Any Suggestions for Safely Eliminating Brown Recluse Spiders?

We recently had a pest control company come in to help out with an ant infestation. I asked if it would help with the spiders as I have a 2 year old, he said the best he has ever found for spiders was to dilute ammonia in a spray bottle and spray in every corner in every room. They hate it he said and will leave for better living quarters.

http://www.brown-recluse.com/

Since they can hold their breath for days at a time, I do the bombing of the house for days in a row.

The site suggests glue traps.

If she knows she has a problem with them in her house, I would order a kit to keep on hand just in case. I was bit on the arm and the kit worked great.

We have an exterminator come and spray with a nontoxic/environmentally friendly chemical. It is safe for both pets and children and you can be in, and stay in, the house while it is sprayed. It does need to be done about every 2-3 months though.

we have had this done for the last 2 years and have had no problems. We have a two year old, two dogs, and two birds-- one of which is an african grey so we must be extermely carfeful with what chemicals we use in the house or the birds will die.

D.,

Please email your phone number to me at ____@____.com. I am a customer and marketing executive with a company that manufactures all-natural products that can help with this problem, and won't harm you or the baby. I have been a customer for 4 years and highly recommend a trial of this company to anyone in a situation such as your's.
I'd love to tell you a little more about them and let you decide for yourself.
Hope to hear from you soon,
C. B.
Dahlonega, GA

Hi D.,
I used to manage apartments and had issues with brown recluse spiders. You have to DUST. They don't drag their bodies through pesticides so it does you know good. Dusting in airvents, outlets, attacks anywhere they can hide. Also vaccume in every crevis you can. Pull out dresser drawers even. I don't remember the dust being a problem with animals or human beings. Of course keep your little one away from everthing. But If I was you, I'd start by dusting then also fogging then the traps. Three strikes and they are out. Call and confirm with bug busters.
Have a great day.
T.

I understand your concern. I would get other opinions from other pest companies. Spiders are hard to get rid of, since they do not lick their feet like bugs. Call your child's doctor and talk about the risks of the fogger. Catch one and talk to UT to make 100% sure it's the real deal, maybe if you are lucky it's just it's cousin.
If anything did happen, I know the doctor personally who came up with the anti-venom, he lives in Nashville.

D.,
I have a friend that sells an all natural product for spiders. We used it when we first moved to this house and had problems with spiders. It says that it is safe enough to eat. (I didn't try it LOL) His name is Dan Rose and his number is ###-###-####. He also works on the airbase so he will be home after work hours but his wife should be home and you could leave a message. Just let them know that I told you to call. He can answer any questions for you.
Thanks
M. B.

We had brown recluse spiders in our place in Oklahoma. The first time the exterminators came, I didn't notice it helping a bit. We were finding them on the wall right above our bed and in the living room, as well as everywhere else, so the theory that they hang out in places that are not used doesn't fly with me. We had attic access and wall access to the water pipes in our bedroom closet and, according to the exterminator, this is where they were living. (I actually found one in the sink that I was able to drown and put in a baggie for the exterminator) The second time they were scheduled to come out, I removed everything from the closet and moved all of the furniture away from all of the walls. I wasn't home when they were there, but they used some type of powder. I don't imagine that it actually killed them, but they put it in those access areas and we stopped seeing them. I can't believe we were never bitten as often as we saw them (or maybe we were bitten and just didn't react to the bite) Anyway, you might try to find out where they're coming from and ask your exterminator about some type of powder. I wish I knew what it was that they used, but that's the best I can do for you.

Hi D.:

I happen to work for a very large pest and termite control company and I consulted with our resident entomologist (who is very recognized in the field and has published many books on pest control).

If you hire a reputable firm, you shouldn't worry about the side effects of the treatments used to resolve your problem. Our chemicals are regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency. In any event, as a mother myself, I understand your concerns, so here is the advice our entomologist gave me for you:

+++++++++++++
The legs of the baby bed can be covered near the bottom with a thin (very thin) layer of petroleum jelly (Vasoline). Brn recluse aren't good climbers. The beds should be pulled away from touching the walls and curtains. Bed spreads should not touch walls or the floor and bed skirts should be removed. Clothing can be stored in dressers inside ziplock bags so that you can be sure no spiders are in the clothing when it is put on.

As far as treatment goes, most of the treatments should involve application of a dust product into walls and behind baseboards, molding, etc. "Fogging" does not work on brn recluse spiders. Placing as many sticky traps as possible is helpful as every spider captured is one that cannot potentially bite someone.

