Dear Heloise : I’ve been reading about this new visitor to America — the Joro spider. Pictures of it show this long-legged creature that can apparently fly on currents of air. It can bite, but I don’t know if it’s poisonous.
I’m deathly afraid of bugs, particularly spiders. The sight of one just terrifies me. What can be done to avoid or kill a Joro spider? — June B.
Henderson, NC June, the Joro spider is a very timid creature that is not native to America. They would rather run from us than bite us. As far as anyone knows, their bite is not deadly but it can cause skin irritation in some people.
If, however, you feel unwell after being bitten, seek medical attention immediately. Although this large spider was first spotted in Georgia, it’s been steadily making its way up the east coast. Their webs are large, with some reaching 6 or even 10 feet across, and they’ll eat anything that gets caught their web.
As for killing the Joro spider, there are sprays available, but you might live your whole life and never see one. The first thing they want to do is hide away from humans. — Heloise Revamping blouses Dear Heloise : I had several plain blouses that were in excellent condition, but I was growing tired of wearing them as they were.
Finally, I went to a fabric store, bought some beautiful lace, and sewed it around the edge of the collar and cuffs. I also changed out the buttons for small pearl ones. On another blouse, I used an iron-on applique of a few daisies.
