Managing the Brown Recluse Spider

There are many things that can be done to keep BRS bites from occurring. Exercising some caution when in areas that maybe possible BRS nests is one of the easiest actions to take. Actually removing a BRS infestation from a living area can take a long time, six months or more, because the BRS can be widely dispersed in the building. A complete plan that incorporates many preventive measures works best. These measures include, exclusion, sanitation, trapping, and if needed chemical treatment.

Actions that can be taken to help minimize BRS bites:

• Keep clothes off the floor.
• Remove clutter from your home, attic, storage areas and vacuum often.
• Shake out clothing and shoes before getting dressed.
• Inspect bedding and towels before use.
• Wear gloves when handling firewood, lumber, and rocks (be sure to inspect the gloves for spiders before putting them on).
• Remove bedskirts and storage boxes from underneath beds. Move the bed away from the wall.
• Exercise care when handling cardboard boxes (recluse spiders often are found in the space under folded cardboard flaps).

Exclusion

• Install yellow or sodium vapor light bulbs outdoors this will attract fewer insects for spiders to feed upon.
• Install tight-fitting screens on windows and doors, install door sweeps.
• Seal or caulk cracks and crevices where spiders can enter the house.
• Use plastic bags (sealed) to store loose items in the garage, basement, and attic.
• Tape the edges of cardboard boxes to prevent spider entry.

Sanitation

• Do not stack wood against the house.
• Remove trash, old boxes, old clothing, wood piles, rock piles, and other unwanted items.
• Eliminate clutter in closets, basements, attics, garages, and outbuildings.
• Clean up dead insects that the brown recluse spider can feed on.

Non-chemical Control

• Use sticky traps or glueboards to capture spiders.
• Dust and vacuum thoroughly to remove spiders, webs, and egg sacs (immediately dispose of the vacuum bag in a container outdoors spiders could still be alive).
• Use a rolled up newspaper or fly swatter to kill individual spiders.

Insecticides

Chemical treatment may be necessary if the above methods fail to reduce the number of BRS to an acceptable level. If this approach is taken it is best to enlist the services of professionals who have proven experience with eliminating the BRS.