My husband and I recently bought a home in the country. I have found 5 brown recluse spiders, and I'm extremely paranoid, and feeling reluctant to move in at the end of the month. I'm looking for advice on eradication, experience with them in your home, if you or your kids have been bitten... Thanks! We have black widows too, but I didn't find it inside. I have already had the exterminator spray, and I've ordered glue traps.
Look on Angie's list or similar business rating site for the best exterminator in town. And yes, keep the corners dusted. We get spider treatments along with regular bugs. We live by the woods and have insects galore. I wouldn't mess with those suckers; I'd get the best guys in there.
mama!!
Brown recluse spiders are not aggressive spiders. These spiders tend to stay in dark, dusty, dry areas that are not disturbed. They are also known as the "Fiddle spider"
Closets, basement corners, underneath beds and couches, behind furniture and in piles of boxes are all prime nesting places for them. They will only attack and bite if forced to do so.
The recluse spider is able to slow down its metabolism to outlast nearly all sprays and powders that are used for killing spiders. Using naturally scented lemon or citrus dusting spray or natural eucalyptus is said to be a deterrent.
Sweep and clean as often as possible. Vacuum or sweep all closets and dark corners regularly. Do not keep stacks of cardboard boxes. Use plastic tubs and containers in place of boxes, if possible.
Hope this helps!
Don't blame you. REAL brown recluse spiders, and not just the ones that look like them, cause necrosis of the flesh around the bite and you can lose a limb or die from bites. One of my college roommates had a hunk out of her leg. She was lucky that it was only that...
I'd talk to some experts on this specific arachnid, not just the exterminator.
Good
When you move in they should move along...they are typically shy and do not like being around people. They like dry, dark places...storage closets...garages...etc etc...
If the exterminator has sprayed and you have traps I wouldn't worry.
My daughter got bitten by something last weekend that left a hole in her leg...could have been a brown recluse or another bug bite that got infected....she ran a low grade fever and the ulcer was swollen and itchy/painful. She was given an oral antibiotic and we kept the bite clean and covered.
I know of two people in college who were bitten one had a bad allergic reaction and her whole head was swollen (she was bitten in her hair) and we rushed her to the ER. She was fine after a few days. The other girl had a small reaction, her arm was swollen where the bite was and she got flushed like a sunburn. The doctor at the campus clinic treated her and she was fine in a few days. Not all bites make huge scars, but some can...
Good luck...living in Texas I have never thought much of them other than yes they live here too and we keep an eye on all bug bites...
One of those bastards killed my dog ... I would make sure professionals come out. In addition, when I was younger one nearly killed my bf at the times mother. I have not had good experience with them and do not believe the whole will not attack BS. Yes, it was proven to be a recluse that did the near killing and killing in my experience. I FULLY suggest professional assistance in this situation.
I had a friend who was bitten by one- the bite developed necrosis and a nasty secondary infection, so she was left with a large scar. She didn't even know she was bitten, which I guess is common with these spiders. My understanding is that they are not overly aggressive, but will bite if they are trapped in blankets, in shoes, etc. I would call the local poison control, health department, animal control, even university or zoo to get info on the best way to get rid of them.
One of the joys of living in the southwest, all the nasty creatures who were here first :)
I heard it is dangerous.WHo knows?
I feel your pain. I would be worried as well. They are moving north and have been found in my area of Illinois. I'm not afraid of most spiders, yet these kinda creep me out. I found this information, which might make you feel a little better about your situation:
I have been bitten by these about 5 times between my teen years and 40's unfortunately as they seem to find me in many countries. A round of antibiotics the moment I recognize the pain takes care of the issue. But, I have sprinkled Borax around as a deterrent for spiders whenever I see spiders around my home due to my tendency to get bitten. It's supposed to be a safe alternative to toxins.
