Word verification and 100 SPAM messages

Yes, I had too much SPAM without word verification.  I came back last weekend and I had over 100 SPAM comments without word verification, so I turned it back on.  I know, I have a hard time, too, reading the words to type, but, honestly, I don't need LUGGS or something in Russian, and I'm tired of spam.  So, readers, I hope you understand...sigh...any other suggestions?