Man Who Was Just Trying to Kill Spiders With Blowtorch Sets Parents' House on Fire 

My preferred method of killing spiders is spending so long picking out which book I don’t mind getting bug guts all over that the offending insect escapes so that it can, you know, improve the ecosystem. It’s a way better method than what this guy attempted.

The Los Angeles Times reported on Wednesday that a 23-year-old Fresno man told firefighters who responded to the scene of a burning house that he had been using a blowtorch to kill spiders. This house belongs to the man’s parents, who were fortunately not home at the time of the spider-flaming incident. NBC reports the spiders were black widows.

A reported 26 firefighters arrived to quell the blaze, which caused $10,000 worth of damage to the second floor and attic. Firefighters believe the blowtorch caused the destruction, in case that wasn’t clear.

Captain Robert Castillo of the Fresno Fire Department said of the spider theatrics, “This is definitely not the preferred method to exterminate spiders in and around our home.” Well, now I’m sure.