Spiders and Storage

[DaveKunz8383]

I’ve restored several canoes, including my 1922 15’ Kennebec, and my 1914 17’ Old Town. I’ve stored them for several years on a rack I built beneath our raised deck. They rest on their gunwales, upside down, and have survived the winters here in upstate New York quite well. Except for one thing - spiders. I spend hours cleaning out the webs and nests and dirt they leave behind. Is there any solution available that would protect the canoes from becoming spider hotels? I’ve considered wrapping them tightly in plastic, but that’s a good way to encourage wood rot. Any ideas? Thanks!

DaveKunz3838

 

[Benson Gray]

I would encourage you to contact Redleaf Designs and see if they can make something to help. The link at https://redleafdesigns.com/collections/all-covers shows their standard covers but you may need a custom design in this situation. Good luck and let us know what you decide to do,

Benson

 

[Glenn MacGrady]

Except for one thing - spiders.

Only spiders? I have many canoes stored outside under my back porch and they get infested not only with spiders, but also with bee & wasp nests, ants, bird nests, and other mystery detritus.

Logically, almost all of this can be prevented by a physical barrier. But such a barrier should allow free air flow and not trap moisture.

Jeremy Vore at RedLeaf Designs can probably make a custom spider cover, but you may be able to jury-rig a less expensive one yourself using a roll of fiberglass screen material and maybe some tape. I've never tried this, but it may be worth a DIY shot if you really don't like the spiders.

 

[SouthernKevlar]

Check with your local "new" canoe dealer for canoe shipping material. I ordered (forgive me, oh wood-and-canvas purists) a Northstar Phoenix. When it arrived it was packed in a canoe sized cheesecloth-like bag that was tied into a knot on one end, then wrapped in a plastic bag and also tied. I kept both. The loose weave cloth bag should keep out most bug size vermin. I have used the plastic bag as a drop cloth when varnishing or doing repairs on my canoes; I would be afraid to use it for storage in such a humid area as the South.

 

[dtdcanoes]

A roll of No-Seeum screening. Even a well phrased curse cannot pass through .
Dave

 

[MGC]

Toads and lizards eat spiders. Make friends with your local herpetologist.
A shop vac also works pretty well.

 

[dtdcanoes]

And apparently, crickets are quite good for you.

 

[ALCEDO ATTHIS]

yes , you must try , crickets , flour worms and others , with seasoning it's good
my wife don't want try , its not cheaper also
I'm a frog and snail eater , why not more

 

[Gil Cramer]

Maybe the canoes survived so well because the spiders ate all of the canoe devourers!