++++++++++

Best of luck!

E.
(mom to Jack, 2)

D.,

Yikes! We had spiders that got into our old house...We have had good success controlling them by using long acting perimeter spray and using a silicone based caulking to close up cracks in our old brick. I vacuumed REALLY well all the base boards, nook and crannies, under beds, closets, ETC... then used, I think it's Raid -- makes an indoor use "non toxic" (if there is such a thing) insect spray that can be used sparingly in places that would attract the spiders and your baby would not be in contact with those areas. Our son was about 18 months and I'm was not willing to use alot of "spray" on areas that he would be around.

Anyway, Wal-Mart has the Botanical Indoor Spray (RAID?), and likely has an outdoor perimeter spray -- try something that will last a least a month with a built in sprayer. Check your windows, thresholds and foundation for cracks.

Here's a link to Lowe's with info http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=howTo&p=BuyGuid...

You said that you have researched all this well and have probably done "all the above" , but here's another link that we used as a guideline for "cleanig up " our house (I like a very clean and tidy house!).
We saw an almost immediate reduction in spiders and have not had to treat inside since --- about 18 months. We spray the outside Spring, about every 8wk during the summer and fall.

http://www.uky.edu/Ag/Entomology/entfacts/struct/ef623.htm

Best of Luck!

S.

The best way is insecticide, you can find some in the store for small price..
House preventing is the most value thing to do..
take some steps from : http://www.spiderbitesymptomsguide.com/brown-recluse-spider

Hi D.!
I do not have any information to help you, but I do have a question about the spiders. How can you tell if it's Brown Recluse or not, they're so small? I have some spiders in my house and reading your request makes me scared now. I also have a small child (11 months).
Thanks!
M.

The glue traps won't attact them. They just catch the ones that venture near the bed. They usually stay along the baseboards like mice. (my husband and his entire family have worked and some still work for Cook's pest control.) The glue traps is the most effective passive way to get rid of them.

You should consider getting an exterminator out for spray if you are filling up the traps quickly. Fogging is basically ineffective with brown recluses. You would need to let them spray the carpets and do permiter outside.

Not trying to do a sales thing...but.. Cook's does a free consultation and will answer all your questions about it.

Hi D. - I would call the exterminator. I have a fried who was bit by a brown recluse a few years ago, and he has a hole in his leg that just gets bigger and bigger. The bite eats away the tissue from the inside, and Dr.'s can't do anything for him. I don't mean to scare you, but most companies have products that are safe for pets and children after a few hours. Better safe than sorry.
H.
Mom to six.... hoping for eight!

I live in Clarksville too, and my house backs up to a wooded area, so spiders and other "critters" have me on my toes. We did have an exterminator come out to do an initial treatment, and then they come out quarterly. They spray inside my house as well as the outside. If I have a problem with a specific insect, they come out in between, but we have not had to do that. My 2 year old, my dog and my pregnant self do not have to leave the house at all. It was not a fog but a spray that is non toxic to humans and pets. In fact, my daughter follows them around when they are here. They did tell me it may not take care of everything in the garage area, but it has seemed to do the trick. I see more dead than anything.
Now I don't know if it will help with Brown Recluse spiders, but it is worth looking into. We went with Servall, and have been very happy with their service.
Good luck!
K. A.

Hi!
I don't like any kind of spider in my house. I normally go all the way around the outside of the house, along the edge, with a dusting of Seven-Dust. It has always seemed to help keep any creepy-crawlers away. You can pick Seven-Dust up at Walmart. I didn't know the scary things also live in the attic until reading all the responses, so I will be sprinkling Seven-Dust in my attic now as well, just for extra protection. Anyway, you might want to consider trying that, and if you prefer, other methods as well. But if you do use Seven-Dust, don't forget it can eventually wash away, so I would put it out maybe once a month, or so. But of course, read the directions on the bag. Hope this helps.

Brown recluses are extremely hard to get rid of even for pest control companies and it does require multiple visits from them to do this with no guarantee that they go away (my husband used to work in pest control). My suggestion would be to call Cook's Pest Control. I don't think they use fogs, but they do spray and will probably have to come weekly.

Bengal Bug Spray has been the best and safest I have found. I have a 7 year old and several animals so needless to say , I have to use something safe! you might have to spray the outside of your house as well. both Bengal and Orcan make an excellent spray for the outter base of your home. Lowe's carries both of those products in the garden section. good luck!!

