Yellow/black spider? (Charlotte, Columbia, Ruth: house, camping, living)

[lovemaine]

I saw a spider by my mailbox yesterday that I have never seen before. It was quite large (to me anyway ) with long legs and a mostly yellow body with some black . I tried to find out online what kind it is, but couldn't find any info. Anyone know? Thanks!

[YorkshireLass]

Salutations Holt,

Just a quick call to my local home extensions office here in Rutherford County they told me that what you probably saw was a common "weaver" spider..."may bite but not life threatening" (not that I would be near enough to find out ) So I guess you should take pleasure knowing you have your very own "Charlotte" the spider living outside your mailbox.

[shaylahc]

Yep! They are called Garden spiders. I have a gorgeous one that has been living by my porch for a few weeks. I am going to try and take a picture later on today and post it so you can see

[Kienna9]

I am guessing part of your mailbox, the base or an attached paper box, is made of wood....Spiders like wood and cardboard...I prefer using natural nontoxic methods for forced relocation not destruction of native spiders to places that I don't find myself on a regular basis. Spiders and some other bugs hate the smell of the hedge apple (Osage orange). These are non toxic to humans. You can order hedge apple off of Ebay since it is not native to North Carolina. They are about the size of a baseball. Put one in your mailbox or anywhere you might find some spiders, i.e. garage, shaded covered porch, laundry area, etc. They will find another place less offensive to live. Discard the hedge apple when it completely turns brown. You can use eucalyptus, lemons, or plain grilling charcoal; these are natural bug repellants too. (I am a big fan of HGTV, ya learn lots there)

[lovemaine]

Thanks everyone! That helps a lot! I'm deathly afraid of spiders, but I would never harm one. (And this one is pretty, for a spider.) Yes, my mailbox post is made of wood. I'll definitely try some of your methods Kienna. Thanks again! This is what I love about this forum. I can get any and all questions answered by some very nice folks!

[anonymous]

does it look like this?



this photo was taken by my roomate, at my old house in Columbia, SC. his website is http://www.briceonline.com/.

[shaylahc]

Originally Posted by anonymous

does it look like this?



this photo was taken by my roomate, at my old house in Columbia, SC.

That is an awesome pic!!!! I wish I had a macro lens!

Here is one I took earlier today:



This spider has been camping out between my hydrangeas for weeks now LOL.

[Cassie]

That's a beautiful spider!

Cassie

Originally Posted by anonymous

does it look like this?



this photo was taken by my roomate, at my old house in Columbia, SC.

[heathersmom]

I know I would never EVER say a spider was beautiful! I can't even watch shows about them...it's bad enough to look at pictures! To those of you who are not afraid- more power to you!

[lovemaine]

Yup, that's the one! Awesome pictures! Thanks everyone!