- Joined
- Nov 27, 2004
- Messages
- 409
I live in Ottawa, but am in Winnipeg for most of the summer due to work. My fiance is back home in Ottawa and has informed me that spiders have taken over our balcony (again).
Last fall when we moved in I spent a good chunk of the day cleaning up empty webs and more spider egg sacks than I care to think about. I was able to catch and relocate a few residence, and from what I remember of them, I believe them to be some kind of orb weaver (probably the black/yellow variety. Sorry, no scientific name. I am too lazy, and just want to finish writing this so I can go and have a bath).
Anyways, there are HUNDREDS of them, and while I dont have a problem with any one small spider, I do have a bit of a problem with hundreds of them and their subsequently hatching egg sacs. We would like to be able to open up our doors/windows and not have to worry about having stealthy spiders invade our home. Never mind that if one of those big boys decided to drop onto my head while I am sitting outside on the balcony, I very well might die.
Herein lies the "problem"- we need to get rid of these spiders, or reduce their number at the very least. I am wary about the types of chemicals we will need in order to do this. At first I thought we could use Pyrethrin (which I liked the idea of because it is natural)- but then found out that it is meant mainly for insects and not spiders.
If it were me having to do this I would be out there catching everyone that I could before giving the area a spray. Unfortunately, I wont be heading home for a while and my manly man needs to prove and protect himself ASAP.
My Ts are currently here with me in Winnipeg, and will not be making the journey home to Ottawa until the early to late fall. Will this be enough time for any residual chemical to dissipate thereby making it safe for my gang to come home?
Much thanks in advance.
Last fall when we moved in I spent a good chunk of the day cleaning up empty webs and more spider egg sacks than I care to think about. I was able to catch and relocate a few residence, and from what I remember of them, I believe them to be some kind of orb weaver (probably the black/yellow variety. Sorry, no scientific name. I am too lazy, and just want to finish writing this so I can go and have a bath).
Anyways, there are HUNDREDS of them, and while I dont have a problem with any one small spider, I do have a bit of a problem with hundreds of them and their subsequently hatching egg sacs. We would like to be able to open up our doors/windows and not have to worry about having stealthy spiders invade our home. Never mind that if one of those big boys decided to drop onto my head while I am sitting outside on the balcony, I very well might die.
Herein lies the "problem"- we need to get rid of these spiders, or reduce their number at the very least. I am wary about the types of chemicals we will need in order to do this. At first I thought we could use Pyrethrin (which I liked the idea of because it is natural)- but then found out that it is meant mainly for insects and not spiders.
So, that being said, what is the most effective chemical to get rid of these guys? Are there any other natural plant oil that you know of that are effective on spiders? (I would rather go "natural" than heavy duty chemical).DrAce said:Marigolds contain pyrethrin chemicals, which are 'natural' insect repellants (and insecticides) and my understanding is that these primarilly affect insects, not spiders. I believe it interacts with the spiricles on the insect, which tarantulas lack.
If it were me having to do this I would be out there catching everyone that I could before giving the area a spray. Unfortunately, I wont be heading home for a while and my manly man needs to prove and protect himself ASAP.
My Ts are currently here with me in Winnipeg, and will not be making the journey home to Ottawa until the early to late fall. Will this be enough time for any residual chemical to dissipate thereby making it safe for my gang to come home?
Much thanks in advance.