Plus: There's a big kicker coming down the line.
 
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🕸️ What a tangled web they weave

Pacific Northwest ‘spider season’ is upon us
Dew drops on a spider web.
Many native Oregon spiders are difficult to find as more introduced species become established. | Photo by zoosnow
We’ve all played host to freeloading roommates — the type that’s obsessed with silk and is really good at lurking in dark corners to eavesdrop.

Spiders. These eight-legged critters seem to come out of the woodwork en masse in late summer and fall — but why? We asked Josh Vlach, an entomologist with the Oregon Department of Agriculture, to untangle the web of facts and fictions.

The uptick

While you may notice more spiders right now, that doesn’t necessarily mean there’s been a boom in their numbers. Vlach said many spiders are simply getting bigger and building large enough webs to be noticed. Males are also wandering around looking for mates. Aww. Later in the season, the females will seek out spots to shelter through the winter — and our homes are attractive options.

So many species

According to Vlach, there may be approx. 500 spider species in Oregon, but most that enter our homes are actually native to Europe. An average of 10 new invertebrate species settle into Oregon every year — and one in five is a known pest (including the brown widow).

A brown colored spider

The giant house spider (pictured above) + the hobo spider are two of Portland’s most common European spiders.

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Photo via Oregon Department of Agriculture

Knowing friend from foe

Thankfully, our part of the world isn’t home to any harmful spiders other than the black widow (which is native to Oregon but uncommon in Portland). All true widow spiders have a distinct red-to-orange hourglass on their underside, making them easy to ID. And no, the brown recluse doesn’t dwell here.

Spider-proofing

To prevent visits from unwanted arachnid house guests, make sure your home is as well-sealed as possible by caulking gaps + cracks and making sure there are no gaps under doors. Keeping structures and vegetation from touching the exterior of your home will also help.
Portland's eight-legged arachnids
 
Events
Tuesday, Sept. 3
  • Swift Watch | Tuesday, Sept. 3-Monday, Sept. 30 | 6:30-9 p.m. | Chapman Elementary School | Free | Thousands of migrating birds circle the skies over the school before funneling into a chimney to roost every evening during this incredible must-see seasonal spectacle.
  • Portland Trivia Night & Taco Tuesdays | Tuesday, Sept. 3 | 7-9 p.m. | Advice Booth | Free | Stuff your face and flex your brain with friends to take home the top prize.
Wednesday, Sept. 4
  • Musical Monday | Wednesday, Sept. 4 | 7:15 p.m. | Helium Comedy Club | $22-$30 | Don’t be confused by the name — this improv comedy band is performing midweek and bringing the laughs with their lyrics.
Thursday, Sept. 5
  • The Shivas | Thursday, Sept. 5 | 7:30 p.m. | Mississippi Studios | $17 | Get out and celebrate the hometown band following their latest album release, “Can’t Stop Coming Around.”
Friday, Sept. 6
  • 46th Annual GRO Parade of Homes | Friday, Sept. 6-Sunday, Sept. 22 | 10 a.m.-7 p.m. | Reserve at Lake River, Vancouver | $0-$15 | Experience open floor plans and state-of-the-art technology and appliances, as well as modern finishes at this tour of three homes.
  • Artist Talk: “Tree People” | Friday, Sept. 6 | 6:30-8 p.m. | World Forestry Center | Free | Hear from the photographers behind the exhibit who will call in from Finland to talk about Nordic forest mythology, customs, and beliefs.
Events calendar here
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News Notes
State
  • Here’s the kicker... Well, you’ll have to wait until 2026, when Oregon economists are predicting returning nearly $1 billion to taxpayers through the sixth consecutive kicker refund. This law is triggered by income tax revenue that exceeds estimates for the lawmakers’ budget by at least 2%. (OPB)
Biz
  • Backpacks that last, and more importantly, don’t end up in the landfill — that’s what Pacmodo aims to accomplish with its durable and modular product. The venture is the latest in a long line of companies founded by former Nike employees. (The Oregonian/Oregon Live)
Network
  • Women’s Maker Mixer is a free event on Sunday, Sept. 15, 2-8 p.m., aimed at providing a space for women makers, chefs, brewers, and women-owned businesses to “encourage networking, collaborating, and learning from those adjacent to you in the industry.” RSVP to find out more.
Today Is
Try This
  • Psst… Rose City Comic Con, aka Portland’s premier pop culture event, returns in just three days. This family-friendly event, held Friday, Sept. 6-Sunday, Sept. 8, features comics galore (from the creators to the creative process), gaming, cosplay — and everything in between. Snag a single-or-three-day badge.*
Finance
  • Did you know some credit cards can actually help you get out of debt faster? (It sounds wild, but it’s true.) The secret: Find a credit card with a “0% intro APR” period for balance transfers. These are hands down some of the best.*
Wellness
  • One scoop of NativePath Hydrate = increased energy, muscle strength, and bladder function. Enjoy 44% and free shipping, plus a free gift with purchase.*
 
The Buy

The Buy 9.03.24 (Affiliate)
A snackle box. The trendy snack tray has eight compartments and a sealable lid, making it ideal for meal prep, picnic goodies, road trip snacks, and everything in between.
More worth The Buy
 
The Wrap
 
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Today’s edition by:
Ben
From the editor
You know how I know it’s spider season? One of those giant house spiders (they really are huge) came out with my clean laundry when I dumped it on my bed. There was also one in my wife’s suitcase. Nope, nope, nope.
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