Sharing your space with eight-legged roommates isn’t always pleasant, especially when those roommates are brown recluse spiders. While rarely fatal, their venomous bites can cause serious health issues, making swift and effective removal crucial.
But before you grab the bug spray, stop! Panicked flailing often worsens the situation.
This guide equips you with the knowledge and tools for safe and responsible brown recluse removal, putting you back in control of your home. Keep reading to learn how to get rid of brown recluse spiders.
What Are Brown Recluse Spiders?
Brown recluse spiders, scientifically known as Loxosceles reclusa, are a species of venomous spiders found primarily in the central and southern regions of the United States. These little critters may not look intimidating at first glance, measuring only about 6-20 millimeters in length, but don’t let their size fool you – they pack a powerful punch.
These stealthy creatures prefer dark and undisturbed areas like attics, basements, closets, and even shoes! They earned the name “recluse” for good reason – they tend to hide away during daylight hours and emerge to hunt for prey at night.
These venomous predators feed on insects such as crickets and cockroaches but can bite humans when provoked or accidentally disturbed. It’s important to note that they are not naturally aggressive; nonetheless, their bites can cause serious health complications if left untreated.
Why Are Brown Recluse Spiders Dangerous to Humans and Animals?
Brown recluse spiders are known for their venomous bite, which can cause severe health issues in humans and animals. These spiders are particularly dangerous due to the potent toxin they inject when they bite. The venom contains enzymes that break down tissues, causing necrosis or death of skin cells.
When a brown recluse spider bites, it may initially go unnoticed as the bite is usually painless. However, symptoms such as redness, swelling, and itching may develop within a few hours or days at the bite site. In some cases, more severe reactions can occur, including fever, nausea, joint pain, and even organ damage.
How to Identify Brown Recluse Spiders
Brown recluse spiders are typically light to medium brown and have distinctive violin-shaped markings on their backs.
These spiders have long, thin legs and measure about ¼ inch to ¾ inch in length. They also have six eyes arranged in pairs rather than the usual eight eyes found on most spiders. This unique eye arrangement can be helpful when trying to distinguish them from other common house spiders.
To further confirm if you’re dealing with a brown recluse spider, take note of its behavior and habitat. These spiders prefer dark and secluded areas such as basements, attics, closets, and crawl spaces. If you spot webs that appear irregularly shaped or haphazardly constructed in these areas, it could be an indication of a brown recluse spider presence.
What Are the Signs You Have a Brown Recluse Spider Infestation?
Signs of a brown recluse spider infestation can be unsettling, but knowing what to look out for is important. These spiders are known for their reclusive nature and prefer dark and undisturbed places. Here are some signs of a brown recluse spider problem in your home.
Webs
Keep an eye out for webs. Unlike other spiders that create large visible webs, brown recluse spiders typically spin irregular, messy-looking webs close to the ground or in corners. These webs serve as their hunting grounds rather than traps for prey.
Unexplained Bites
Pay attention to any unexplained bites on your body. Brown recluse spider bites can cause necrotic skin lesions with a characteristic bullseye appearance. If you notice any unusual bites that aren’t healing properly or seem infected, it’s essential to seek medical attention immediately.
Exoskeletons or Egg Sacs
Watch out for shed exoskeletons or egg sacs around your living space. Female brown recluse spiders lay white oval-shaped eggs inside these sacs before hiding them away in hidden areas like attics or basements.
Watch for Actual Spiders
Keep an eye out for live spiders themselves. While they tend to hide during the day and come out at night to hunt prey, spotting one during daylight hours in frequented areas of your home could indicate a spider problem.
How to Get Rid of Brown Recluse Spiders
So, you’ve discovered some unwelcome guests in your home – brown recluse spiders. These venomous arachnids can pose a serious threat to humans and animals, so taking action quickly is crucial. Here are some effective methods for getting rid of them.
Contact Professional Exterminators
Contacting local professional pest control experts is often the best course of action when dealing with brown recluse spiders. They have the knowledge and experience to safely eliminate these pests from your home. With their expertise, they can identify critical areas where the spiders may be hiding and use targeted treatments to eradicate them.
Professional exterminators also have access to specialized equipment and products not readily available to consumers. They know which treatments will be most effective for spider extermination without harming you or your pets.
Preventative Measures
In addition to professional help, you can take steps to prevent infestations or reduce spider populations. Start by decluttering your home and removing any potential hiding spots for the spiders, such as piles of clothing or storage boxes. Regularly vacuum all corners of your house, paying particular attention to dark areas like basements and attics.
Sealing up cracks and gaps around windows, doors, and other entry points will also help keep these spiders out of your living spaces. By eliminating easy access into your home, you reduce the chances of a brown recluse spider making itself comfortable inside.
Let Us Take Care of Your Bug Problem in Florida
Dealing with a brown recluse spider infestation can be a daunting task. These spiders are dangerous to humans and animals. However, leave knowing how to get rid of brown recluse spiders to the professionals.
At All U Need Pest Control, we’ve been serving our communities since 2003. When you call, we’ll answer our phones within 30 seconds and be at your door within 48 hours. Contact us today to discuss your pest control needs.