[cynotgirl]

DH is very very allergic by spiders. We just moved into a new house along with TONS of spiders! We find at least one a day, and I spend a lot of time getting rid of webs daily. There are two types, thick black ones that are about the size of a quarter, and some with little bodies and long skinny legs, in all sizes from a dime up to near 1.5". We have lots of trees around our house, and they live in the trunk of the palms. We have hardwood floors, and our house is pretty old, so they evidently just come on in at whim.

Is there any deterrent for spiders? I don't want to use any chemicals, for obvious reasons, and I don't want to keep flushing them down the toilet, it is bumming me out!

Thanks!

 

[Naturalyst]

The spiders you describe as having small bodies and long legs are probably cellar spiders. Their habitat is our homes. While they have biting mouth parts, they are too small to penetrate our skin. They serve a beneficial function in that they predate upon other insects, including other spiders. To be sure, take a look at this site: http://www.uky.edu/Ag/CritterFiles/c...lar/cellar.htm. I'd concentrate efforts on the other spider you describe.

Unfortunately, residual pesticides don't do much against spiders. If you identify the other category of spiders as being "outdoor" spiders that are strolling into your house, you'll have to work at filling-up cracks and crevices, removing debris from around your house, etc. But, all-in-all, housekeeping is your best defense.

 

[cynotgirl]

that little cellar spider is definately who's living with us. They are pretty docile and friendly

I'm more concerned about the big chunky black ones, I don't know much about spiders, I don't know what kind they are. But they're fast and I'm worried they are biters, which has sent DH to hospital.... Thanks so much for the info, that was so very helpful!!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Naturalyst The spiders you describe as having small bodies and long legs are probably cellar spiders. Their habitat is our homes. While they have biting mouth parts, they are too small to penetrate our skin. They serve a beneficial function in that they predate upon other insects, including other spiders. To be sure, take a look at this site: http://www.uky.edu/Ag/CritterFiles/c...lar/cellar.htm. I'd concentrate efforts on the other spider you describe. Unfortunately, residual pesticides don't do much against spiders. If you identify the other category of spiders as being "outdoor" spiders that are strolling into your house, you'll have to work at filling-up cracks and crevices, removing debris from around your house, etc. But, all-in-all, housekeeping is your best defense.