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Hi my name is Luis Gonzalez, with another What’s Bugging You podcast.
At Midway Pest Management, keeping your home safe from unwanted guests is our priority. One such uninvited visitor that can cause concern is the brown recluse spider. While their bites are rarely fatal, their venom can cause serious health problems. So, how can you identify a brown recluse and avoid an unpleasant encounter?
Characteristics of a Brown Recluse Spider
Brown recluse spiders, also known as fiddleback or violin spiders due to a marking on their backs, are typically shy and nocturnal creatures. Here’s what to look for:
Size: They’re relatively small, with a body length around ½ inch (1.3 cm) and a leg span of about 1 inch (2.5 cm).
Color: Their name says it all – they’re a uniform light to medium brown with no stripes or patterns.
The Violin Mark: The key identifying feature is a dark brown violin-shaped marking on the cephalothorax (the part of the body where the legs attach). The “neck” of the violin points towards the abdomen.
Eyes: Unlike most spiders with eight eyes, brown recluses have six arranged in three pairs – two pairs on the front and one pair on the side of the head.
Not All Brown Spiders are Recluses
It’s important to note that several other brown spiders are commonly mistaken for recluses. Here’s a quick tip: If a spider has visible stripes, bands, or spines on its legs, it’s likely not a brown recluse.
Where to Find Them
Brown recluses prefer undisturbed areas. Common hiding spots include:
Underneath furniture and behind boxes
In closets and attics
In basements and crawlspaces
Around pipes and in cracks and crevices
You Shouldn’t Handle Brown Recluse!
Resist the urge to handle a suspected brown recluse! Their bodies are soft and hairy, and you won’t be able to feel any distinguishing physical features. If you suspect a brown recluse infestation, contact a professional pest control service like Midway Pest Management.
Prevention is Key
Here are some tips to keep brown recluses out of your home:
Declutter: Reduce hiding spots by keeping boxes and furniture off the floor.
Vacuum Regularly: Pay attention to corners, baseboards, and under furniture specially under furniture that rarely gets moved such as beds, nights stands, wardrobes.
Seal Entry Points: Caulk cracks around windows, doors, ensure doors have good door seals and utility lines.
Store unused clothes and shoes in sealed containers: Undisturbed items can be the perfect environment for them to thrive.
By following these tips and knowing how to identify brown recluse spiders, you can keep your home safe and avoid a potential health concern. If you suspect a brown recluse infestation, contact Midway Pest Management today. Our trained professionals will safely remove these spiders and prevent them from returning.
Remember: If you’re unsure about a spider, it’s always best to call a professional for identification and target treatment. Call us today at 913-820-9737 for a free consultation and free estimate. Thanks for tuning in.