What To Do If You Find A Brown Recluse Spider In Your Home Or Yard
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What to Do if You Find a Brown Recluse Spider: A Comprehensive Guide
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Discover the steps you should take if you encounter a brown recluse spider in your home or yard. Learn how to safely identify, contain, and eliminate these venomous spiders.
Brown recluses (Loxosceles reclusa) are a common type of spider you might see, but you don’t want them in your home or yard.
Brown recluses are native to the U.S. and play an important role in the food chain, but they’re also venomous. While only around 10% of brown recluse bites cause serious damage, reactions can still be painful and frightening. If you spot one in or near your home, stay calm and try to identify it.
Identifying a Brown Recluse Spider
Before taking any action, observe the spider carefully. Some spiders are commonly mistaken for brown recluses, so don’t assume any brown spider you see is dangerous. Here are some key characteristics to look out for:
- Six eyes: Brown recluses have six eyes, arranged in three groups of two eyes each. This is different from other spiders, which usually have eight eyes.
- Brown legs: Brown recluse spiders have solid-colored brown legs with no stripes, spines, or spots.
- Dark, violin-shaped mark: They have a dark, violin-shaped mark starting at the back of their neck.
- Avoidance behavior: Brown recluses tend to avoid contact with humans, so they may try to flee if they sense danger.
What to Do If You Find a Brown Recluse in Your Yard
If you notice a brown recluse in your yard, keep your distance. Avoid areas where they live, such as:
- Brush piles
- Stacks of firewood
- Piles of rocks
- Weeds and shrubs
Keep your yard clean and tidy to reduce the risk of encounters and accidental bites. If you can, clear away debris or move it further from your home.
Wearing Protective Gear While Working in Your Yard
When moving debris or working in areas where brown recluses may be present, always wear protective gear, including:
- Gloves: to reduce the risk of accidental bites
- Long-sleeved shirts and pants: to cover your skin
- Shoes: to protect your feet
Getting Rid of Brown Recluses in Your Home
If you find a brown recluse in your home, especially if you have kids or pets, or know you’re sensitive to spider bites, you may need to take action to remove it. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Contain the spider: Place a jar over the spider and slide a piece of paper underneath. Flip the jar over so the spider falls into it. Then, put the lid on.
- Kill the spider: Two safe options are adding rubbing alcohol to the jar or putting the whole jar in your freezer overnight.
- Set up glue traps: Place glue traps throughout your home, near walls or hiding places, to get a good idea of how many spiders there may be.
- Seal up entryways: Brown recluses can enter your home through small openings, so seal any cracks or crevices around windows, doors, and vents.
- Clean out storage areas: Remove any clutter, boxes, or storage containers that may be harboring brown recluses.
- Call a professional: Insecticides can control an infestation, but they aren’t 100% effective. Consider calling a pest control professional to ensure a thorough and safe removal.
Important Facts About Brown Recluse Spiders
- Venomous: Brown recluses are venomous, and their bites can cause serious damage.
- Common misconception: Only around 10% of brown recluse bites cause serious damage.
- Interesting fact: Brown recluses have solid-colored brown legs with no stripes, spines, or spots.
- Food chain: Brown recluses play an important role in the food chain, eating insects and helping to control their populations.
- Native to the U.S.: Brown recluses are native to the United States and can be found in many parts of the country.
Conclusion
If you find a brown recluse spider in your home or yard, stay calm and follow these steps to safely identify, contain, and eliminate it. Remember to wear protective gear, seal up entryways, and clean out storage areas to reduce the risk of encounters and accidental bites. By taking these precautions, you can help keep your home and yard safe from these venomous spiders.
