While there is the occasional person who has no fear when encountering a spider, most of us would admit that they, at most, terrify us and, at least, are not on any of our “favorite” lists. There’s just something creepy about those eight legs and hairy bodies. Here in Texas, it’s not just a matter of being creeped out by arachnids; we also have to worry about encountering a spider of the venomous variety. One such spider that lives here is the brown recluse.
Brown recluse spiders are usually between a quarter to three-quarters of an inch in size. They range in color from light to dark brown and in some cases can even be a whitish color or blackish gray. They have a distinctive violin-shaped mark on their back.
The problem with brown recluse spiders is that their bites deliver a venom that causes necrosis around the area of the bite. Necrosis is the death of previously healthy tissue. This can be painful and take a long time to heal, sometimes requiring medical attention, and in rare cases, can even lead to death.
Why & Where Brown Recluse Spiders Get Inside
For much of the year, in spring and summer and even into early fall, brown recluse spiders are quite content to live outdoors in dark, secluded spots. As their name indicates, they prefer to be alone, hidden away from other insects and people. However, when temperatures begin to get colder, brown recluse spiders begin to look for warmer accommodations and often find themselves within the confines of your home.
Just like they behave outside, they won’t remain in open view inside your home. Instead, they’ll look for areas that provide cover. Basements, attics, and other storage rooms are often favorite spots for them to live. Although they won’t be out terrorizing your family, the danger comes when you go to retrieve something from one of those storage areas. Brown recluse spiders are not inclined to bite, but if they are cornered or feel threatened, like when they’re caught off guard when you suddenly show up where they’re living, they will.
Brown Recluse Prevention Tips
In order to prevent brown recluse spiders from entering your home, there are certain measures you can take.
- Look around the outside of your home for cracks, holes, and gaps. Seal or cover any that you find to eliminate entry points.
- Keep wood piles, brush piles, and leaf and lawn debris cleaned up or a safe distance from your home, as they are all places brown recluses might live during the warmer months.
- Keep bushes, shrubbery, and trees trimmed back away from your home.
- Inside, reduce clutter to help reduce hiding spots.
- Keep items that are stored in tightly sealed plastic bins.
- Vacuum regularly, especially in hard-to-reach and often unused areas.
- Call Innovative Pest Control. Our professional pest experts know where to look for brown recluse spiders, both inside and outside your home. We can eliminate any current spider problems you’re having, as well as see the potential for future problems, and help you prevent them.
Don’t leave your home open to a brown recluse invasion this fall. Learn more about Innovative Pest Control’s spider control options today!
Categories:
- Brown Recluse Spiders,
- Spider Control,
- Spider Prevention
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