Brown recluse spiders are a common concern in Joplin, Missouri, and many homeowners face the challenge of keeping these pests out of their homes. Known for their venomous bite, brown recluses are usually shy and stay hidden, but you definitely don’t want to share your living space with them. If you’ve noticed an increase in their population, it’s time to take action. Here are four effective tips to reduce brown recluse populations in your home.
1. Declutter and Clean Regularly
Brown recluse spiders love dark, undisturbed spaces, so reducing clutter is one of the best ways to discourage them from settling in. They often hide in:
- Stacks of cardboard boxes
- Piles of clothing or shoes
- Unused furniture
- Basement corners and attics
Take time to clean and organize these areas, especially in storage spaces like closets, basements, and attics. Use plastic bins with tight-fitting lids to store items rather than cardboard boxes, which spiders find easier to crawl into. Regular vacuuming and dusting can also help remove webs and any hidden spiders.
2. Seal Cracks and Gaps in Your Home
Spiders often enter homes through cracks, gaps, and poorly sealed doors or windows. To prevent them from getting inside, inspect your home’s exterior for potential entry points. Pay special attention to:
- Gaps around windows and doors
- Cracks in the foundation or walls
- Openings around pipes, vents, or utility lines
Sealing these openings with caulk or weather stripping can make a significant difference. Additionally, consider using screens on vents and regularly check window screens for holes. By blocking these access points, you can stop brown recluses from sneaking inside in the first place.
3. Reduce Outdoor Attractants
Brown recluse spiders often migrate from outdoor environments into your home. Keeping your yard and the area surrounding your house less inviting to them can help reduce their population indoors. Here are some outdoor tips:
- Keep firewood and debris piles away from the house, as these provide shelter for spiders.
- Trim vegetation and shrubs close to your home’s foundation.
- Clean up yard waste, such as leaves or grass clippings.
- Use outdoor lighting that is less attractive to insects, which spiders feed on.
By making the outdoor environment less appealing to them, you can reduce the likelihood of brown recluses moving indoors.
4. Call a Professional Pest Control Service
While DIY methods can help reduce the spider population, brown recluse infestations often require professional treatment. Brown recluses are notoriously difficult to eliminate because they hide in places that are hard to reach, such as behind walls, under floorboards, or in insulation. A professional pest control service, like Bug-A-Way Pest Control, can provide:
- Thorough inspections to locate hiding spots
- Safe and effective spider control treatments
- Ongoing monitoring and prevention strategies
By working with a professional, you can ensure that any brown recluse problem is dealt with properly, keeping your home safe and spider-free.