Spiders

[ewor]

My husband and I are selling our home and having a new one built. In the mean time, we have put a deposit on a 2013 AS and are planning to spend about 12 months traveling. It all sounds perfect and I am so excited to embark on this journey, but I am having one trepidation. I have serious, and debilitating arachnophobia. I've been in therapy for several years and do feel I have improved. Part of this has been my visualization of a "safe place." The idea of the AS has been just that. Now that we are actually in the action stage of our plan I have started to read a bit about insects in RVs. I am concerned that it isn't exactly the aluminum cocoon that I have idealized. Can anyone offer input as to how frequent spiders in the AS is and is there a way to minimize this?

[J. Morgan]

Fwiw, in over 2 1/2 years I have seen no spiders or evidence of spiders inside of my Airstream at all.

In any case, it would be easy to turn off the gas and electricity to the unit, set off a couple of bug bombs and leave for 8 to ten hours for "spider insurance".


Brevi tempore!

[kscherzi]

Sometimes get flies or mosquito's inside if the screen door is left open but then I swat them. Never seen a spider. If they are around they're probably outside and get blown off during the drive to the campground and back.

[idroba]

If you travel and move a lot, I doubt you will have any issues with them. If you sit in one place for several days, especially with lights on outside, you may find them moving in.

[AWCHIEF]

Dryer sheets and peppermint oil on cotton balls seems to keep most of the little beasties out of the trailer. It also helps to seal exterior holes. I use aluminum duct tape to block off access areas around pipes and plumbing on the belly pan and accessible hidden areas inside cabinets and other furniture.

[McDave]

They make a series of wire mesh inserts for all of your refrigerator, water heater, furnace vents, etc. You should probably get a full compliment of them.


Sent from my iPhone using Airstream Forums

[cwf]

I find them inside the AS external locations like the water bay access. They set up shop to capture bugs. Although creepy, they are a natural phenomenon like bats which keep things "in check"... A real nice balance.

So, while they are "unwanted" and dispatched quickly when found, while they at "unnoticed", we do not worry. So just have your big brave spouse deal with them!

Spiders will NOT stay where they will go hungry...or it is inhospitable. So, the tricks above like mothballs around can minimize "pests"'without hurting your dog, cat, kids...etc.

I also use plywood squares which I spray with household bug spray before each trip or, once placed on the ground. These squares are where the "stabilizers" (no levelers on Airstreams), jack and tires make contact. That stops all infiltrating so far. 3 years. I also "spray" around the AS when in unused RV spots. I also spray a bit around the sewer, water hoses and power cord.

These steps, especially when parked unattended will help a lot.

[CRH]

I spray the bottom of my trailer, threshold hold, and access doors with bug spray.

[richinny]

Originally Posted by cwf

I find them inside the AS external locations like the water bay access. They set up shop to capture bugs. Although creepy, they are a natural phenomenon like bats which keep things "in check"... A real nice balance.

So, while they are "unwanted" and dispatched quickly when found, while they at "unnoticed", we do not worry. So just have your big brave spouse deal with them!

Spiders will NOT stay where they will go hungry...or it is inhospitable. So, the tricks above like mothballs around can minimize "pests"'without hurting your dog, cat, kids...etc.

I also use plywood squares which I spray with household bug spray before each trip or, once placed on the ground. These squares are where the "stabilizers" (no levelers on Airstreams), jack and tires make contact. That stops all infiltrating so far. 3 years. I also "spray" around the AS when in unused RV spots. I also spray a bit around the sewer, water hoses and power cord.

These steps, especially when parked unattended will help a lot.

channing, you should read this:
Are Mothballs Safe? « Healthy Begins Here

[Lily&Me]

We have never had a problem with spiders inside the Interstate, although they are present outside on occasion.

I once saw a woman spraying her entire campsite with something in a tank, for insects of all sorts, and that might be a good option for you.

Phobias can be debilitating.....I have this extreme fear of heights.

Get out there, make it work, and enjoy.


Maggie

[cwf]

Originally Posted by richinny

channing, you should read this:
Are Mothballs Safe? « Healthy Begins Here

Thanks, Rich! Yes, concentrations are unsafe. I do NOT keep them inside the AS... Seemed a forgone conclusion so I failed the group by not mentioning.. I use the mothballs outside.... Like in the water and storage bins. I put them in a zip lock bag but do not close it. Makes for easy removal.

I did a "test" in my workshop with the Mothballs.. It was usually closed up and is well sealed. I would open doors and air out when ready to use. Result: few bugs.. No spiders.. But plenty of Geckos!!! So, mothballs cause Geckos!(tongue-in-cheek FIRMLY). I do not use them in my home.

Now, an additional item.... I buy flea collars for our small dog. I buy the LARGET I can... I then put on dog as usual. This leaves a lot of "waste"... But, a-ha! I cut them into 1-2" sections and place inside the AS..... When dog gets new collar I replace in the AS...

[BoldAdventure]

I've seen two in our whole time of full timing. I put down moth balls in all compartments in our Airstream.

[ewor]

Thank you all for such great ideas and suggestions. I feel much better about it after hearing your replies.

[Ahab]

All the underside openings in our Sport were injected with expanding polyfoam. Haven't seen a spider inside in eight years.

[thesignlady]

Airstreams are great in that they are kind of fully wrapped in that they have the belly pan. If you do get one just have someone take the time to climb under and seal any possible gaps with a good sealant like trempro or sitkaflex and use plumbers putty around anything that may need room for movement. With that properly installed screens with and a proper habit of closing your main door (or Screen) you will have no issues. I have never seen a spider in my Airstreams

[Wild Child]

Two seasons of ownership - zero spiders. Once in a while a fly or mosquito has gotten in. But no spiders and thank goodness no rodents (my worst fear).

[robert claus]

I have lots of Spiders in my house- this year seems to have produced a bumper crop. I don't mind them, I catch them and put them outside. I do check shoes that have been sitting before putting my foot in, however. I have, in 8 years of trailer camping, never found a Spider in my Airstream. Flying bugs, yes, but no other pests.