Crickets, folks. We have them...lots of them...downstairs. They only come out at night, after the sun has left the sky - and at that time, I avoid those basement rooms as much as I possibly, possibly can. I've realized that almost anything can wait until tomorrow morning if it involves stepping downstairs.
I don't really like bugs in general, but these crickets are in another league. They are called camel crickets and, not only are they extremely ugly, they have some seriously nasty quirks. Most bugs will run from you if you get too close - they scatter into the shadows, or hide behind the closest piece of furniture. But not these crickets. Oh, they seem to try to jump into the shadows but, you see, they're rather uncoordinated. If I get to close, they actually jump towards me - and bounce off - and jump sideways - and land upside down - - - it's disgusting. And I've seen them jump at least 4 feet high. I was reading online about them, and some people have seen these gross crickets jump so high that they actually hit the ceiling! I have had more than my fair share of unwanted encounters...the worst being when I reach down to grab something and one jumps into my palm - and bounces off - and jumps sideways - and lands upside down - - - ewwwww!
Well, I was brave tonight. I hadn't quite finished all of my laundry by sunset, and I decided to venture down there to change out the last load. Of course, I was very on edge - scanning the whole area before placing my foot close to any potential cricket-home. It was quiet, and I was almost there when I looked down and saw this:
Sorry about the bad picture - I was still downstairs, after sunset, so I just wanted to snap a picture and get out of there! This bug is about 4 inches long - FYI.I screamed. I couldn't help it! And then, when I realized it was plastic, I kicked it across the room. I don't know who thought it was a good idea to give my son a package of bugs that looks so real that it elicits a genuine scream from his mother - but I suspect a 'Grandma Package' had something to do with it.
So, Jean, I just want you to know that I blame you for my near heart-attack tonight. :)
Oh, I love it! More than I should probably even admit! That is so ridiculously funny.
ReplyDeleteI am sorry, but that is hilarious!! I can laugh because I feel the same way. Bugs are disgusting.
ReplyDeleteI read your caption about the bug being 4 inches long before I read the next paragraph and learned it was plastic and I thought "that's huge--what kind of fly is 4 inches long?!" So, you sort of got me too. Have you seen the Planet Earth series? One of the "episodes" is about caves and there is an abundance of bugs. Kinda yucky, but the rest of the series is awesome and not so buggy.
ReplyDeleteThat is funny and I would have freaked out just like you. I freak out a lot over bugs.
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness!!! Do you think that the mouse you caught was keeping them at bay? Why are they coming out in January? And why are they called camel crickets?
ReplyDeleteKatie - no, no, no...that mouse was definitely good for NOTHING! The crickets have been around since we moved in. Thankfully, they rarely come up the stairs, so it's not that huge of a deal. Next time you come over in the evening/night, I'll let you see one first hand! Lucky you. :)
ReplyDeleteAnd, I think they're called camel crickets because their backs are more 'humped' than regular black crickets...and, they're brown...? That's my guess.
Although the plastic bug was a bit funny, I totally know what you mean by those gross bugs that jump at you. I can't stand it either. Makes me cringe!
ReplyDeleteDid you take that cricket picture??? Oh my word, I have chill bumps just LOOKING at it! Blarha! And the fly story was too funny. It looks totally real! Would have fooled me too.
ReplyDeleteLindsay--my kids have a big plastic spider tossing around upstairs that's probably from the trunk or treat party. EVERY time I walk past it I freak out! It always takes me getting down closer to it to realize it's not real!
ReplyDeleteWhen I first saw the pic and note I thought, so gross! (The block in the picture helps show the size :) That really is hilarious though.
ReplyDeleteI'm totally with you concerning all things bug, except for butterflies and maybe ladybugs. Other than that, my tom-boy roots are all but forgotten, and I'm jumping around and running away and squealing for someone to get rid of them. Maybe you could open a bait shop? ;) That would mean you had to seek them out though, probably not a good idea ;)
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry, I shouldn't laugh. Michelle has been caught by the plastic bug attach too. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteGiant bugs. Here, we just call them dinner.
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