Learn Methods From The Experts The Will Stop Brown Recluse Spiders And Get Rid Of Them For Good
You see a spider in the house and because they are common here in Florida, you're pretty sure it was a brown recluse. You might be wondering if this is an isolated instance or if there is an infestation. Since, brown recluse spiders are one of two spiders in Florida that can be deadly, you probably have reason to be concerned. In order to learn how to get ride of these poisonous pests, we have to first learn and understand more about them.
Brown Recluse Spiders Are Very Poisonous
Although they rarely cause death in humans, a bite from a brown recluse can pack an incredibly painful punch. A bite can range from mild itching and redness to swelling, pain, fever and convulsions. Those with weaker immune systems such as the elderly and children can be especially vulnerable to the impact of a bite.
The venom of a brown recluse is not only painful to humans, but can also affect animals such as small dogs, which can die from a venomous bite. However, seeing a big spider such as this isn't a reason to sell your house just yet. Keep reading to correctly identify a brown recluse spider and how to safely remove these spiders from your house.
Identifying Brown Recluse Spiders
Color
A brown recluse spider is, well…brown. Their color can range from a dark to a light brown and some can look more yellowish. They don't carry any stripes on their legs. So, if you see a brown spider with striped legs it is not a brown recluse.
Markings
A brown recluse often has a violin shape on the top of its thorax. As a result, this spider has also been known as a "fiddleback spider". However, it isn't always distinctive and can sometimes be very faint. Many other types of spiders also have violin shaped markings on their body. Therefore, using this as an identifying characteristic alone can sometimes be misinterpreted.
Size
The body of an adult size brown recluse, not including its legs, will be approximately one half inch in length. If you see a spider that is larger than that, it is not a brown recluse.
Location
Brown recluse spiders are found across the United States. They typically prefer warmer climates, though and are most commonly found throughout Florida and Georgia. Most reports of large infestations are those found in central to south Florida.
Signs The You May Have An Infestation
When it comes to pest control, many of us have heard that if you see one cockroach, there are probably a hundred more that you can't see. However, is that the case for brown recluse spiders? Although their name suggests a solitary lifestyle, these spiders are very promiscuous. A typical female can lay up to five egg sacs in its lifetime with each sac containing over 50 eggs. So, if you see one, it may mean there are hundreds.
The following are signs that you may have an infestation in your home:
Spider webs in corners
The presence of an egg sac
Sudden markings and blisters on your body along with pain
An obvious sighting
Kidney failure or paralysis in any small pets
How To Get Rid Of Brown Recluse Spiders Naturally And Safely
The best form of prevention is to begin your efforts outside the home. Having spiders outside the home is often considered an excellent form of natural pest control because they eat insects that are normally considered pests. However, brown recluse spiders are a different story. Since they are one of the few spiders that can cause harm to pets and humans, having them in or around your home can be dangerous.
Here are some ways you can keep these nasty critters at bay.
Minimize Lighting - Light attracts the insects that spiders feed on. Try to keep outdoor lighting to the minimum of what is needed.
Fill Open Cracks - Be sure to check around windows and doors. Fill any cracks and crevices in order to keep spiders and other insects outside.
Eucalyptus - Like many types of spiders and insects, they avoid strong smells. Place eucalyptus sprigs strategically around the exterior of the house to help repel spiders.
How To Get Rid Of Brown Recluse Spiders From Your House
Complete and total spider removal from the outdoors may be next to impossible, but eliminating them from the house is an easier exercise. Here's some ways to get started.
Clean Clean Clean - Having spiders in your home doesn't mean you're dirty. However, spiders go where the food is. Keeping a super clean house will encourage spiders and their food sources to look elsewhere for living space. Vacuuming all surfaces and sucking up any spider webs can help discourage an infestation as well.
Sticky Paper - Set up sticky traps where you believe spiders may be residing. You likely won't get every single spider, but you may get one or two. A side benefit to this approach is that you may also see what other insects may be lurking about such as cockroaches or silverfish.
Chemical Warfare - Spraying spiders directly with an over the counter pesticide will kill them and likely cause the spiders to avoid the area that was sprayed for a few days. However, spiders have long legs which may prevent any chemicals from coming into contact with their bodies. Instead, consider spraying the cracks where they might be coming through. This way the chemicals will come into contact with their body.
Call Super D Pest Control For All Your Spider Removal Needs
If you are located in the Tampa Bay, Bradenton and Sarasota area and are in need of effective pest control services, call Super D Pest Control today at (727) 433-5310 or use the chat feature below to schedule a free inspection of your home. As an experienced pest management company with expertise in the area of Florida spiders, we can detect signs of an infestation on our first visit and from there, be able to tell you how many treatments you will need for optimal spider elimination.