Spiders, Snakes and Pumphouses!

We get in some pretty tight places trying to diagnose water systems. Our experience with these creatures leads us to believe that most of them just want to be left alone and will not hurt anyone, as long as precautions are taken.

I personally have had Rattlesnakes coiled up and rattling, ready to strike as I entered its domain, which happened to be where the well system was located. It does not happen often, but I always carry a shovel with me upon entering any new environment for the first time.

COPPERHEAD HIDING IN PUMP COVER OFF BRIGGER HILL ROAD ON WADMALAW, SC.

Growing up in the well drilling business, my grandfather built the pumphouse that my Dad’s house shared. It was my job to turn off the master valve, if there was a leak in or around the house. Inevitably, there was always a nice big corn snake relaxing along the top shelf as I entered. I learned that he was really harmless, but it would probably be best not to pet him! My grandfather told me of the good things the snakes did, and how to identify poisonous ones. Snakes will not crawl through powdered Lime. After every rain, sprinkle fresh lime: Amazon (I use an old pair of ladies panty hose to sift it) around the area where snakes have been spotted.

AN UNIDENTIFIED SNAKE COILED UP INSIDE INSULATION IN A PUMPHOUSE ON EDISTO ISLAND.

Spiders are inevitable as the Holy Bible mentions that Spiders inhabit even Kings Mansions!  So be prepared for many around any water systems.  Most spiders are truly harmless, but there are a few that get the “swat and smash” treatment. Vinegar in a spray bottle will help deter them…just remember vinegar is corrosive to metal and to only spray on wood or non-metallic surfaces. Cinnamon (Amazon) and Peppermint Oil (Amazon) will prevent them from moving back in once you get rid of them. Commercially available sprays and powders contain poison and that is not good to be around a well system.

A BLACK WIDOW CLINGS TO HER WEB AS WE ARE WORKING IN A PUMPHOUSE…SHE IS UTILIZING THE WATER THAT ACCUMULATED FROM CONDENSATE OFF PIPE FROM WATER WELL PUMP.

Be safe and check your pumphouse often for all kinds of insect infestations.  Ants are particularly bad and get into electrical componentry all the time…switches, motors, relays and connection boxes are places where ants are drawn to the electrical current and clog contact switches from working, and then YOU being left with no water!

Thanks for reading, and remember that Well Water is Naturally Better!

JP Anderson
6956 Savannah Hwy
Ravenel, SC 29470
jpanderson.well@gmail.com
(843) 810-4045