The city of Centerton is home to a variety of spider species. Most of them are harmless and even beneficial in controlling local insect populations. Some species, however, pose more of a threat. Brown recluse spiders are one of the area’s infamous poisonous spider species.
Also called a “fiddleback” spider because of the distinct, violin-shaped marking on its back, the brown recluse spider ranges in color from light tan to dark brown. The marking on its back is black, and its legs are covered in short hairs. A brown recluse spider ranges from ½ to 1 inch long and it likes to hide away in remote, dark areas like cabinets, basements, piles of clothing, attics, closets, etc. Brown recluse spiders are one of the most misidentified species. Some of the more common spiders that are often confused with the rarer brown recluse include the wolf spider, the house spider, the cellar spider, and the yellow sac spider.
Am I In Danger?
It’s true that brown recluse spiders carry venom, but you should know that they only bite if they feel threatened. If you stay out of their way, they’ll likely stay out of yours. If you do get bitten, however, the bite itself may go unnoticed for a while. Oftentimes, the victim doesn’t feel the bite until much later.
The bites can be dangerous. When they inject their cytotoxic venom into your body, not only can it leave painful marks, but it can also cause the skin tissue to decay. The venom can create holes in your skin, potentially requiring skin grafts in serious instances. If you suspect you’ve been bitten by a brown recluse spider, it’s important that you seek medical attention right away. Only a medical professional can properly assess the situation and the proper way to treat the bite.
If you want to be proactive in your efforts to protect your Centerton property from brown recluse spiders, there are some things you can do. While none of these methods is singularly effective, the combination of them can go a long way in preventing spider activity. Consider implementing the following in your efforts to control brown recluse spiders:
- Examine weather stripping and replace it if damaged.
- Install door sweeps to prevent entry.
- Install or repair window and door screens.
- Keep your home clean; thoroughly dust, sweep, and reduce clutter.
- Keep other bugs away from home (spiders feed on them).
- Keep the exterior/porch lights off (many insects that spiders eat are attracted to light).
- Replace outside bulbs with yellow, insect-resistant bulbs.
- Keep trash in sealed containers outside.
- Keep vegetation at least 5 ft from the home.
- Keep your yard well-trimmed and neat.
- Reduce excess moisture (leaky pipes, gutters, etc.)
- Remove food sources and properly store food.
- Routinely remove webs that develop.
- Use caulk or foam to seal up cracks and crevices in your foundation.
- Use cedar (a spider deterrent) (cedar mulch, hangers, chests, shavings, blocks, etc.)
- Use Eucalyptus spray around the perimeter of the house (they are deterred by strong scents).
Even if you remain diligent about the tips listed above, brown recluse spiders sometimes find their way in anyway. If you suspect spider activity, you have to act fast in order to get in front of the problem. An infestation can spread quickly.
Whether you’re seeking safe removal of potentially dangerous spiders, or you simply want more advice on your current spider situation, contact the professionals at Alder Pest Control today. Our team of licensed pest professionals has extensive experience in successfully eliminating and preventing brown recluse spider populations, and we’re ready to help you protect your Centerton property. Call us today for a consultation.
