When I was growing up, any spider in my home was to be killed on sight. I never had a problem with the incredibly helpful little critters, but my mother did. Her arachnophobia was so strong that even seeing a spider web would trouble her. A spider hanging out in her vicinity would result in screams of panic and a murderous broom-aided killing spree. After leaving home, it took me years to get to the point where I didn't feel the need to kill a spider if I saw one in my home. That said, never in all of my spider-smooshing years did I even come close to burning the house down.
From KETV Omaha:
A house caught on fire after a man tried to kill spiders and get rid of webs, according to a fire department.
Fresno firefighters said the man was house sitting for his parents and used a blowtorch against black widows, KFSN-TV reported.
Fire department spokesman Capt. Robert Castillo said the man used the open flame outdoors, starting at a brick veneer section of the approximately 4,000-square-foot home. He eventually noticed smoke coming from the attic.
Fire trucks inundated a street by the home Tuesday night. About 27 firefighters responded.
It caused an estimated $10,000 in damage.
Image via Flickr, courtesy of The U.S. Army
