Wikipedia:



The domestic cat hunts and eats over a thousand species, many of them invertebrates, especially insects; many big cats will eat fewer than a hundred different species.



I have seen cats in Cyprus eat, large spiders, snakes and scorpions as well as lizards, birds and various rodents.

wanderer


Joined: 05/02/2009
Posts: 1653

Message Posted:
09/06/2009 08:53

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/8083962.stm

Interesting research on spiders

joandjelly


Joined: 24/02/2008
Posts: 2953

Message Posted:
09/06/2009 09:15

Hi Maggie re your message 14 that was my spider! I posted the picture on whatsthatbug last year. We had taken my sister to the airport early morning and when we got home at about 6.30am there it was in the kitchen. Husband managed to get it outside and it actually reared up and fought back against the broom. It was put over the garden wall and we breathed a sigh of relief. It was short lived though as the spider came back the next day!!! Put it out again and haven't seen in since. I've got a great close up photo of its red fangs!

MaggieAndBernie



Joined: 26/07/2008
Posts: 2012

Message Posted:
09/06/2009 09:41

Hi Jo

Mine was exactly the same! every time I tried sweeping it down the drive it scuttled back towards the house! Finally I gave it a big sweep and it flew through the air - so far I haven't seen it again.......but I spend a lot of time studying the floor.....and I hardly slept a wink last night - kept getting that 'crawly feeling'!!

Send pics of him back home to my kids - I'm a HERO now! lol

Maggie x

Littlenige



Joined: 24/12/2006
Posts: 3594

Message Posted:
09/06/2009 11:15

Here are a couple more from our garden.



http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1128/1037832740_3baf9565d2_b.jpg



http://farm1.static.flickr.com/106/304118665_f1cdddf332.jpg

Tuttut


Joined: 09/12/2008
Posts: 270

Message Posted:
09/06/2009 23:07

your surpossed to just have it on show some where central in your house. all i know is that someone that works in lapta hospital and also the lacal chemist recommended getting it

halffull


Joined: 26/01/2009
Posts: 571

Message Posted:
10/06/2009 00:53

I'd rather read about spidersthan political arguements about the BNP

timefore


Joined: 01/08/2008
Posts: 495

Message Posted:
15/06/2009 14:41

found a huge Tarantula in our kitchen in Catakoy on sunday - it had to go! Been told by a friend in central Girne that he has had 2 in his apartment last week - there seems to be sudden spate of them

cruggs


Joined: 06/04/2008
Posts: 498

Message Posted:
15/06/2009 20:09

i heard that spiders were attracted to the smell of alcohol,but dont know if it is true, i'am just glad i am ---

well almost tea total, if i have had a skinfull during the day, say eight or nine pints i always suck a polo mint ,

when i go to bed. ( good night all )

MaggieAndBernie



Joined: 26/07/2008
Posts: 2012

Message Posted:
15/06/2009 20:21

Ah well that explains a lot Cruggsy! maybe I should leave a 'wee dram' out for Boris next time - like the V & T I always leave for Santa Claus!

cruggs


Joined: 06/04/2008
Posts: 498

Message Posted:
16/06/2009 11:39

hi maggieandbernie, i dont think it would do any harm, if you left (boris) a vodka and tonic out at night,just dont leave him a large one, as you would not want him leggless would you.

MaggieAndBernie



Joined: 26/07/2008
Posts: 2012

Message Posted:
16/06/2009 11:46

Legless, my dear cruggs, is EXACTLY how I like my tarantulas!

Sunnycee


Joined: 18/05/2009
Posts: 192

Message Posted:
16/06/2009 11:47

With or without ice & lemon?

sc