If you think you have a brown recluse infestation in your home in Wichita and surrounding areas call us at (316) 788-2847 .
WHERE TO FIND BROWN RECLUSE
The brown recluse spider inhabits the majority of man-made structures in Kansas. Spiders of this species construct loose, irregular webs in undisturbed places. Indoors, it often resides behind baseboards or in wall voids and attics but may be found under shelves or boxes, in storage areas, or in clothing that is hanging or folded. Unlike the widow spiders, brown recluse spiders are hunters. From March or April through September they leave their webs each night to search for insects or other spiders as prey.
GET MEDICAL TREATMENT IF YOU THINK YOU HAVE BEEN BITTEN BY A BROWN RECLUSE
A blister forms at the bite site and a large area around it becomes red and swollen. After a few days, the blood-deprived tissue becomes watery and sloughs away leaving an ulcerous sore. The bite heals slowly, often requiring five to eight weeks to heal. If bitten by a brown recluse spider or a spider that you think may be one, apply a cold pack to the bite and go to a doctor immediately. Medical treatment and continued cool packs can reduce the severity of the bite.
Cosmetic surgery may be desired after the bite heals. In a very low percentage of cases, a bite victim’s internal organ systems become involved in reaction to the brown recluse bite, and the victim becomes seriously ill. Such cases may require hospitalization and symptomatic, lifesaving treatment.
10 STEPS TO PREVENT SPIDER BITES
- Make sure nothing on beds comes in contact with the floor or the walls, such as dust ruffles, comforters, bed canopies, etc.
- When picking up piles of dirty laundry, don’t hug it to your body. Pick it up piece by piece and put in a laundry basket.
- Wear gloves and a long sleeve shirt or jacket when cleaning up in garages or basements.
- Shake out shoes or clothing items that have been laying on the floor before putting them on.
- Shake out sporting items such as skates, baseball gloves and bike helmets before putting them on.
- When moving or carrying firewood, wear gloves and a long sleep shirt or jacket.
- Be careful when unpacking items that have been stored for long periods of time, like Christmas items, especially items stored in cardboard boxes.
- When possible, store items in plastic storage boxes with tight-fitting lids–not in cardboard boxes.
- When possible, store items on shelves–not the floor.
- Eliminate Clutter!