I live in McDonough, GA and I am constantly killing Wolf spiders in my home. They are the size of a quarter, brown (sometimes a grayish-brown), and quite scarey looking, but are harmless. Do you think it could be wolf spiders in your home? This site won't allow me to attach a pic, but if you go to google.com and type in "wolf spider" it shows 3 pics at the top. In my opinion, it is very similar looking to a recluse. If so, then you have nothing to worry about. Good luck to you.

K.

Hi D.! I totally understand your concerns! I actually caught my daughter reaching for a black widow & found one more after that!! I know they are less harmful than the recluse, but it's all the same in the moment. I had Terminix previous to that particular situation & simply called them for extra service, at no extra cost. But, my girlfriend had your exact experience. She contacted Orkin & Terminix. Orkin guarantees against the recluse & Terminix says you cannot guarantee. When they, whoever you may choose, come out the first time, they're sprays, not foggers, are going to flush all bugs out. You may see more, I know that doesn't seem reassuring. I hope this helps. I really think it is difficult to guanrantee, but after a few visits, you can call anytime & if your in Columbus, the guy is awesome, you start to create a barrier around your home. You will have times during the year when it gets worse, but no sweat, just call. If you decide to go to Terminix, call the Tupelo number & ask for Patsy, she is sooo sweet & she remembers you after a few calls! It feels really personal!!

Don't know if you read but a full sized adult Recluse can jump several feet into the air. I wish I had additional advice, but as an EMT I only get to see the end results of the bite and it is not somthing to ignore. If by chance anyone does get bit, please go to the ER asap to start treatment.

Hi D.,
We're about the same age, and i still have alot to learn too, i have a 3.5 yr old and another on the way. I remember a lady telling me about something she would use to curb/get rid of the fleas in her home and maybe this will help with those spiders. She used the powder Borax/Borox detergent and put alongside the corners and down in the creases alongside the walls in each room and said that seemed to help. I have seen these critters and I know they aren't pleasant to see, scary and annoying, from what I remember, do they like the dampness or I wonder what makes them attracted to the inside of a house? Anyhow, I hope this helps, i'm at ###-###-#### or ____@____.com if you find something that works, let me know.

D.

Hi Denis,
I wouldn't put them around her bed?
I did find this on the internet...I find spiders interesting and wanted to see what they look like ;-)

Insecticides
There are many labeled pesticides for spider control. Some are labeled for homeowner use, while others are labeled only for the licensed, certified pesticide applicator. It would be prudent to enlist the services of a professional pest management company when dealing with an indoor infestation of the brown recluse spider.

Research indicates that recently developed pyrethroids (e.g., cyfluthrin, cypermethrin, etc.) are particularly effective against brown recluse spiders. Wettable powders and microencapsuled "slow-release" formulations of these chemicals provide residual activity and are preferable to using emulsion-type sprays. Insecticide treatments should be applied so that the chemical contacts as many spiders and webs as possible. Residual liquid sprays should be applied to the outside perimeter of the home (including under eaves, patios, and decks; behind window shutters), baseboards, undisturbed corners, and other suspected spider harborages. Residual dusts should be applied to voids and inaccessible areas where spiders may hide. Aerosol flushing agents such as pyrethrins, though ineffective by themselves in providing control, can cause spiders to move about so that they contact treated surfaces.

Hope this helps!

I am not sure where you live, we have an earwig problem here in Aiken and I am very happy with the service that Aiken Pest Control gives. I understand your apprehension when it comes to attracting spiders to your baby's bed. I can tell you that we have used Aiken Pest Control and they leave us feeling good with the measures they take to control the earwigs etc. Give them a call, perhaps they will have alternative measures. Blane would be the man to talk with, he is very informed and helpful, actually takes the time to explain EVERYTHING.

My daughter was having trouble in her apartment with spiders even though the owners sprayed once a month. My husband sprayed some ORTHO defense that he got at Wal-Mart and she said she had not seen any more for a while now. Maybe just amybe it would work on those. Wouldn't hurt to try

R.

D.,I have no answers for you,but hope that you soon find a solution. I have a small daughter myself and we often have spiders..not aware if they are brown recluse. We use a do it yourself spray from national ext. co. called demon..safe for kids and pets..has no smell and completely kills all bugs and spiders in our home for several months..generally at least 6-12 months.We have used this spray for at least 8 years if not longer,will no known side effects...Hope this helps...G.