Brown recluse spiders are known as one of two medically dangerous spiders in the United States, with the other species being the black widow. The black widow is much easier to identify than the brown recluse, commonly confusing for other spiders. However, Leesville residents should avoid both species.
How Do I Identify Brown Recluse Spiders?
Brown recluse spiders are a light brown color and have a dark violin pattern on the cephalothorax. They have a solid-colored abdomen and legs, which are covered in hairs. Although the brown recluse has a specific look, a better way to know if you are dealing with this dangerous spider is with the process of elimination.
To do this, look for:
- Size: Brown recluse spiders won’t be larger than ½ of an inch long.
- Coloring: They will not have two colors on their abdomens.
- Legs: Their legs won’t be striped or have spines.
- Eyes: They won’t have eight eyes and instead have six with one pair in the front and two pairs on either side.
- Web: Brown recluse spiders don’t create a wheel-shaped web in an open space but instead prefer secluded, lightly trafficked areas. Their webs also appear messy and unorganized.
While a bite from this spider is dangerous, they are rare. Like most other spiders, the brown recluse is shy and prefers to avoid people, only biting when threatened. If you believe that a brown recluse has bitten you, a pet, or someone else, it is wise to seek medical attention. In any case, it is always better to be safe than sorry if you are unsure if you are dealing with a brown recluse spider.
The best way to keep yourself safe from this species is with prevention implementation.
Can I Prevent Brown Recluse Spiders?
You can do several things on your property to reduce spider populations and the chance of brown recluses making themselves at home. For spider prevention, most of your focus will be on eliminating the factors that attract pest prey. This will include:
- Removing organic debris from your yard such as firewood, leaf piles, and lawn clippings.
- Cutting back excess foliage.
- Keeping outdoor lights off when possible to stop attracting bugs.
- Removing excess moisture from the exterior of your property by unclogging gutters, filling in ground holes, and not overwatering plants.
- Fixing any leaks inside your home and using dehumidifiers where necessary.
- Cleaning up food debris and spills.
- Storing open food in air-tight containers.
- Decluttering your home and keeping it organized.
- Sealing any entry points in the foundation and exterior walls of your home.
- Installing screens, weather stripping, and door sweeps.
You should also de-web regularly and store firewood away from your home to deter brown recluse spiders from spinning webs. While you should use all of the tips listed above, keep in mind that do-it-yourself (DIY) prevention is not 100% foolproof. Often, the best way to keep spiders away is with professional prevention and control.
Who Can Assist With Brown Recluse Spiders?
If you are a Leesville resident and are worried about brown recluse spiders, you should contact The Original Bugman Pest Elimination, Inc. for more advice or assistance. We assist with the dangerous species and all types of spiders and the pest prey they are after.
So, give us a call today at The Original Bugman Pest Elimination, Inc. to learn more about our services and the treatments we offer to keep your home pest-free. We will get you started with one of our trained and knowledgeable technicians to assist with any pest problem you might have.
Schedule Your Free Inspection
Complete the form below to schedule your no-obligation inspection.