WHAT EVERY FAIRFAX HOMEOWNER
OUGHT TO KNOW ABOUT BROWN RECLUSE SPIDERS

Would you know a brown recluse if you saw one? These are small spiders that aren't much larger than a quarter. You may know that a brown recluse has a dark violin shape on its back, but it can be hard to see that shape on this tiny spider. It helps to know that brown recluse spiders are also visibly hairless. If you see a hairy brown spider, you're probably looking at a wolf spider not a recluse. Why is it important to properly identify a brown recluse? We're going to talk about that and other facts you should know about these tiny, brown, hairless spiders.

Brown Recluse Bites

You may know something about brown recluse bites, but do you know enough? Are you aware that brown recluse spiders rarely bite people? Do you know that a bite from a brown recluse can go undetected due to little or no pain during the bite? Here are a few more things you should know about brown recluse spider bites:

Localized pain varies in intensity. Some experience mild pain and itching. Others experience intense pain and itching for as much as eight hours after being bitten.

• Most bites do not amount to more than a small wound with a blister or ulcer in the center.
• There is usually a rash associated with a recluse bite.
• It is possible for necrosis to spread, so it is best to have a physician check the bite and monitor it.
• Some people have a systemic response to brown recluse bites. This causes symptoms throughout the body, including chills, fever, restlessness, difficulty sleeping, joint pain, nausea, vomiting, and more.

How To Detect Brown Recluse Spiders

If you have brown recluse spiders in your home, you're not likely to see them. They are nocturnal by nature, and extremely reclusive—hence the name. But you can tell that you have brown recluse in your home by looking for tangled spider webs in low, out-of-the-way places. You may find them in gaps between boxes in storage. Brown recluse are attracted to cardboard, and they prefer the stillness of a storage room. They may also be found in attics, basements, closets, bedrooms, boiler rooms, heat tunnels, crawl spaces, and garages. A common outdoor location to find brown recluse is in debris or woodpile.

Brown Recluse Spider Bite Prevention

There are a few ways to prevent unwanted contact with brown recluse spiders in Aiken. Some are obvious. Some are not so obvious.

• Be cautious when opening boxes you've taken out of storage. Look before you touch.
• Consider storing items in sealed plastic totes to keep spiders and other pests out.
• Shake clothing, towels, and footwear before putting them on.
• Refrain from leaving clothing on the floor.
• Turn down bedding before getting into bed.
• Remove skirts from beds and make sure bedding doesn't touch the floor.
• Be cautious when going into any dark, dry, and secluded locations, and be sure to bring a flashlight.
• Wear gloves when moving wood or debris in your yard.
• Wear something on your feet when you're walking in your yard at night.

Most Important Fact About Brown Recluse Spiders

There are only two spiders in the United States that are considered a medical threat: the brown recluse spider and the black widow spider. Of the two, only the brown recluse is comfortable living with you permanently. In fact, this spider can grow a significant population in your home. Some infestations in the U.S. have been estimated to have more than 5,000 spiders.

What To Do About Brown Recluse Spiders

If you believe you have brown recluse spiders in your home, it is best to have a licensed pest management professional deal with them. Not just because they can be a threat, but because they can be difficult to get rid of.

At Aiken Pest Control, we use modern Integrated Pest Management methods to locate and eliminate brown recluse spiders. This approach uses the least amount of pest control products and relies heavily on field-tested methods and eco-friendly treatments, such as sticky traps. There's no better way to get control of dangerous spiders. If you have questions or you'd like to request service, reach out to us. We know what is required to get rid of brown recluse spiders.