A brown recluse spider is not a rarity to encounter in your bathroom, basement, or even above the bed. The insect is surrounded by dreadful myths and misconceptions that are bunkers. Of course, the insects might not be the most frightening beasts in the house, but knowing how to get rid of brown recluse spiders is a must since they are everywhere.
Today, let’s learn more about these insects and debunk some myths. I’ve prepared some crash-course information that can help you detect the spiders, learn how to repel brown recluse spiders, and prevent their reappearance. Follow me!
Brown Recluse Spiders: Things They Should’ve Told You About At School
This species of spiders are not peculiar to any specific area or climate, and they can be a common housemate always anywhere. Even though they are one of the most widely spread kinds of spiders, they can be difficult to distinguish.
These insects tend to inhabit spaces in the household that provide them with security and safety. Also, brown recluse control has a set of features to consider for proper detection.
What are brown recluse spiders?
This is a species that mostly dwells in the South of and mid-United States due to their preferences for moisture and heat. Though they may be found in other regions because of an annual migration, they are unlikely to inhibit a less warm climate. Interestingly, only 1 out of 500 spiders claimed by people is a recluse spider since they resemble other similar species.
To identify this kind, there are a few markers to consider. First, a recluse is no bigger than a regular coin with elongated, thin legs and a violin-like body. Second, the largest it can grow up to is 0.80 of an inch, except for the female, which can reach up to 1 inch in length. The typical hair-coat for this one is brown or dark gray colors.
The back pattern is not a highlight for them and it may vary or be completely absent. If you want to distinguish this spider, look at the candidate’s eyes. They are known for their three rows of eye pairs, located with a little curve in the middle of the head.
Moreover, their lifespan ranges from 1.5 to 2 years, with around 50 eggs to lay each season, which makes them one of the most long-living spider species.
What attracts brown recluse spiders?
I’ve been wondering for a long time, why do I keep finding brown recluse spiders in my house? Apparently, there are two common grounds due to which these spiders can find a house or land lot alluring to settle on. As it derives from their name, the pests are extremely into solitude.
They don’t like places crowded with other insects and animals and tend to live alone until it’s time to mate. This way, the spiders find a cozy shelter to make a nest. They prefer dark, light-deprived places filled with dampness and coolness, such as cupboards, kitchen, and living room furniture, or under the sink area.
Another thing that can attract the pests is tall vegetation. There, they feel most secure, which makes up a perfect habitat as they are ready to nest, mate, and breed. Surprisingly, these insects love noise and clamor, most likely because it keeps them alert. Thus, encouraging them to live as close to humans as possible.
Brown recluse spiders dangers
Despite the common belief that this critter is extremely poisonous and can cause a variety of unfortunate outcomes, it’s rather harmless. It’s estimated that a recluse attacks only 1 out of 20 times.
Moreover, they are less agitated than other venomous 8-legged insects and rarely charge you without a good reason. Their behavior is shy and secluded that makes them more of housemates than an occupant.
However, they do bite. At first, the bite is unnoticeable and begins to manifest in a couple of hours. The bitten area swells and reddens, becoming more and more painful. Brown recluse spider toxicity is high, and the wound might result in a scar. Also, it can lead to a blood pressure increase, vertigo, or even a fever.
Signs of a brown recluse infestation
It’s hard to tell if you have an infestation until you need full-blown brown recluse extermination on the property. The spiders are quite sly, and encountering them without looking for them is unlikely. But, two things can make you alert about the pests.
- Large-scale web contamination. If you notice that webs happen to appear all over the place and their number is constantly increasing, then there can be an infestation. The webs don’t necessarily have to be hidden in a shabby old cupboard but may extend throughout the house.
- Fly population decreases. Living in warmer areas comes with swarms of flies. In case you’ve detected a sudden decrease in their number or even complete disappearance, it can be caused by this kind. Although it might seem to be great to be freed from flies’ buzzing and disturbance, it also signals that there is a bigger fish to fry.
How to get rid of brown recluse spiders?
Upon facing an infestation, don’t worry too much because there are proven ways to exterminate brown recluse spiders. Here’s a little guide!
Step 1: Inspect and clean your house
Start by looking around the residence to find where the nests can be. Pay special attention to isolated, dark places, like the attic, basement, the back of furniture, etc. They find them as the most favorable habitat due to the conditions.
To help you conduct a more thorough examination of the house, make sure to accompany your checks with cleaning. Get rid of the old junk that has piled up throughout the years, especially if it includes old sofas, a chest of drawers, closets, etc. Wash the surfaces, vacuum clean the carpets, and areas behind large comforts as a means of brown recluse spider prevention.
Step 2: Eliminate a food source
Since the insects aren’t always able to catch prey, they might drop in by food closets, bread baskets, or even fridges in search of additional nutrition. Look behind the furniture to see if there is some leftover lying around that spiders find especially delicious.
The same applies to the webs, where spiders catch their prey. Use a brush to disrupt them or apply a vacuum cleaner to suck in the webs, thus taking away their main nutrition. It can be especially helpful in old barns and premises, where spiders have already created a large coverage area for hunting.
Step 3: Seal your house
For complete brown recluse home treatment, it’s essential to block crevices and holes in the ground and furniture. Use a cloth or a sealant to mend the deficiencies near the baseboards, thresholds, and windows. Also, make sure to clean them first before sealing off.
Step 4: Get rid of brown recluse spiders
When your dwelling is secure of further infestation, it’s time to apply treatments for getting rid of brown recluse spiders once and for all. Here, you have a great variety to choose from. But mind that some of them can be more or less effective, depending on the stage of your infestation.
