While most spiders are nothing more than nuisance pests, spiders like the brown recluse are frightening to discover on your property. These spiders inflict painful bites that can develop into a serious health concern. Fortunately, there are several ways to protect your family and pets from these dangerous pests. Keep reading to find out more about brown recluse spiders and how to keep them away from your home.
How To Identify Brown Recluse Spiders
Brown recluse spiders are one of the most dangerous spiders in Ohio. They are light to dark brown in color and are best identified by their characteristic violin-shaped marking on their backs. These spiders can grow to be between one-fourth and one-half inch long. Brown recluse spiders have round bodies and long, spiny legs. Their lifespan can be anywhere from two to five years, and females live longer than males. The female brown recluse spiders lay their eggs in silken sacs, which contain up to 300 eggs. After about a month, the eggs hatch, and the spiderlings become adults within one year. Female spiders also spin irregularly-shaped webs.
Brown recluse spiders are commonly found outdoors and build habitats around rocks, inside woodpiles, and underneath tree bark. When they make their way indoors, these venomous spiders tend to hide in undisturbed areas. Their favorite places to hide inside homes include closets, crawl spaces, attics, and basements. In commercial properties, it's common to find a brown recluse in boiler rooms, garages, and storage spaces. Spiders feed on other bugs and are attracted to homes and businesses that may have an underlying infestation. They feed on insects like crickets and cockroaches and prefer that their larger prey is already dead.
The Dangers Of Brown Recluse Spiders On Your Property
Among common house spiders found in the United States, the brown recluse spider is one of the most hazardous. These dangerous spiders should be avoided at all costs. Attempting to deal with an infestation on your own puts you at risk of getting bitten and needing emergency medical attention. Both males and females have the ability to inject venom, which is released under the skin during a bite.
Bites from a brown recluse often aren't immediately felt; however, the victim will eventually feel a stinging sensation followed by intense pain. Sometimes, this pain isn't felt for another six to eight hours after being bitten. The bite will appear as a blister on the skin, which then becomes a swollen bump. If you believe that you've been bitten by a brown recluse, it's important to keep your eye on the affected area and stay alert to any additional symptoms, like fever, restlessness, or trouble sleeping. In rare cases, untreated bites can result in decay of the surrounding skin, which may require plastic surgery.
How To Get Rid Of Brown Recluse Spiders: The Safest Way
The best way to get rid of spiders like the brown recluse is to prevent them from invading your property in the first place. Follow these tips to protect your family and safeguard your home:
Keep your home tidy and vacuum often. Dust cobwebs and wipe down countertops.
Seal or caulk holes or gaps in exterior walls.
Repair or replace broken window and door screens.
Declutter storage spaces and throw away old cardboard boxes and paper products.
Deal with any underlying insect infestations to prevent spiders from being attracted to your home.
Store firewood at least 20 feet from your home's exterior.
When home remedies to get rid of spiders fail, contact an experienced exterminator like 1st Response Pest Management.
How To Keep Brown Recluse Spiders Away From Your Property
You can try DIY methods, but they will just be short-term solutions. A few things you can try include:
- Sticky tape
- Essential oils such as lavender, tea tree, or eucalyptus (check pet safety)
- Diatomaceous earth
- Vinegar, for a quick, direct death
When dealing with a venomous spider infestation, it's best to leave things up to the experts. 1st Response Pest Management has been a premier provider of pest control in Columbus since 2006. We'll perform a full inspection of your home, eliminate existing infestations, and help prevent future invaders. For more information on how we can help, contact us today.