The brown recluse spider is known for its “reclusive” behaviors, because it likes to take residence in warm, dry and dark environments, such as closets, woodpiles and basements. This arachnid bites, usually unintentionally when it thinks it’s cornered. Typically when a hand or foot reaches into a shoe or piece of clothes or in a container in the attic or basement where a brown recluse has made its residence is when it strikes. The female spins an irregular web in undisturbed areas, like the attic, basement and garage. The web is not used to nab prey, but rather as a retreat.

Outdoors, brown recluse spiders are normally spotted around rocks, stacks of inner tubes, power boxes, woodpiles, under bark, etc.

Inside the home, brown recluse spiders can be spotted in almost any undisturbed area. They are most frequently found in boxes, among documents, and in rarely used clothes and shoes, although they can be found in corners, underneath tables and chairs, or in crevices such as those found along baseboards, doors, and window moldings. Storage areas like closets, bedrooms, attics, crawl spaces, and basements are preferred nesting places.

BROWN RECLUSE SPIDER BITES

Both male and female brown recluse spiders can bite and inject venom. Injection of their venom may produce necrosis or dead tissue, causing an ulcerating sore. Healing is really slow-moving and normally takes a number of weeks, leading to dense scar tissue. In extreme cases, cosmetic surgery may be required.

The bite of a brown recluse spider is typically not felt, nevertheless it might produce an immediate stinging sensation followed by intense pain or this reaction might be delayed for 6 to 8 hours. A small blister typically appears and the encircling bite spot swells. Symptoms include things like fever, restlessness and trouble sleeping. The dead tissue gradually sloughs away during the next 10 days to 2 weeks, leaving an exposed ulcer and potentially exposing the underlying muscles and/or bone. Call a physician or go to the emergency room right away if bitten, and take the spider along for identification purposes.

SPIDER CONTROL

1. Check the outside of the house for any small gaps or holes, paying special attention to locations where utility pipes enter into the property. Seal off any such openings with a silicone caulk to prevent spiders and other bugs from gaining access inside.

2. Stack firewood at least twenty feet from your house and 5 inches up off of the ground to discourage spiders from hiding in the woodpile. It’s a great concept to use gloves when moving the wood, and check it carefully before bringing indoors.

3. Clothes and shoes must not be left on the floor, or they must be shaken out before wearing, especially if kept in the basement, garage, or other dark area.

4. Store seldom-used items, such as boots, baseball mitts, skates, gardening clothes, and gloves, in tightly sealed plastic bags or boxes.

Control of brown recluse spider problems should be left to a licensed residential pest control professional. If you suspect a problem, please contact us at Bug Pro Pest Control. We can help!