Controlling spider and ant hitch-hikers

It’s common to pick up unwanted creeping and crawling ‘visitors’ when you’re camped for any length of time. There’s now an approved spider and ant control weapon for automotive use.

Invasive pests just love RVs, camper trailers and caravans: climbing aboard via your vehicle’s contact patches and making themselves at home. 

We’ve seen and tried many different means of repelling or killing them – or both – with mixed success. Every trip seems to result in a new infestation. Yes, we’ve tried insect surface spray, repellents of various types, chalk or talc around steps, tyres and jockey wheels – fine until it’s dewy or rained on –  and nothing seems to work for long.

Now, we’ve heard of a commercial-grade aerosol, Autonomy’s RoadBlock Spider and Ant Automotive Treatment that has been approved by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) for use on vehicles, machinery and loads. 

We have several cans of Road Block that we’re testing on the OTA camping fleet and will add our findings to this report in autumn, 2025.

“Private and commercial drivers often won’t even know they have unwelcome guests aboard,” said Amanda Lintott, owner of RoadBlock Spider and Ant Automotive Treatment.

Claimed to be effective against hitch-hiking pests within minutes of contact, this all-Australian formulation is rated to treat and protect against Red Imported Fire Ants (RIFA – Solenopsis Invicta) that are among the worst invasive species to reach Australia. 

“RoadBlock is the only ready-to-use pest control product in Australia specifically approved for vehicles,” said Amanda. 

“The APVMA approval allows us to join the fight against the dangerous spread of fire ants, to reduce the chances of further spreading beyond Queensland and Northern NSW.

“RoadBlock is proved to kill RIFA within minutes of contact and then gives lasting barrier protection to ensure these ultimate unwanted hitchhikers don’t form new colonies.

“The Australia Institute research body estimated that RIFA will cost Australians more than $22bn by the 2040s, if unchecked,” said Amanda. 

“By comparison, the estimated cost of containing, then eradicating, the problem now is $3bn, which just serves to highlight the need to take prompt action.”

The specialised Australian formulation of RoadBlock Spider and Ant Automotive Treatment is said to be “stronger for longer” than standard sprays. It has been tested for safe use on all typical automotive surfaces.

A long nozzle applicator ensures the spray is directed precisely to problem areas, including mirrors, wheel arches, grilles and any warm or restful hollow spaces that appeal to insects.

“A major benefit of this type of application, is that you don’t have to fumigate the entire vehicle,” said Amanda.

“You can just use small amounts in key areas, to protect against new infestations.”

National Fire Ant Eradication Programme

The National Fire Ant Eradication Programme notes that – in addition to travelling within and upon vehicles – fire ants can also spread when people move: materials such as soil, hay, mulch, manure, quarry products, turf and potted plants; containers that have been used with organic materials, such potted plants and fertiliser; and dirty machinery that has been used to move restricted material, or material – including grass crops and other ground-covering crops – in which RIFA have established themselves undetected.

Under the Biosecurity Act 2014, everyone – including individuals and organisations – has a general biosecurity obligation (GBO) to take all reasonable steps to prevent the spread of fire ants.

Queenslanders are legally required to report suspected sightings of fire ants within 24 hours of their discovery, and, depending on the nest’s location, take action to treat the pest. Once reported, property or business owners may also be required to cease operations for a decontamination period. 

The National Fire Ant Eradication Program 10-year elimination plan involves an intensive and targeted eradication effort over South East Queensland, spanning from the Lockyer Valley in the west to Redlands in the east, Moreton Bay to the north and the Gold Coast to the south.

About Autonomy

Autonomy is an Australian brand of products for cars, caravans and campers that was founded by Amanda Lintott in 2022. Amanda has a history in the automotive industry in Australia and is based in Sydney. 

RoadBlock is available online at www.autonomyco.com.au, on Amazon and at selected retailers.