Best Aphid Control Ever

I've been working in the shop of late on a new trellis design, but I had to share the magical experience of standing on the front porch yesterday afternoon.  Soaking in the late afternoon sun and dusting off errant flecks of redwood, I observed in wonder a gang of Bushtits who one by one zipped to the Malacothamnus and delicately picked off the aphids that had taken up residence.  I reveled in their happy chirps, transfixed by their tiny black legs and twig-like feet wrapped around the stems.  Then one, two, three...  four, five... and six alighted to the protection of the climbing rose across the street.  With a contented sigh I returned to my work, still surprised by the life my garden has taken on.

AAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!!!

Here's something you never want to hear:  "What is a (expletive)ing scorpion doing in our bedroom?!"  I thought he was kidding until he started repeating his sentence about five more times.  Sure enough, this little lady found her way onto the floor of our room.  I'm all for gardening to attract wildlife, but this is going too far! 

After a google attempt or two (and after securing her under a glass which was then taped to a coaster), we discovered that there indeed are scorpions native to the California coast, Uroctonous mordax mordax.  Not totally sure, but I think it's a female and it might even be pregnant!  (or gravid, which is apparently the correct term for scorpions who are expecting).  And yes, the thought of baby scorpions living amongst the pile of clothes on my floor does completely freak me out.  The first questions is, "Where did it come from?"  Do scorpions just hang out all over the place and we just don't notice them?

I'm still driving off the creepy crawlies and checking the insides of my shoes before putting them on.  The event reminds me of Lisa's adventure with a Black Widow Spider scare.  I ended up deciding to take the scorpion on a car ride to Tilden Park and releasing her at the base of a multi-trunked Redwood tree, which is apparently their native habitat.  I drove quite the circular route, too so I don't think she'll find her way back.  At least I sincerely hope not.

And yes, I totally realize I'm being a native gardening hypocrite by literally driving away selected wildlife.  If it means I won't find a scorpion between my sheets, I'm okay with that.

Regardless, despite looking like the scariest creature EVER(!!!), their venom is similar to a bee sting. But if her or her friends decide to make my bedroom their new hang out spot, that glass and coaster will be ready.  Hear me, Arachnids?!