Spiders and Other Critters

[Cracker]

There seems to be an over-abundance of spiders and other critters this year - as well as snakes! Here in the far Northeast the snakes are harmless and they're certainly welcome as part of the local pest patrol! On the other hand, the spiders, with the exception of a few unsavory characters, are more of an annoyance - and they don't like to be stepped on, sat on, or otherwise taken for a ride on your clothing! I've already been bitten twice this year. Sunday I took the spiders and the Airstream for a 65 mph jaunt and many residents jumped ship - but not all of them! My question is, quite seriously, what can we spray our Airstreams with that will kill the critters without harming the finish, the windows, or other parts? Additionally, is there any kind of indoor fogger that is harmless?

[overlander64]

Greetings Cracker!

Originally Posted by Cracker

There seems to be an over-abundance of spiders and other critters this year - as well as snakes! Here in the far Northeast the snakes are harmless and they're certainly welcome as part of the local pest patrol! On the other hand, the spiders, with the exception of a few unsavory characters, are more of an annoyance - and they don't like to be stepped on, sat on, or otherwise taken for a ride on your clothing! I've already been bitten twice this year. Sunday I took the spiders and the Airstream for a 65 mph jaunt and many residents jumped ship - but not all of them! My question is, quite seriously, what can we spray our Airstreams with that will kill the critters without harming the finish, the windows, or other parts? Additionally, is there any kind of indoor fogger that is harmless?

I find myself dealing with spider pests in much greater numbers since relocating my Airstream and Argosy to Southern Illinois. To keep the pests at bay, especially the Brown Recluse that are in abundance in my neighborhood, I have developed a close relationship with my local exterminator - - once a year when he "bug-bombs" my home, I also have him place the bug-bombs in my Airstream/Argosy - - the product used doesn't harm the interior surfaces, but I usually put off my spring cleaning until this task is completed as I like to oil or wax the woodwork and give everything a good general cleaning following the "bombing" - - I also send all of my dishes and utensils through my home's automatic dishwasher following the bombing. So far, the Brown Recluse haven't found either my Airstream or Argosy (the bug-bombs aren't effective against the Brown Recluse, but my theory is that if there aren't sufficient food sources for them they won't become interested in my Airstream or Argosy), but every other form of local spider has - - the yearly bug-bombing helps considerably. After having been bitten by a Brown Recluse, I am nearly always on active spider patrol both in my home and Airstream.

Good luck with your spider pests!

Kevin

[74Argosy24MH]

If you do use the bombs make sure there are no pilots, mechanical thermostats, etc. that could be a source of ignition. The vapor is very flammable.

John