Yes, spiders are drawn to the smell of gas and often build webs and nests inside burner and venturi tubes as well as gas lines. This can cause low or uneven flames and, in some cases, a flashback fire behind the control panel.
If spiders are taking over your grill, it’s not just a problem that you’re dealing with. This is a known-about issue in the world of appliances and a real problem.
Mercaptan, which is the odorant added to propane and natural gas so you can smell it if it leaks, appears to draw certain small spiders. They enter burner tubes and venturi openings and use them for shelter. They build webs and egg sacs inside.
This is a problem because burner tubes mix gas with air before combustion. Webs or nests inside block this mixing process. Gas backs up and looks for another exit which can cause it to ignite behind the control panel or at the tube opening instead of at burner ports. That’s called flashback and it produces a yellow flame and in the wrong location. This is plainly dangerous to anyone nearby.
Watch out for flames that burn yellow or orange rather than blue. Uneven flames along burners are also another warning sign. If your grill won’t reach temperature, that’s also a potential warning sign, as are popping sounds behind the panel or a gas smell that lingers.
Spiders tend to go after grills that go unused for long stretches of time. This is often the case for grills in Chicago that stay covered for half the year. To help prevent spiders from taking over your grill, shut off the gas and remove the burners. Clean the tubes and venturi openings with a purpose-made brush or thin wire. Then reinstall. Ideally, keep your grill somewhere less exposed when storing it for a long time.
If spiders are working around your deck and grill, Mosquito Squad of Chicago can help. Mosquito Squad's home and yard coverage treats the deck, foundation, and entry points where spiders build. This will help you protect the outdoor spaces you cook and eat in.
