Living on the lake, you have to come to terms with bugs.
Bugs like lakes and spiders like bugs. Also in our part of Texas we have wasps and the dreaded Dirt Dobbers, which technically are wasps. Bugs and spiders can be controlled. There are a couple of camps on methods of control, however, whichever side you fall on I’ve learned that consistency is the key.
Spiders build nests on structures, houses and boathouses in particular. So treating structures is necessary to keep things looking good. Some prefer periodic treatment with long residual products, while others like a spider mister system.I’m on the mister side so I interviewed Ross Killian with the Spider Docktor. (Full disclosure, our house has a mister system we have operated for 10 years.) Ross was very kind and gave me a wealth of info about systems, how they work & what they spray.
Ross said “boathouse systems are very popular, and all the products we use are approved by TX Dept of Agriculture and TRWD”. Ross also said, “consistency is better than toxicity, meaning, spray every night using the right product”. Boathouse systems can be installed, post construction, and are very effective in controlling spiders and their webs.
The same strategy is effective for homes. Pyrethrum based products are popular, They are safer than other products and there is not a lot of toxicity over time. They are also very effective in controlling not only spiders, but also any other creepy crawly thing that is creeping or flying around when the system goes off. Personally I’ve seen all manner of deceased bugs on the back porch in 10 years. A good blower comes in handy in the mornings.
One thing to note is no method is 100% so you need to own a pressure washer or know someone who does, just saying. Spider mister systems can be installed during construction or post construction. During construction the system is installed shortly after the framing is done, before the soffits are closed. The only thing exposed in this scenario is the heads. Post construction is a good choice as well. The tubing is available in different colors and is tucked away very carefully.
So if bugs are getting the best of you consider giving the Spider Docktor a call or send him an email at [email protected]. Not only do they serve Richland Chambers, they also serve Cedar Creek, Granbury, Eagle Mountain, Possum Kingdom, Lake LBJ and the Highland Lakes.
So, go out there and show ‘em who’s Boss. Thanks for reading, John
