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General Climbing Discussion

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Bugs and beasties 20-Jan-2006 At 12:56:47 PM gemmaw

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I think it's a just matter of being prepared.

When on a route with pockets, cracks and other crevices, I usually take a long stick and a can of "Oz Rock Insta-kill" (I think this stuff is available through the outdoor stores). When confronted with a hand hold covered in web and critter carcasses, I first use the stick to remove the web, then grab my can of "Oz Rock Insta-kill" and spray liberally in the hold. Then use the stick again to remove the venomous beastie from the hold. Just remember to be quick with the spray otherwise the beastie might get to you first (sometimes I use the spray then stick technique).

It does make onsighting difficult - the killing is often the crux of the climb - but if you use this technique, you usually have a good shot with the redpoint since you've already prepared the route.

A note of caution though: It's more difficult to detect scorpions because they don't have a web, but if I think scorpions are likely to be around, I usually spray every recessed hold just to be safe.