Proper Insect Etiquette (allergies, property, working)

[bghouse]

Well, I've never seen anything quite like this before. There are cobwebs around the corners of a number of my windows, both inside and outside. I just tried to take a hose and wash them off, but they don't budge. They are white and very thick. What kind of spider made these babies?

I'm also finding these little clumps in corners. If I let my imagination run wild, it looks like small versions of those sack things that the giant spiders in the horror movies wrap their victims up in. :-)

Before I start taking a broom and/or vacuum to things tomorrow - I guess I should find out what I'm dealing with here (in case I need to take precautions).

It got extremely hot in my place today, and I really need to clean off these windows tomorrow and open them up to cool down the apartment.

[Hawk J]

A few times when i've gone south to AZ/NV/CA for the winter, "Daddy Long Legs" have made webs. I just use a broom or feather duster to remove them. no problema.

[bghouse]

Thanks Hawk J. The broom wasn't working either, so I broke out the vacuum cleaner. That got them it seems. Persistent little buggers :-)

[pdxMIKEpdx]

Check out this place to learn about common Portland spiders:

Spiders of Portland - Susan Masta - Portland State University

It seems like I'm walking into spiderwebs constantly during the summer when I do yard work.
Dang things are everywhere.
I thought last year was an especially productive spider growing year.
Drives me absolutely crazy. I hate it.

[kettlepot]

Originally Posted by bghouse

Well, I've never seen anything quite like this before. There are cobwebs around the corners of a number of my windows, both inside and outside. I just tried to take a hose and wash them off, but they don't budge. They are white and very thick. What kind of spider made these babies?

Well, my first guess is that these are black widow webs.

[Squidlo]

Originally Posted by Nell Plotts

Carpenter ants have antenna with a bend in them. https://www.google.com/search?q=pict...w=1093&bih=494

Keep firewood, and yes even barkdust and beautibark, away from your home's foundation.

Take care with slug/snail bait if you have pets. Dogs are attracted to and will eat the granular products, it is poison. The safest is probably 'Deadline'. If you see the slug/snail salt is effective but keep it on the critter.

Probably the best and surest way to ID a carpenter ant is to check the section between the thorax and abdomen. Carpenter ants only have 1 bump. Easy to see with good light.

I believe there are ant baits out there that might even work on carpenter ants now. Been out of the biz awhile.

[bghouse]

Well, it's official - something here is chomping on me :-( The last couple of nights I've gotten bitten by something - little itchy bites on the neck, chest and back shoulders. Haven't found the little buggers, but similar to the little spider bites I got all the time back in LA. Seems to only bite me at night, and I can't find anything I'm doing different in the evening than throughout the day. Sigh....

[SETabor]

Sleeping with bed bugs?

[Hawk J]

Originally Posted by bghouse

Well, it's official - something here is chomping on me :-( The last couple of nights I've gotten bitten by something - little itchy bites on the neck, chest and back shoulders. Haven't found the little buggers, but similar to the little spider bites I got all the time back in LA. Seems to only bite me at night, and I can't find anything I'm doing different in the evening than throughout the day. Sigh....

bg, I.m not sure what could be biting you. I've never had that problem & i've always had several 4legged Pal's here, & a basspond outside.

I guess it could be sand flea's or the bed bugs maybe.

I remember, a few times when i've been out catfishin at night in the summer, i put on some Backwood spray (with Deet), due to skeeters.

Best of luck finding what is biting you.

[Minervah]

Fleas maybe? They hate my cat but love me.