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How To Keep The Brown Recluse Spiders At Bay In St. Charles


June 9, 2022

With rising temperatures and longer days, many residents of St. Charles have spring fever. A desire to clean out unwanted stuff from within our houses is common with this seasonal onset. While you are removing those unused items stored in the spare bedroom closet, you are likely to find an unwanted house guest; one of the many breeds of Missouri spiders. 

Considered one of the smaller and more poisonous spiders is the brown recluse. Known for its ability to remain hidden safely out of sight, its presence might not be discovered until you disturb its hiding spot in a closet corner, a seldom worn pair of sneakers, or other dark, secluded hideaways. While you may never see a brown recluse spider, its bite will get your attention. 

brown recluse spider

How To Identify Brown Recluse Spiders

With so many species of Missouri spiders, you might find it impossible to tell a brown recluse from all the others. There are a few ways to identify a brown recluse, but there is one quick way to rule out the possibility. If there are stripes or more than one color on its legs, rest assured that it is not a recluse. Also, if the length of the spider is more than half an inch, it isn't a recluse. 

Here are some ways to identify a brown recluse spider

  • Sandy brown or grayish-brown with a tinge of yellow
  • Darker coloring on the center of the spider with gray hairs covering its oblong stomach
  • Legs will be darker than the body and will be long and thin
  • Violin pattern on its head
  • Seldom seen in a web, as they are usually running or walking around 
  • When the spider is walking, it will compare to the size of a quarter
  • Seldomly seen in daylight, more active during nighttime hours

It can be challenging to accurately identify a brown recluse spider. If you're worried you have them in your St. Charles home, reach out to the experts at Pest Control Consultants for help.  

The Dangers Of Brown Recluse Spiders On Your Property

Not aggressive like other species, this type of spider won't chase after a person, but it will bite if disturbed. 

While you may not ever see this spider, its presence can leave tangible proof, along with undeniable pain. While the initial bite can go unnoticed as it only feels like a subtle pinch, recurring symptoms will be hard to ignore.  

  • During the first hour of the bite, symptoms around the site can include redness, a burning sensation, and swelling.
  • The location of the bite can become enlarged within two to six hours after the bite, and the site can become more painful with a blister developing.
  • If, after 12 to 24 hours, the site of the bite begins to display a purple color, necrosis (skin death) will likely occur. 
  • If necrosis occurs, the wound will become bigger and create a 'pit' within the skin, with a healing time of several weeks or even months. 
  • You will be out of the woods for necrosis if, within 48 to 96 hours, there are no changes within the site of the spider bite.

In the end, if you experience any of the above symptoms, it's important to seek immediate medical attention. 

The Safest Way To Get Rid Of Brown Recluse Spiders

If you see one brown recluse, it is almost certain that more will remain unseen. Don't take a chance of suffering a bite. The best way to get rid of spiders is to give us a call. Pest Control Consultants can rid your home of these unwanted spiders. We can provide a safe and complete treatment throughout your property, ensuring the removal of the spider tribe along with the pest prey they hunt.

How to Keep Brown Recluse Spiders Away From Your Property

After allowing us to rid your home of the pests, you can take some preventive measures to help reduce the chance of reinfestation. To prevent spiders in your home and around your property:

  • Make sure window screens are tight and without tears or small cuts.
  • When planting a garden or building a woodpile, be sure to place it far from home.
  • Keep gutters cleaned out and repair any leaky fixtures.
  • Organize and reduce clutter in storage areas. 
  • Promptly remove any spider webs seen inside or outside of your home.
  • Keep weather stripping tight around doors and windows.
  • Check and caulk crevices or cracks within your home's foundation or outside walls.

With warmer weather, pests will be active and looking for ample sources of food, water, and shelter. The best way to keep spiders and the pest prey they hunt out of your home is to partner with a local pest control expert. Our team at Pest Control Consultants has the tools and experience to eliminate spiders from your St. Charles home. To learn more about our recurring pest control plans, reach out to us today.  

Tags: st charles pest control | spider control | spider identification |