Question
I have severe arachnophobia.  I've just moved to a retirement apartment that is tiny  but includes a concrete balcony with a beautiful view.  I'd love to use the balcony, but I can already see the beginnings of spider webs and it is preventing me from using the balcony.
What can I do to repel/kill them?  I'm a vegetarian, don't kill anything -- but I'll make an exception.  I faint at the sight of a spider, and I really want to be able to use my balcony!

Answer
Marie,

I completely understand your phobia toward spiders but the best solution to your dilemma is to treat the phobia rather than the spiders. Almost all spiders are harmless and trying to eliminate them would be fruitless and even unhealthy. There are now very good programs to deal with phobias of all kinds. I'd suggest talking with your family physician about "desensitization therapy". Good luck.

Jack DeAngelis
http://www.livingwithbugs.com