Spider Removal/Deterrent?

[DCC22853]

Previously we had a trailered sailboat, this will be our first year with a permanently slipped boat on the great lakes (it appears to me that fresh water attracts spiders like moths to a flame). The boat isn't even in the water yet and already it is becoming home to spiders. What methods are there to kill the current spiders onboard and dissuade others from taking up residence? My mom is seriously allergic to spider bites, so this is of great concern to me.

 

[Rich]

fabric softener pads

The folks at the Catalina 25 Association web site discuss this problem regularly (the ones from Michigan!) and one suggestion that came up for the interior was putting fabric softener pads in the enclosed interior spaces (drawers, lockers, etc.). There is something about the electrical charge and/or scent chemistry they don't like. One sheet per drawer is what they indicated as typical.

 

[Tom s/v GAIA]

Bounce dryer sheets work real well

Don't forget to slip two or three under the sail cover for your main.Toms/v GAIA

 

[Steve Dion]

Flea Collars

I use flea collars on the pulpits and stanchions. I just cut small pieces and fasten them with a small piece of wire.The pest strips work well in the sail cover and the lazarettes.I may try the fabric sheets too.