Creepy Crawlies-SPIDERS!!!

[jenniemig]

Is there a safe way to get rid of and repel spiders in my chicken coop and duck houses? I think they are wolf spiders which are venomous, they're about the size of my palm.

Most bugs scurry away when disturbed but these stay put and raise up their front legs. They are living in holes they burrow under and in the ceiling of the duck houses. My duck houses are large wooden dog houses with a removable roof for cleaning. I change the bedding in the duck house weekly and each time I kill the ones I see, but then by the next week there are a few more. I am not normally afraid of bugs or snakes, but these are another story and make it difficult for me to do my routine cleaning. I also worry about my chickens or ducks getting bitten.

 

[Pyxis]

You can actually make a spider repellent by filling up a spray bottle with water, adding ten to fifteen drops of peppermint or citrus essential oils and five drops of dishwashing soap, shaking it up, and spraying it where you don't want them. It's nontoxic, and the spiders, which taste through their feet, hate the taste of peppermint and citrus so they stay away. Also, not sure how true this is because I've never tried it, but apparently wolf spiders can be repelled by putting chestnuts around the exterior walls of a building and on windowsills.

 

[jenniemig]

You can actually make a spider repellent by filling up a spray bottle with water, adding ten to fifteen drops of peppermint or citrus essential oils and five drops of dishwashing soap, shaking it up, and spraying it where you don't want them. It's nontoxic, and the spiders, which taste through their feet, hate the taste of peppermint and citrus so they stay away. Also, not sure how true this is because I've never tried it, but apparently wolf spiders can be repelled by putting chestnuts around the exterior walls of a building and on windowsills.

Thanks for the info! I happen to have peppermint and grapefruit essential oils on hand, I'll give it a try.

 

[Coralietg]

Burning the coop down will solve your problem. I'm just kidding (though it would), I hate spiders and I'm thankful there were no pictures.

Sorry you are having such an issue with the spiders. I usually try to do things as naturally as possible, but I draw the line with spiders. I would turn to insecticides. Good luck with the essential oils, fingers crossed it works.

 

[bobbi-j]

Burning the coop down will solve your problem. I'm just kidding (though it would), I hate spiders and I'm thankful there were no pictures.

I'm with you! If we were infested with something like that, some gas and a match would maybe have to be the solution to that problem!

 

[Avlana]

I believe wolf spiders are not venomous. But they can bite. You can buy spider sticky traps and try to discourage them from living in the coops by making sure no shrubs, brush or wood logs are up against it. Keep everything trim around the coop. Spiders are tough to get rid off. Especially if there are a lot of nooks and crannies.

 

[jenniemig]

Burning the coop down will solve your problem. I'm just kidding (though it would), I hate spiders and I'm thankful there were no pictures. 
Sorry you are having such an issue with the spiders. I usually try to do things as naturally as possible, but I draw the line with spiders. I would turn to insecticides. Good luck with the essential oils, fingers crossed it works.

There was no way I was getting my hand close enough to take a picture. My method of killing them includes a 6' long rake handle. I had nightmares last night about them:-(

 

[jenniemig]

I believe wolf spiders are not venomous. But they can bite. You can buy spider sticky traps and try to discourage them from living in the coops by making sure no shrubs, brush or wood logs are up against it. Keep everything trim around the coop. Spiders are tough to get rid off. Especially if there are a lot of nooks and crannies.

They are venomous, just not as dangerous as brown recluse or black widows. If one actually got on me my injuries from getting it off of me would probably be worse than the actual bite;-)
My chicken and duck areas are clear from bushes and I keep everything mowed and weedeated. But, the area is in a shady spot that is very close to a tree line. I picked the spot for the shade but evidently it is spider central. The nooks and crannies are where they congregate, the inside of the duck house is the worst. When I lift off the roof to clean is where I find most of them.

 

[Blammmo]

If it's dark inside your duck houses that will attract spiders as well, too bad your ceilings aren't low enough for the ducks to grab them and eat them right off the ceiling, my mallards used to eat anything that moved, even venomous spiders wouldn't stand a chance.

 

[Avlana]

They are venomous, just not as dangerous as brown recluse or black widows. If one actually got on me my injuries from getting it off of me would probably be worse than the actual bite;-)
My chicken and duck areas are clear from bushes and I keep everything mowed and weedeated. But, the area is in a shady spot that is very close to a tree line. I picked the spot for the shade but evidently it is spider central. The nooks and crannies are where they congregate, the inside of the duck house is the worst. When I lift off the roof to clean is where I find most of them.

I just looked them up and you're right, they are venomous! Eek! I could've sworn someone told me or read somewhere they weren't. I've seen a few around my property. Well now I know. I would try to kill every one of them you see. And discourage them from moving in as much as possible. Is it like an infestation of wolf spiders or are there all different kinds of spiders?