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[SHADEGARDENS] Making it Safe

I know this will justifiably enrage some of our members, but I must know
how one goes about selectively exterminating spiders.  Yes, they are
effective (but indiscriminate) bug-killers, and have their own hideous
place in the ecosystem, but we should we not be able to approach our
gardens without trembling fearfully?  I don't mind the bright yellow one
with the black Swiss-dots on its body, or the furry, auburn guy with the
black and white striped legs (though it is of monstrous proportions by
summer's end), or even the hush-puppy textured beige spider with
toothpick-like legs.  But there is no reason why any of them need to be
over 3" long, hairy, aggressive, red, and tunnel-building this far north.
So here are my questions:

1.  Can anybody identify or give more information on the three spiders
       described above?  I was not able to find anything in the literature.

2.  How do I decimate just one at a time?  The 20-foot-reach sprays don't
work,                                      (tried that), but I don't want
to get any closer than I have to.

3.  What could I do to disuade them from building gauzy tunnels on the leaf
                    base and petiole of cupped hostas?  This has got to be
animal behavior at
    its worst.  I have mustered all my courage to tear off the leaf and all,
    to be rid of the unsightly mess, but there is always that moment when
you         must gaze into the many, leering eyes on that horrible
countenance.  How
    much better if the spider went elsewhere.

Thanks for any help you can give me before Spring arrives with its hatchlings.



Sheila Smith
mikecook@pipeline.com
Z 5/6
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