Spider Control

[Buzz Brown]

Has anyone tried using those insect foggers to rid boats of spiders? I was thinking of waiting until our boat was shrink wrapped and then setting off a fogger with the hatches open? The spiders seem worse on the deck and lines rather than in the cabin.

 

[dlochner]

After living on a lake and battling spiders, I learned that early control in the spring is important. You have to kill those suckers before they have offspring. There are environmentally friendly repellants, sorry I can't recall the name. For a few years our YC would have an exterminator come and spray boats for under $100. Worked well. A vacuum cleaner also works. When you see them suck them up.

Once the population begins to reproduce, you're done, they reproduce faster than you can remove them.

 

[sail sfbay]

I have used a fogger successfully to kill spiders on the inside of an rv trailer. Other options include Starbrite Spider Away (or similar product) and and an ultrasonic spider repeller.

You might find this article helpful: Ridding Your Boat Of Spiders

 

[Justin_NSA]

We use sprays containing peppermint oil on exterior rails, lines, covers etc to discourage them. It's not 100% but a noticeable improvement

 

[bawlmer]

Funny you should ask. I just moved into a new home and spiders were a big issue. Noticed I said "were". After trying many strore bought remedies I finally called a pro. Several days after he left so did the spiders. If the spiders are that much of a problem the spend the money for an exterminator. Also after much reading, fogging does not help for them.

 

[Ben4195]

I generally have tons of spiders during the summers on western Lake Erie. What I've found to work for me is Ortho Home Defense. I spray the cockpit canvas, winches, other nooks and/or crannies in the cockpit/deck/wherever, and it's effectiveness lasts for a few weeks in the dry months. After some rain, I have to re-apply. Don't generally have spider problems inside the cabin, just outside.

 

[dlochner]

We have an open carry policy on Second Star. In one hand is the wasp and hornet spray (I am very allergic to bee stings) and in the other a relatively environmentally safe spider insecticide. Some evenings sitting the cockpit we wait patiently for the spiders to appear and with a quick burst from the can, the spider is quickly dispatched.

Back in the day, we moved into our college dorm which was heavily infested with spiders. As might be expected in a building of 200+ 18 year old boys away from home for the first time an effective solution quickly found. A can of Right Guard spray deodorant and a cigarette lighter made and effective flame thrower quickly incinerating the offending arachnids.

 

[Ron20324]

...I generally have tons of spiders during the summers on western Lake Erie. What I've found to work for me is Ortho Home Defense. I spray the cockpit canvas, winches, other nooks and/or crannies in the cockpit/deck/wherever, and it's effectiveness lasts for a few weeks in the dry months. After some rain, I have to re-apply. Don't generally have spider problems inside the cabin, just outside...

Plus one for Home Defense. Following a suggestion from a couple years ago on SBO, I went to Home Depot, AND THERE IT WAS- RIGHT INSIDE THE FRONT DOOR! I bought 2 containers w/ spayer for the home and the dock box. Once every couple weeks I spray the dock cleats and lines to keep the buggers off the boat in the first place. Ben, if that was you, thanks. AT home, I spray the balconey along the wall with the sliding doors. GREAT !

 

[JamesG161]

Someone recommended this.
Terro Spider Killer 3 Aerosol Spray, 1 lb - Walmart.com

So we got the package of 3 cans.

The Admiral used 2 cans to almost gas the marina.
She was tired of the spider dung on the boat.

But this stuff works well.
Jim...

 

[JamesG161]

The spiders seem worse on the deck and lines

Trivia: Spiders make their webs facing North or South or close to angles.

I have noticed not many spiders on boats berthed that have rigging East and West.
Jim...

 

[dlochner]

Someone recommended this.
Terro Spider Killer 3 Aerosol Spray, 1 lb - Walmart.com

So we got the package of 3 cans.

The Admiral used 2 cans to almost gas the marina.
She was tired of the spider dung on the boat.

But this stuff works well.
Jim...

That's the same stuff we have in our arsenal.

Spiders build their webs in areas where there is airflow. This allows them to capture other insects. They also travel by attaching a thread to something and then launching themselves into the wind. Like Tarzan, they swing on the thread, lengthening it as needed, until they find a new spot to build a web.