Bitter-Sweet Encounters with Insects and Animals: Learning to Live Safely

In my life, encounters with insects and animals have been a mix of excitement and caution. Throughout my upbringing and adulthood, I have faced a series of events that have taught me valuable lessons in safety and observation. Here are some of my encounters and how I managed them.

Bitter-Sweet Encounters

Growing up in a poor household, I lived in a rented room with minimal resources. The closest I got to animals was through public hospitals and local zoos, where admission fees were often free. This lifestyle provided a stark contrast with my encounters with living creatures, both welcome and unwelcome.

Encounters at a Young Age

From a young age, I experienced a few encounters with insects and animals that left lasting impressions. One of the more memorable incidents occurred when a tarantula managed to escape from its cage and hid under my paintings. It took some time, but by thinking like a spider, I located and caught her. This encounter taught me the importance of understanding how animals would react, especially when scared.

In addition to the tarantula, I also had a few encounters with hornets and a black cat. At 13, I was stung by a hornet in my room. I tried to chase it away and ended up with a painful lump. The following day, my hand was swollen, and a visit to the hospital confirmed the severity. At 18, a black cat entered the house, leading to a painful bite on my hand. The swelling was significant, and I had to get a painful injection.

Navigating Adulthood Risks

Adulthood brought new challenges, including unexpected encounters at a friend's house. One night, I was sleeping on a couch, and I was suddenly woken by a pain in my earlobe. Upon checking, I saw a large rat scrambling out the window. This event led to a consultation with a private doctor, followed by an injection. This encounter was especially frightening and memorable, teaching me to be more cautious at others' homes.

The Sweetest Encounter

Despite these encounters, my life also has moments of joy and companionship, like when I bought my daughter a mini poodle named Jessie. She has become the darling of the house, and I now live in a condominium with a greater awareness of the need to keep unwanted insects and animals at bay.

Through these experiences, I have learned to approach encounters with insects and animals with caution and understanding. Thinking like an animal and being prepared for potential risks can help prevent these encounters from becoming dangerous. For those who live in cities or have limited exposure to nature, knowledge of common pests and their behavior can also be very helpful.

Conclusion

Encounters with insects and animals can be a mix of fear, excitement, and learning. By sharing these experiences, we can all gain insights into how to handle such encounters safely and effectively. Whether it's a tarantula, a hornet, a black cat, or a rat, knowing how to react can make all the difference in ensuring our safety and the safety of those around us.