Problem: Article: Patch up cracks and holes leading from the outside in to prevent spiders from finding their way indoors.  Use caulk to fill in large gaps of space in closed doors and windows. Also apply caulk around wires, cables, faucets, and electrical components, since all of these must run to the outside. Replace or fix torn window screens. Spiders can easily find their way in through even the smallest holes. Cover your vents and chimney with fine mesh insect screens. While outdoor lights will not attract spiders, they will attract other pests that can serve as appetizing food sources for spiders.  On a similar note, block indoor lights from shining through your windows by using opaque blinds or shades. Consider switching to yellow sodium vapor lights. These are less appealing to insects and less likely to draw in a food source for your spiders. If you have a serious spider problem, consider transplanting shrubs, trees, ivy, and other plants from the perimeter of your house to the opposite side of the yard.  Vegetation attracts spiders because it serves as an ample hiding spot. When spiders need to seek out warmth or new food sources, they crawl from the vegetation toward your home, getting in through cracks. You should also remove mulch, stones, leaves, or other debris near your home. Clean homes give spiders fewer places to hide out in, making them less likely to stay even if they do slip inside.  Do not leave leftover food lying around. Food crumbs will attract other pests like ants, which, in turn, will attract spiders. Regularly sweep and vacuum your floors. Wipe down your counters and tables, and avoid letting your dirty dishes sit out for more than a few hours. Pick up as much clutter as possible. Old newspapers and piles of dirty clothes make the ideal hiding place for spider species that thrive in darkness. Use plastic storage containers. Airtight plastic containers are difficult for spiders to crawl into, but cardboard boxes are fairly easy.
Summary: Seal up your home. Keep your outdoor lights off. Remove vegetation away from the perimeter of your house. Keep a tidy house.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: The first step in the scientific method is formulating a question. Make some observation of the world around you, and pose it as a question. You will then use the scientific method to investigate the question and attempt to answer it. The scientific method can be applied to all sorts of questions, for example, you could ask “Will I save money if I stop shopping at Store A and buy my groceries at Store B instead?” It is likely that someone has asked a similar question in the past and gotten some answers. Research your question using the internet, the library, or other records. Even if you do not find an exact answer, you will gain an understanding of the variables that you need to consider in your experiment. For example, you might find that someone did a study of the prices of groceries at Store A depending on the time of year. While this doesn’t answer your entire question, it does bring to your attention that you should consider the time of year in your experiment. Once you have a thorough understanding of your question, you will need to develop a hypothesis. A hypothesis is a statement that reflects your educated guess as to what the answer to your question might be. A hypothesis absolutely must be falsifiable, or able to be disproven.  Start your hypothesis with an educated guess. For example, if you have shopped at Store A and Store B before and you have an instinct that Store B might be cheaper, you could build your hypothesis around that thought. A good hypothesis would be “Store B has lower prices than Store A.” A bad hypothesis would be “The prices of Store B are set by invisible magicians that can never be discovered by people.” Hypotheses are useful because they allow you to predict the outcome of one thing based on your knowledge about it. Then, you can adjust your hypothesis based on whether or not it was disproven. Keep in mind that a hypothesis can never be “proven.” For example, your prediction might be “If I shop at Store B, I’ll save money.”

SUMMARY: Ask questions. Do some background research. Answer those questions with a hypothesis. Use the hypothesis to make some prediction.

In one sentence, describe what the following article is about: Is your spider moving around less than usual? Tarantulas often stop moving or don't move at all to conserve energy before a molt. If your tarantula has not been moving much lately, then this could be a sign that she is about to molt. Is your tarantula eating? Before a big molt, tarantulas will stop eating for extended periods of time, ranging from a few weeks to a couple of months. If you have noticed that your tarantula has not been eating or that she has been eating less than usual, then this could indicate that she is going to molt soon. Some tarantulas secrete tiny drops of a clear fluid between the joints on their legs, and this can indicate that your tarantula is getting ready to molt. Check to see if you can see these droplets, but keep in mind that not all tarantulas do this before a molt. Some tarantulas will lose hair on their abdomens leading up to a molt. You might notice less hair on your tarantula’s abdomen or even a bald spot on your tarantula’s abdomen. If you see this, then it is a good sign that your tarantula is getting ready to molt. Your tarantula’s abdomen may also appear darker and shinier than usual before she molts. What position is the spider in? During a molt, a tarantula lays up-side down on her back or on her side to get out of the old skin easier. This happens when a tarantula is actively molting and the whole process takes just a few hours. If your tarantula is on her back or side, then she might be trying to molt her skin. Spiders curl up their legs tightly underneath them when they die. If your tarantula is on her stomach and has curled her legs tightly inwards, then she may be dead or dying.
Summary:
Watch for decreased movement. Note a refusal to eat. Check for clear fluid droplets. Look for thinning hair or a bald spot. Check what position your tarantula is in.