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Installing a MistAway System for Spider Control

For pesky spiders, an automated misting system can provide some of the best spider control available. Traditionally, spiders are hard to control with periodic barrier treatments applied by a technician due to the small contact area of their feet and their aggressive reproductive cycle. An automated misting system addresses these obstacles by attacking spiders with an airborne treatment each and every day. Conventional misting concentrates utilizing pyrethroids have proven to be effective at eliminating spiders.

Installing the nozzle circuit:

  • Generally, nozzles should be placed every 8 – 10 ft similarly to a system intended for mosquito control.  The primary difference will be the locations of the nozzles and direction to point the mist.
  • Nozzles should be mounted along the eaves or along other elevated structures where spiders may be found.
  • In some instances, you will mount nozzles on eaves that are over the general 10-12 ft maximum recommended height for mosquitoes.
  • Rather than pointing the nozzles down, or even out from the structure, you should direct the nozzles so that the mist treats under the eaves or along the structure.
  • For spider control, you may place nozzles in or pointed toward corners or peaks that you might otherwise avoid when treating for flying insects.
  • While it may be tempting, we still recommend avoiding nozzle placement directly over windows; nozzle placement near or on each side of a window should provide acceptable coverage.
  • Spiders can be a particular problem around boat docks but be aware that many conventional misting concentrates are prohibited for use over the water and require minimum setbacks.  Remember that the label is the law.

Misting Schedule for Spider Control:

  • Like mosquitoes, spiders are most active at night and the misting schedule can still be configured to minimize risk for beneficial insects.
  • Because of their persistence and the reliance on direct contact of the mist for effectiveness we recommend more frequent cycles of a shorter duration for spider control than your typical mosquito program.
    • Schedule one or two mist cycles in the early morning for 20-30 seconds apiece.
    • Do not schedule mists during your standard daylight hours.
    • Schedule two more mists around dusk for 20-30 seconds apiece, one before and one after sunset.
    • Schedule one last mist for 20-30 seconds in the middle of the night.
  • In total you should have 4-5 mists of 20-30 seconds apiece (2 to 2 ½ minutes of mist per day).