In your opinion, are spiders a creature that should be feared? Now, there is no denying that these eight-legged bugs are creepy. The question is, are they dangerous? Fortunately, most species that live in our area pose no serious risk to human health. In fact, of the thousands of spiders that exist around the globe, only 30 have been responsible for human death. One of these 30 lives here in Anna, Texas. Here is everything you should know about the dangerous brown recluse spider, including how to keep it out of your home.
How Likely Are Brown Recluse Spiders To Bite?
All spiders possess venom; however, not all spider’s venom is strong enough to hurt humans. Many species are incapable of piercing human skin with their mouthparts. Keeping this in mind, the brown recluse has powerful venom and uses it to deter larger predators. It is good to make this distinction because brown recluse does not consider humans as prey. They actively avoid creatures that are much larger than themselves. That said, if a brown recluse feels threatened or trapped, it will bite.
How Painful Are Brown Recluse Bites?
A brown recluse’s venom is necrotic. This means it is not just extremely painful but also eats away at flesh. It is not uncommon for people to develop ulcers around areas where brown recluse bite. Other symptoms of this pest’s venom include nausea, vomiting, fever, joint pain, weakness, chills, and in rare cases, seizures and coma.
The Reason Brown Recluse Spiders Invade Homes
Brown recluses invade homes for the same reason other spiders do, to hunt for prey. If you didn’t know, spiders live on a diet of insects, arthropods, and other arachnids. Brown recluses, in particular, hunt from the ground and use clutter and debris as cover when sneaking around. Keep this in mind when looking for these pests inside your home, and be careful not to put your hand into any dark places they might be lurking.
How To Keep Brown Recluse Spiders Away
One of the best ways to prevent brown recluses is to utilize effective pest prevention tips. Here are some strategies our experts recommend you use to deter dangerous spiders and the other pests they invade to hunt:
- Keep your grass and landscaping well-trimmed.
- Clear away shrubs, mulch, and other things that create protection for pests at least five feet around your home’s exterior.
- Reduce clutter around your yard.
- Eliminate organic debris from your property like sticks and leaves.
- After it gets dark, turn off exterior lights around your home. Investing in insect-resistant light bulbs also works.
- Check your home’s doors, make sure they are sealed properly, and have door sweeps for extra protection.
- Inspect your home’s weatherstripping and repair damage as needed.
- Repair or replace window and door screens that are damaged or improperly installed around your home.
- Fill in holes, gaps, and cracks in your home’s exterior foundation.
- Use a long broom to knock down spider webs that you notice around your home’s exterior.
Why Hiring A Professional Is Important
Whether you suspect your home has a spider problem or are looking for a reliable way to keep these pests outdoors, let the professionals at EcoArmor Pest Defense lend you a hand. We will incorporate advanced pest control methods, use industrial-grade equipment and treatments to eliminate pests from your home, and put up a defensive barrier to keep future problems outside.
Give our team a call today to have your Anna, TX home and property inspected for dangerous spiders. We will look and inform you what your risk is and what options you have to protect your property.
