KU spider researcher offers tips for dealing with brown recluse spiders

Jamél Sandidge, doctoral student in ecology and evolutionary biology at the University of Kansas and a researcher at the Recluse Community Project, offers the following advice on brown recluse spiders:

 • If you see what you believe is a brown recluse spider, save the spider (dead or alive) for identification by the Recluse Community Project at KU or your county extension agent. It is best to use a plastic or glass container filled with alcohol -- not water. On the container, mark the time and date and where the spider was found.

 • If you are bitten by a brown recluse spider, apply ice to the area and elevate it. Seek medical attention immediately.

 • Not all brown recluse spiders can be identified by a violin/fiddle mark on their body. Many brown recluses don't have this distinguishing feature, while several other types of spiders do have a violin-shaped mark.

 • Sticky traps are among the easiest and most effective ways to catch brown recluse spiders in your home. For a list of the most effective products, visit the Recluse Community Project Web site, people.ku.edu/~spidermn/reclusecommunity/recluseproject.html.

 •æVacuuming empty brown recluse webs only causes the spider to search around your house for another area to start a new web. Sandidge said most people get bitten by a brown recluse spider during or shortly after cleaning their house.

 • Examine outer and inner walls of your home and caulk all holes, cracks or crevices that spiders may use to enter your home, hide in or leave egg sacs.

 • Keep furniture away from walls; they provide the easiest route up and around things.

 • Remove bed skirts, and keep sheets from touching the floor.

 • Do not leave clothes lying on the floor.

 • Shake out shoes, clothes and hats before putting them on.

 • When in the garage or attic, use gloves to move boxes. (Remember to shake out or step on gloves before putting them on.)

 • If moving boxes into the main part of the house, take the box outside and inspect it first, using gloves.

 • Clean up junk lying around in various places.

 • Do not stack wood or create piles of rocks, bricks or other building materials close to your house. This will also reduce the probability of having another medically significant spider, the black widow.

 • Increase the humidity and decrease the temperature in your house; brown recluse spiders prefer it hot and dry.

For more information on brown recluse spiders, visit the Recluse Community Project site, people.ku.edu/~spidermn/reclusecommunity/recluseproject.html.