Surviving Water Droplets: Insects and Spiders

  • Thread starter Thread starter wolram
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Insects
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around how insects and spiders survive being hit by large water droplets, particularly in the context of personal experiences with spiders in household settings. Participants explore various theories, anecdotes, and humorous takes on the resilience of these creatures against water and other forms of potential harm.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Humorous

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question how spiders can withstand the impact of large water droplets, comparing it to the hypothetical scenario of a heavy pillow falling on a person.
  • There are humorous assertions about spiders being "evil" or "immortal," with some suggesting that they would prefer a strong swat over being washed away by water.
  • One participant mentions that different scales and forces, along with hydrophobicity and surface tension, contribute to the survival of spiders when exposed to water.
  • Another participant suggests that using soapy water or detergent can effectively drown insects, as it reduces surface tension and allows water to penetrate their respiratory systems.
  • Experiences with spider bites are shared, highlighting the potential dangers of certain spider species and the varying reactions people have towards spiders in their homes.
  • Some participants express a preference for not killing spiders due to their role in controlling pest populations, while others share personal anecdotes of spider encounters that evoke fear or discomfort.
  • There are discussions about the physical properties of insects and arachnids, including their exoskeletons and methods of respiration, which may contribute to their resilience.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a mix of humorous and serious viewpoints, with no clear consensus on the best methods for dealing with spiders or the specifics of their survival mechanisms. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the effectiveness of various approaches to harming or deterring spiders.

Contextual Notes

Some claims about spider resilience and methods of extermination depend on specific conditions and may not apply universally to all species. The discussion includes anecdotal evidence and personal experiences that may not reflect broader biological principles.

  • #31
Next time use HOT water. If a spider gets into my shower, it will NOT live. There are a lot of places I can tolerate spiders, and the shower is not one of them. I don't take any chances, if they don't drown or don't get washed down the drain, they're going to get cooked...I run only the hot water on spiders.
 

Similar threads

Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
  • · Replies 23 ·
Replies
23
Views
7K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
Replies
1
Views
838
  • · Replies 28 ·
Replies
28
Views
10K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
5K
Replies
2
Views
1K