We're having a screened porch built, with a beadboard ceiling. I have heard that there is a color of blue that repels spiders and other bugs. I'm thinking it may be a robin's egg blue, but I'm not sure, and I'm also not sure whether this is true or just an old Southern wives' tale. Three different contractors who bid on our project said they were familiar with this, but could not tell me what shade of blue.

It does work to keep bugs off of the ceiling. The color is a blue with a hint of green and no there is not a standard color that is on a color chart.

Honestly, if this works, then don't you think that the paint companies should name that shade something like "Spider Repellant Blue" or something? We were talking about this at work today, and everyone is now looking for the right shade...

The classic color is Haint Blue......

and most "paint" stores I've dealt with have it in their computer by name
BUT I don't know about the spiders.....the color is supposed to discourage flies
"......measure Once.....cut Twice....
throw that one away and cut a new one...."