Southern Iowa is the northernmost climate where brown recluse spiders thrive; lucky us! They prefer warmer climates, but for some reason, Moline is attractive to them. It’s a good thing that our team knows how to identify and dispatch the little brown destroyer. Quik-Kill Pest Eliminators to the rescue!
How Do I Know If It’s A Brown Recluse?
Unless you are familiar with the elusive brown recluse spider, you probably will not be able to identify it when spotted. They are often mistaken for other species of spiders, but this is a mistake you do not want to make. We definitely have these spiders in Iowa, but they tend to keep to themselves so, these factoids should help you:
In the Northern areas, they can only survive indoors.
They have small bodies with spindly legs, ⅜ inch long, and are tan or straw-colored.
Very dark violin-shaped marking on the back.
They build webs in solitary out-of-the-way places, like closets.
If you catch a spider and suspect it’s a brown recluse, there is one way to know for sure one way or the other. The brown recluse has only six eyes, instead of the eight like other spiders.
Dangers Of Brown Recluse Spiders
There are three spiders in the U.S. labeled as deadly and dangerous, and the brown recluse is number two on the list. If you are bitten by this spider, seek medical attention immediately.
Skin will become red and irritated, then expect a blister to form.
Pain will last between two to eight hours, and will be very itchy.
The skin will break down over the next few days, causing an open wound.
Some people also experience vomiting, dizziness, fever, rash, and chills.
You need to remain calm, too much excitement or movement will increase the flow of venom into the blood. Apply a cool, wet cloth to the bite, or cover the bite with a cloth and apply an ice bag. Do not apply a tourniquet. It may cause more harm than benefit. Do your best to positively identify the spider, or catch it to confirm its type. Regardless, be sure to see a doctor right away to be safe.
Treatment of ulcerated skin would consist of debriding the dead skin and grafting new skin over the wound. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy can be used in extreme cases. This treatment requires the patient to be enclosed in a Hyperbaric chamber while pure oxygen is pumped in. This will stimulate blood flow and promote healing.
Better Safe Than Sorry, Call The Pros
If you are seeing an abundance of spiders on your Moline property, the most effective way to handle them, and other pest problems, are with professional assistance. Most smaller pests are a potential food source for spiders, and any that frequent dark secluded spaces, such as closets or basements, would be attractive to the brown recluse. Quik-Kill Pest Eliminators have the experience and the skills needed to keep your family safe from this dangerous pest. Call today to schedule your free brown recluse extermination estimate.
Spider Prevention Tips
This is easier said than done. Pests tend to find a way into even the most secure homes, and a spider’s instincts will lead him to spin webs where there is a high probability of catching a steady flow of prey. So, taking action to keep flying insects out of your home is the first logical step in spider prevention. Here are some ideas:
Check window screens for holes, rips, or bent frames.
Fill holes and cracks around outside of the house.
Empty garbage frequently.
Keep outdoor garbage cans away from the house.
Be sure that food is in airtight plastic containers.
Insulate pipes to avoid condensation.
Eliminating the food source will aid you in your objective. It’s wise to continue these practices even when you do not encounter spiders in the home. They will go a long way to keeping a pest-free environment.