Brown Recluse Spiders in Ellis County: Calm, Practical Answers
The brown recluse has a big reputation, but it is a shy spider that often lives quietly alongside people without incident. Here is what Texas A&M AgriLife and medical experts say Ellis County homeowners should know.
I found a brown recluse in my home. What do I do?
First, take a closer look. Texas A&M says a non-expert can identify one: a light brown to grayish spider with slender legs spanning about the size of a quarter to a half-dollar, a dark violin-shaped mark on the front part of the body, and six eyes arranged in pairs. Then focus on cutting down hiding places and the insects they eat (more on that below).
How dangerous are they, and are they aggressive?
They are not aggressive. As the name suggests, the brown recluse is shy and stays in undisturbed spots. Bites are uncommon, but when they do happen they can be serious, so it pays to be careful in places they like to hide: cluttered closets, garages, crawl spaces, attics, and boxes in storage.
Should I hire a professional for brown recluse?
Texas A&M recommends it. Because bites can be serious, AgriLife says the best solution to a household infestation is a professional pest control company, and even pros find them difficult to control. Usually it takes both sanitation and treatment. You can help by:
Clearing clutter and taping stored boxes shut.
Vacuuming around, under, and behind furniture and removing webs.
Sealing doors and shielding outdoor lights so fewer insects (their food) come in.
A large spider population usually means plenty of prey, such as crickets, silverfish, and cockroaches.
Do sticky traps work?
Yes, to a degree. Texas A&M says sticky cards readily trap brown recluse spiders and provide some control. Place them along walls, in closets, and under furniture. They also help you track whether your efforts are working.
Will a fogger get rid of them?
Not on its own. Texas A&M says aerosol or fogger-type treatments alone are not likely to control spiders, though they may help in some situations as part of a broader plan.
What do I do if I think I was bitten?
General guidance only: many sores blamed on spiders turn out to be something else, so it is worth having a doctor take a look. Mayo Clinic advises getting medical care right away if you think you were bitten by a brown recluse, or if you have severe pain, a growing wound, spreading redness, or trouble breathing. You can also call the Texas Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222, free and open 24/7. This is general information, not medical advice.
Related guides: black widow spiders · scorpions
Local service: Pest control services in Waxahachie · Midlothian pest control
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If you'd rather have a local pro take a look, Stroope Pest Control is happy to help. We're locally owned, right here in Ellis County, and we serve Waxahachie, Red Oak, Midlothian, Ennis, Ovilla, Glenn Heights, Italy, and Forreston.
When you have problems, we have solutions. Call (972) 938-2129.
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