Traps
Spider traps are very convenient to use when you have detected that a spider nest is located in a hard-to-reach area. They are extremely safe for people and pets and demand little maintenance. Place them near where a nest is or scatter them around the house. Spiders are lured to them and get stuck until they perish.
Sprays
Probably, the best way to get rid of brown recluse spiders is to use an insecticide spray. It’s easily applicable to different surfaces and causes little to no damage to fabrics or wood. Spider sprays tend not only to kill the pests but also to prevent them from breeding. You may also use spider foggers as an alternative way of spreading the insecticide.
Dust
Using anti-insect dust can be great for brown recluse spiders since they prefer small, secluded crevices and cracks. Spread some of it in and around the area for complete brown recluse removal by desiccation.
Repellents
You can also apply a natural brown recluse spider repellent like peppermint, vinegar, coconut extract, etc. These alternative pesticides work great when it comes to deterring spiders since the smell is rather repulsive, making the insects flee.
Top 3 Best Brown Recluse Spider Treatments for Immediate Elimination
What to do if you find a brown recluse in your home? Treat it! And if you’re looking for effective solutions against this species, don’t go any further but consider the following:
1. WET & Forget Miss Muffet’s Spider Killer — Best Spider Spray for Home Use
Specifications:
- Active Ingredient: Bifenthrin 0.5%
- Item Form: Spray
- Item Weight: 1 pounds
- Product Dimensions LxWxH: 1 x 1 x 1 inches
- Target Species: All Spiders except Black Widow and Brown Recluse
This solution is designed to manage large-scale brown recluse spider infestations. Suitable for both in and out of doors, the product obliterates the pests within minutes and stops them from breeding. It’s also effective against spider eggs, not allowing them to hatch.
Use the spray mode to reach 10-inch heights without any additional equipment. The substance doesn’t leave a trace behind as soon as it dries up. Moreover, spiders are affected by the fumes, which repel them from the area.
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2. Demon Max Insecticide Cypermethrin Pint — Best Pro Insecticide for Brown Recluse Spiders
Specifications:
- Active Ingredient: Cypermethrin 25.3%
- Item Form: Spray
- Item Weight: 16 Ounces
- Product Dimensions LxWxH: 2.05 x 4.35 x 8 inches
- Target Species: Ants, Ant Mounds, Asian Cockroaches, Bark Beetles, Bees, Borers, Boxelder Bugs, Carpenter Ants, Carpenter Bees, Centipedes, Chiggers, Chinch Bugs, Cockroaches, Crickets, Earwigs, Elm Leaf Beetles, Fire Ants, Firebrats, Fleas, Flies, Ground Beetles, Gypsy Moths, Millipedes, Mole Crickets, Mosquitoes, Pillbugs, Scorpions, Silverfish, Sowbugs, Spiders, Ticks, Wasps, Wood Infesting Beetles, and others
To deal with different kinds of pests, including spiders, you can apply this product. The solution’s formula is based on cypermethrin, which is a renowned insect treatment that knows how to kill brown recluse spiders.
It’s great for more local extermination since the product is extremely concentrated and brings down pests both on the ground and underneath. Suitable for both private households and large commercial buildings, it soaks into the ground, making the area inhabitable for insects.
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3. ALAZCO 24 Glue Traps — Best Traps for Brown Recluse Spiders
Specifications:
- Material: Paper
- Number of Pieces: 24
- Item Weight: 1.1 pounds
- Item Dimensions LxWxH: 7.75 x 5.25 x 0.85 inches
- Target Species: Cockroach, Cricket, Fly, Moth, Mouse, Scorpion, Snake, Lizard, Spider, Silverfish
These traps are created to be the ultimate spider treatment due to their permanent glue and longevity. By placing the trap near a probable spider nest, you ensure complete blockage of the insects’ escape route. There are 24 pieces in a single pack, which is enough to cover the whole house and some premises.
The item is easy to use and has a simple yet delightful effect. Also, it’s completely pet-friendly, so don’t you worry about your indoor animals.
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FAQs
Do you have more questions about brown recluse spiders? You may find the answers here.
Where do brown recluse spiders hide?
This species normally prefer dark, isolated places, like cracks or crevices. Also, you can find them behind large objects and furniture, especially if it’s cool and damp.
What does a brown recluse nest look like?
The insects weave plain web nests that are a little thin from the outside but curvy on the insides. Unlike similar kinds, these don’t tend to their dwelling place, so it appears to be a little untidy.
When do brown recluse spiders come out?
The pinnacle of their activity is between early spring and late fall. During this time, they can crawl out, looking for nutrition, whereas they prefer to stay hidden for the rest of the year.
Does vinegar kill brown recluse spiders?
Yes, it does; but there has to be direct contact between a spider and the substance.
Are brown recluse spiders fast?
Well, yes. This species is rather swift and can speed up when chasing the prey. Also, it can jump from surfaces and even dash if in danger.
Prevent an Infestation of Brown Recluse Spiders Rather Than Treat It
As you can see, these spiders don’t pose the extent of harm that so many myths tend to claim. However, their appearance and excess in the house is a real problem. It can cause a lot of trouble for you and your household. Use modern solutions, like sprays and traps, to deal with this old problem.
Anyway, hopefully, you’ve found here what you came for. Have you? What’s your top choice when it comes to the treatment? How long did it take you to get rid of them? Tell me more in the comments below!
References:
- Brown Recluse Spider (U.S. Department of Labor):
https://www.osha.gov/OshDoc/data_Hurricane_Facts/brown_recluse_spider.pdf - Alternative Pesticides (Salt Lake City Sustainability):
https://www.slc.gov/sustainability/pesticidefree/alternative-pesticides/
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