Sorry for the disgusting subject. Spiders... It's a mistery to me how they get out there (I'm at a mooring about 150' off the shore), but they do...and they sure were big! Has anyone conquered this spider problem? Is there something I can do in the spring before splashing that will keep them away? I sprayed bug killer and completely cleaned everything everywhere I figured they could be coming from, but next time I was out they were back in full force. I can only imagine how bad it will be when I finally get a slip and they can climb right on board. Spider maintenance was adding an extra 45 minutes on to presail time! Thanks, Mike Elmore Chicago, IL Windward Hull-C28 Hull #7
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UGH!
Spiders are pretty flighty monsters. Literally. That silk they squirt out to make their webs also is their own little airline! They just spray a little out & off they go on the wind, like a loose kite. Sounds like that's a possible source. Another source could be any paper products you've brought on board, especially corrugated cardboard. Remove ALL of it! Mark your food cans with permanent marker & remove their labels, throw out (or recycle) all boxes, etc., etc. They only paper you should have on board is TP & that was probably in a plastic bag (on that note, you might take out any that's not completely sealed by plastic & replace it cuz they could be nesting in open rolls). Then I'd buy a spider bomb, disconnect all electrical (including battery terminals) so there's no spark to ignite the gas as it escapes from the canister & get rid of 'em once & for all. A BIG note of caution!!! Turn off ANYTHING that could cause an electrical (or propane) spark. This would include your bilge pump, propane oven, ANYTHING!!!! Otherwise, you could not only get rid of the spiders but the boat too! From that point on, if any spiders are found aboard, it's either from something you brought aboard or from them drifting aboard & setting up house. Good luck! LaDonna
Spiders are pretty flighty monsters. Literally. That silk they squirt out to make their webs also is their own little airline! They just spray a little out & off they go on the wind, like a loose kite. Sounds like that's a possible source. Another source could be any paper products you've brought on board, especially corrugated cardboard. Remove ALL of it! Mark your food cans with permanent marker & remove their labels, throw out (or recycle) all boxes, etc., etc. They only paper you should have on board is TP & that was probably in a plastic bag (on that note, you might take out any that's not completely sealed by plastic & replace it cuz they could be nesting in open rolls). Then I'd buy a spider bomb, disconnect all electrical (including battery terminals) so there's no spark to ignite the gas as it escapes from the canister & get rid of 'em once & for all. A BIG note of caution!!! Turn off ANYTHING that could cause an electrical (or propane) spark. This would include your bilge pump, propane oven, ANYTHING!!!! Otherwise, you could not only get rid of the spiders but the boat too! From that point on, if any spiders are found aboard, it's either from something you brought aboard or from them drifting aboard & setting up house. Good luck! LaDonna
Spiders are your friends
Actually, spiders won't hurt you. They will feed on the types of insects that are pests and keep your boat clean! Roc
Actually, spiders won't hurt you. They will feed on the types of insects that are pests and keep your boat clean! Roc
Kinda got the feeling that
the spiders were out of control. I've seen it before and have to agree it's intolerable. I'm a fan of spiders myself but when they're everywhere, they die!
LaDonna
the spiders were out of control. I've seen it before and have to agree it's intolerable. I'm a fan of spiders myself but when they're everywhere, they die!
LaDonnadefinately
Out of control might be an understatement. I'll bomb this year but I take it I should wait until they arrive to bomb...
Out of control might be an understatement. I'll bomb this year but I take it I should wait until they arrive to bomb...
Little Hope
Boat spiders do drift in on the wind. It will not be any worse when you're tied up in a slip. They may eat bad bugs and that's good. But they definatly mess up your boat. Before I got the new name onto the stern of "Anodyne" friends were calling it "Old spider poop" cause thats what was already there. Spider poop stains jel coat! and so do some of the insecticides you may be tempted to use. Be sure to test it on a small area. The oils in the mixture may penetrate a weathered finish. In our area the problem is the outside of the boat not the interior so bombing does no good. Only constant cleaning is of any real use. In fact, "simple green" cleaner may act as a replent. I have no scientific proof of this, but some people have noticed a small decrease in the number of spiders. Good luck, but I'm afraid you're just going to learn to live with em.
Boat spiders do drift in on the wind. It will not be any worse when you're tied up in a slip. They may eat bad bugs and that's good. But they definatly mess up your boat. Before I got the new name onto the stern of "Anodyne" friends were calling it "Old spider poop" cause thats what was already there. Spider poop stains jel coat! and so do some of the insecticides you may be tempted to use. Be sure to test it on a small area. The oils in the mixture may penetrate a weathered finish. In our area the problem is the outside of the boat not the interior so bombing does no good. Only constant cleaning is of any real use. In fact, "simple green" cleaner may act as a replent. I have no scientific proof of this, but some people have noticed a small decrease in the number of spiders. Good luck, but I'm afraid you're just going to learn to live with em.
If they're inside...
You might see if there's a bomb on the market to kill spider eggs. You might not see them right now but that doesn't mean there aren't thousands of eggs scattered in inaccessible areas. If, as Dennis mentioned, there outside, you're pretty much SOL. LaDonna
You might see if there's a bomb on the market to kill spider eggs. You might not see them right now but that doesn't mean there aren't thousands of eggs scattered in inaccessible areas. If, as Dennis mentioned, there outside, you're pretty much SOL.
LaDonnaSimple Green and Insects
We have noted that Spiders and Flys DO NOT LIKE Simple Green. We keep a spray bottle (slightly diluted) right next to the head and after you flush spray a small amount in the bowl. Keeps the flys out. We use simple green for most of the general cleaning below and found that it does reduce the number of spiders. Our rule on spiders: If you are inside, you are dead. If outside, you stand a chance of getting caught and getting thrown overboard to the fish. If you are outside and don't get caught. You can live a little longer. Remember: Spiders and boats go together. If you can't deal with it, perhaps the boat needs to be sold. With respect, Capn' Odie
We have noted that Spiders and Flys DO NOT LIKE Simple Green. We keep a spray bottle (slightly diluted) right next to the head and after you flush spray a small amount in the bowl. Keeps the flys out. We use simple green for most of the general cleaning below and found that it does reduce the number of spiders. Our rule on spiders: If you are inside, you are dead. If outside, you stand a chance of getting caught and getting thrown overboard to the fish. If you are outside and don't get caught. You can live a little longer. Remember: Spiders and boats go together. If you can't deal with it, perhaps the boat needs to be sold. With respect, Capn' Odie
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