Finding spiders on your Alabama property is never pleasant, but if you’re dealing with brown recluse spiders, that problem escalates from unpleasant to dangerous. Unlike house spiders or wolf spiders, brown recluses can pose a significant threat to humans. Here’s what Alabama homeowners should know about the dangers associated with brown recluse bites, how to prevent these spiders on your property, and what to do if you’ve already got a brown recluse infestation.
Are Brown Recluse Spider Bites Dangerous?
Unfortunately, brown recluses are one of the most poisonous spiders in the country – and their bite can be a severe health concern. Although there’s no scientific evidence to suggest that brown recluse bites can be deadly, they still need immediate medical attention.
If a brown recluse spider bite is left untreated, it can cause tissue death, severe skin blisters, and lead to more serious symptoms like fever and chills.
Fortunately, most brown recluse spiders aren’t aggressive, so bites are rare. However, if they feel threatened or cornered, these spiders may attack. At first, you may hardly notice the bite – they’re rarely painful, but swelling and redness can begin to develop within a few hours. The initial bite can look like a dry, sinking patch of skin or a red lesion with a pale center.
If you suspect that a brown recluse spider has bitten you, you shouldn’t wait for it to get worse. It’s crucial that you seek medical attention as soon as possible.
How To Prevent Brown Recluse Spiders In Alabama?
Preventing brown recluse spiders isn’t much different than preventing other spider species. Here are a couple of tips to keep these critters away from your Alabama property:
- Keep your leftovers in airtight containers and wipe up any food crumbs as this can attract insects, which brown recluse spiders feed on
- Regularly empty your trash cans and be sure to keep garbage bins sealed
- Seal off any tiny cracks and crevices in your foundation with a sealant like caulk or by replacing ripped and torn window screens
- Sweep up spider webs and frequently dust and vacuum your home
- Deal with as much clutter as you can in storage areas as this can serve as a hiding spot for spiders
- Inspect any yard debris or firewood for spiders before you bring anything inside
- Keep outdoor lights turned off as this can attract insects that spiders may chase after
These steps can help minimize your risk of attracting spiders to your property but they may not be enough to eliminate an existing population.
How To Handle A Brown Recluse Spider Infestation In Alabama
It’s not always easy to identify which spiders are invading your home. Still, whether you’ve got brown recluses or not, the safest, most effective way to get rid of them is by relying on professional help – like those of us at Havard Pest Control.
With over seventy years of service and over a hundred different certified technicians, our job isn’t done until your home is entirely spider (and pest) free and you’re 100% satisfied with our work. So, if you suspect that you’ve brown recluses or another spider species living under your roof, there’s no reason to wait. at Havard Pest Control today for more information about our spider control services or to schedule your free inspection.