SPIDERS

[Cheesefreek]

Does anyone know how to keep spiders from getting into the house? I dread the end of summer when gigantic black spiders suddenly appear on walls, or scuttlilng across the carpet! I can't deal with them once they're in, but has anyone any tips?

[clarabel82]

I wish I knew the answer to this as I am equally terrified of House spiders! I'll be checking back to see if anyone else knows

[SteveD]

Get one of these: http://www.buyabugbuster.com/links/index.asp or these: http://www.spidercatcher.net/

[Cheesefreek]

The thing is, once they're in I can't go near them. I appreciate your info Steve, and I checked the sites out. But I just couldn't. What a wimp I am. Only with spiders though. I was thinking more along the lines of some sort of repellent that spiders hated that would make them look elsewhere! I don't want them to die necessarily - just move on.

[SteveD]

I can't stand the things, either. We have one of the vacuum type devices in my first post and it works well. First of all, you have to convince yourself that, as you approach, the spider is not going to jump up and grab you round the throat, then you switch the device on so that it is at maxumum suction and in pops the spider. There are spider repellants; here is one: http://www.bugspray.com/catalog/products/page69.html but read this, too: http://calstaging.bemidjistate.edu/students/jhatch/howto.htm l If you are in the UK, you could ask in B&Q or a similar store if they have a suitable product.

[Cheesefreek]

Thanks Steve - very helpful. Now I know the spider isn't going to grab me round the throat - it's actually going to leap and attach itself to my face. Maybe a self-hypnosis tape would help! I am in UK. Looks like 1) I'm going to have to go to a DIY store and 2) Clean my house! Thanks for help

[Cetti]

If you have a Betterwear agent in your area you will find a product in their catalogue that you spray around the points of entry. It's called 'Stop That Bug/Spider' or something like that. I'm sorry I can't be more specific. Lakeland also sell a 'Bug Catcher' - a sort of sucking thingy - but it doesn't sound as though you'd be too keen on that device!

[Cheesefreek]

Thanks Cetti, I do have a Bettaware agent around occasionally I'll look next time I get a catalogue. Thanks for that. It sounds just right. By the way, I'm a bit of a saddo when it comes to daddy-long-legs too!

[Cetti]

In that case keep all your windows tightly closed as Daddy Longlegs time is fast approaching....!

[apricot]

I have been recently sured of a spider phobia and last week casually brushed a huge house spider out of the bathroom window. There is little you can do to stop them coming in, they come at this time of year to breed. I really hate all that spider poo, don't you? I have a Pestclear2000 which works well on mice but NOT on spiders. You could try and de-sensitise. I used Ian Banyard of Epona Associates. I sympathise, good luck!

[Cheesefreek]

Wow apricot, will you move in and work as my official spider getter ridder of??! I don't think I've ever noticed spider poo! I'd take that any day over spiders. I'm marching down to my local Focus store this afternoon and begging for some magical solution. Might pluck up courage one day and try some form of desensitisation - but not yet!

[pjones6646]

my girlfriend has a true phobia of spiders also and at this time of year she asks me to find a repellent that works, so far the only natural bug repellent i have seen is a hedgeapple. but i have yet to try it so i cant comment on how well they work. Also in the uk i think we might struggle to find a supplier as i believe they are native to usa. If anybody knows more about this please post as i would like to know how effective they actually are.

[Newt]

Here's a recipe you can make to keep them away. http://www.dirtdoctor.com/view_question.php?id=48 Newt

[paul6hms]

The only old wifes tale I�ve heard & I am trying, is to keep conkers on the window sills, it does seem to have reduced the amount of spiders we get in the house. I am now thinking of a mixture of these type of nuts. Well it gets you out the house, gets you walking, if you have a family they will happily pick them up, and if they are young i.e. mine are 6 & 4, the children will put half a dozen on each window sill � good counting exercise too! They cost nothing and can be easily got rid of. What more can I say (nuts)