Spiders...how to discourage them as tenants?

Greenheart

Greenheart

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Not easy, this. Because keeping the boat ashore, in a wooded dinghy park, I suppose I'm technically on their patch. But I don't want them on my boat.

Today we'll be going out for a spin, but late last evening, before dusk, I saw a big thick-legged devil running to an inaccessible corner under the rear deck.

I'm dreading it...SWMBO and I, a mile offshore enjoying the sun...and suddenly that not-so-little b'stard will dash out, and our shock will cause a capsize.

It'll be like The Life of Pi...the damned thing'll probably hide in the picnic basket and we'll starve out there... :rolleyes:

Where can I get conkers in high summer? I really don't want to kill the spiders, I'd much prefer to make the boat an undesirable place of abode for them.
 
I'm not perfectly sure that I can guarantee a dinghy parked in a wood with an old fabric cover will ever be free of food for spiders!

Funny thing is, I didn't think those big thick-set dark spiders climbed trees. But it's hard to see how one could have climbed the topsides.

I'd be sorry to end up poisoning them. There must be some innocuous natural substance that they really can't stand. Ironic, isn't it...my toolcase on board is full with bio-hazardous substances like gelcoat resin and Hammerite, but I can't persuade nature to keep off.
 
I also have the concern of spider migration when the boat is home for the winter. I try to keep any shrubs from touching the boat. I think the path via tires then top sides is still long for migration. I don't know if they can or will drop down from higher branches. I do however use a lot of residual spray for spiders around the house. and boa tif necessary. I seem to have one living in the outboard bracket.
If you note I live in West Australia you will imediately be aware (more than locals) of all the deadly spiders and other creepy crawlies and bigger bities that are around every corner. No they don't worry me especially.
So I can only suggest lots of residual spray in all corners. But I don't seem to be a softy like OP. olewill
 
Sweet Chestnuts.. Put a dozen around where you get your spiders, no more spiders.. They're not keen on the aroma they give off apparently. Just change them every month or so.. Works on my Dad's canal boat.
 
Spider spray...from force 4 of any big DIY store...about a tenner, but one or two sprays into the corners where they live and you can see the little critters pack their bags and vacate.

Its the first thing Mrs CH packs when she comes to the boat.
 
You mention conkers - and they do seem to have a benefit.
Perhaps you can beg some from another boat. The conkers on mine are not even last years harvest and I have not noticed any spiders in the boat interior. Yet the exterior has had plenty of cobwebs - and some quite fierce looking spiders.
I am sure you can buy sprays to deter them rather than kill - ususally an orange oil or something like that . But I would be wary of the possible detrimental affect of oily marks on interior fabrics.
 
Did you know that the type of spiders(woodlouse) that live under ropes and covers, and don't make webs can give you a nip if disturbed,dont ask how I know this.
 
cliff said:
Install a couple of geckos - problem solved.
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Our previous boat had a wheelhouse with an aft door. Mr Septimus lived happily under the overhanging roof above the door for years, and kept the fly population down very well. :D
 
Look carefully in the cabin and you will see little spots of spider poo immediately below where they hide. Place a small piece of cotton wool soaked in Olbas oil nearby and watch them scuttle away. Clears your sinuses every time you go aboard as well. Olbas oil is easier to get hold of than chestnuts. You won't stop them getting on board as they can abseil huge distances.
 
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