Spider Alert! Are Brown Recluses Invading Your Home? Here's How To Stay Safe
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Are you seeing more spiders lately? You're not alone! Experts are reporting an increase in brown recluse spider sightings in homes across Missouri and Tennessee. But don't panic! While these spiders have a scary reputation, most encounters are harmless if you take the right precautions.
Why Are Brown Recluse Spiders Showing Up Now?
Several factors contribute to the rise in brown recluse activity. In Missouri, it's simply the time of year when they're more active. July and August mark their peak mating season, driving them to seek new environments, sometimes inside your home. In Middle Tennessee, the combination of heat and rain has led to an outbreak of these venomous spiders.
Where Do Brown Recluses Hide?
Brown recluse spiders prefer tight, dark, and undisturbed spaces. Think basements, attics, storage rooms, and behind furniture. They love narrow spaces and areas where they can remain hidden. This also means they will hide in cardboard boxes.
How Can You Prevent Brown Recluse Bites?
Most bites occur accidentally when a spider is trapped against the skin inside clothing, shoes, or gloves. Jeff Williams from Integrity Pest Control recommends targeting areas where they make webs and hide. Here are some tips to keep them away:
- Declutter: Keep storage areas tidy and off the floor.
- Shelving: Avoid stacking boxes directly against walls or each other. Use shelving instead.
- Plastic Bins: Replace cardboard boxes with sealed plastic bins, eliminating a favorite habitat for spiders.
- Cleanliness: Keep a clean house to minimize the food supply for brown recluse spiders (ants, beetles, other spiders).
- Shake Clothing: Always shake your clothes before putting them on, especially if they've been in a closet or drawer for a while.
What To Do If You Get Bitten
If you are bitten by a brown recluse, seek medical attention as soon as possible. While most bites are not serious, some can lead to significant tissue damage.
Not All Spiders Are Bad!
It's also important to remember that not all spiders are brown recluses. Some spiders commonly mistaken for them actually help keep brown recluses in check! These helpful spiders eat brown recluses, so if you see something that’s not a brown recluse, it’s a friend!