Brown widow spiders, while less aggressive than their notorious cousin, the black widow, can still pose a threat if they establish a presence in your home. These spiders, identifiable by their tan to dark brown color and distinctive orange hourglass marking, are invasive and can be found in warm regions worldwide.
Continue reading to learn effective strategies to get rid of brown widow spiders and keep them at bay.
Signs of a Brown Widow Infestation
Unlike black widows, brown widows tend to be more reclusive and less aggressive. They often prefer secluded areas such as garages, sheds, under patio furniture, and in outdoor clutter like piles of wood or leaves.
Their webs are often found in corners, crevices, or beneath objects where they remain hidden during the day. Here are some common signs of infestation:
- Webs: Brown widows weave irregular, tangled webs that are often found in hidden or low-traffic areas.
- Egg sacs: These spiders create spiky, round egg sacs that can contain up to 150 eggs. Finding these sacs is a clear sign of an infestation.
- Spider sightings: Spotting brown widows themselves, especially during the night when they are more active, is a strong indicator that your home has been invaded.
Getting Rid of Brown Widows
If you already have brown widow spiders in your home, follow these steps to remove them effectively.
1. Manual Removal
If you’re comfortable handling spiders, you can manually remove them. Use a vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment to suck up spiders, webs, and egg sacs.
Immediately dispose of the vacuum bag or contents in a sealed plastic bag outside your home to prevent re-infestation.
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3. Natural Remedies
For those who prefer a chemical-free approach, several natural remedies can help repel brown widows:
This DIY spider spray combines essential oils known for their spider-repelling properties with a gentle soap base. Here’s how to make it:
Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon of Lavender Soap
- 1 quart of water
- 3 drops of peppermint oil
- 3 drops of tea tree oil
- 3 drops of lemon or orange oil
Mix the Ingredients: In a spray bottle, add 1 teaspoon of Mrs. Meyer’s Lavender Soap to 1 quart of water. Lavender is known for its calming scent, but to spiders, it’s an irritant.
Add Essential Oils: Add 3 drops each of peppermint oil, tea tree oil, and either lemon or orange oil to the mixture. These oils are potent natural repellents; peppermint oil, in particular, is well-known for deterring spiders due to its strong scent.
Shake Well: Secure the spray bottle’s lid and shake well to ensure the soap and oils are thoroughly mixed with the water.
Application: Spray this mixture in areas where you’ve seen spiders or where they are likely to enter your home, such as window sills, door frames, baseboards, and corners. Reapply the spray every few days or after cleaning to maintain its effectiveness.
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Diatomaceous earth and vinegar also do the trick if you have these.
3. Spider Traps
Sticky traps, available at most hardware stores, can be placed in areas where spiders are frequently seen.
These traps capture spiders as they move around, reducing their numbers over time. Check the traps regularly and replace them as needed.
4. Chemical Sprays
Look for products containing pyrethroids, which are lethal to spiders.
Spray these in areas where you’ve seen spiders or their webs, paying particular attention to corners, baseboards, and under furniture. Follow the product instructions carefully for safe and effective use.
5. Call a Professional Exterminator
If you have a severe infestation or are uncomfortable dealing with spiders, it’s best to call a professional exterminator.
They have access to stronger, more effective treatments and can address the issue comprehensively. A professional can also offer advice on preventing future infestations.
Prevention Tips to Keep Brown Widow Spiders Out
The most effective way to deal with brown widow spiders is to prevent them from entering your home in the first place. Here are some prevention strategies:
Seal Entry Points
Spiders often enter homes through small cracks and crevices. Conduct a thorough inspection of your home’s exterior, paying close attention to areas around windows, doors, and vents.
Use caulk to seal any cracks and install weather stripping around doors and windows to block potential entry points.
Reduce Clutter
Brown widows love hiding in cluttered areas. Declutter your home, especially in basements, garages, and attics, to eliminate potential hiding spots.
Store items in sealed plastic containers instead of cardboard boxes, which spiders can easily penetrate.
Maintain Your Yard
Since brown widows often reside outdoors, maintaining a tidy yard can significantly reduce the chances of them making their way indoors.
Regularly trim bushes, mow the lawn, and remove piles of leaves, wood, and other debris where spiders might hide.
Install Screens and Door Sweeps
Installing screens on windows and vents and using door sweeps can further prevent spiders from entering your home.
Ensure that all screens are in good repair, with no holes or tears that spiders could crawl through.
Regular Cleaning
Maintain a regular cleaning schedule, focusing on areas that are typically neglected, such as under furniture, in corners, and in storage areas.
This reduces the likelihood of spiders establishing themselves in your home.
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Monitor for Signs of Spiders
Even after treatment, keep an eye out for any signs of spiders or their webs.
Early detection can help you address any new spiders before they become a larger problem.
Inspect Outdoor Items Before Bringing Them Inside
Brown widows often hitch a ride indoors on outdoor furniture, toys, or firewood.
Always inspect these items carefully before bringing them inside to avoid inadvertently introducing spiders into your home.
What to Do If You Get Bitten by a Brown Widow Spider
While brown widow spiders are less aggressive than their black widow counterparts, their bite can still cause discomfort and, in rare cases, more severe symptoms. Here’s what to do:
1. Identify the Bite
Brown widow spider bites typically cause immediate pain at the site, followed by redness and swelling.
You may notice two small puncture marks where the spider’s fangs entered the skin. Symptoms can vary based on the amount of venom injected and your sensitivity.
2. Clean the Bite Area
Immediately wash the bite area with soap and water to remove any venom from the skin’s surface and reduce the risk of infection. Pat the area dry with a clean towel.
3. Apply a Cold Compress
To reduce swelling and alleviate pain, apply a cold compress or ice pack to the bite area.
Wrap the ice pack in a cloth or towel to avoid direct contact with the skin. Apply the compress for 10-15 minutes every hour as needed.
4. Take Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers
If the bite is painful, you can take over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) to help manage the discomfort.
5. Monitor for Symptoms
Keep an eye on the bite area and monitor your symptoms over the next few hours. While most brown widow bites are not dangerous, some people may experience more severe reactions, including:
- Severe pain at the bite site
- Tingling or burning sensation
- Warmth, redness, and swelling around the bite site
- Faintness or lightheadedness
- Shortness of breath
- Muscle spasms
- Sweating
- Chills and shaking
- Headache
- Nausea and vomiting (in rare cases)
6. Seek Medical Attention if Necessary
If you experience severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, intense pain, or if the bite area spreads and becomes more painful, seek medical attention immediately.
While brown widow bites are rarely life-threatening, they can cause significant discomfort, and in some cases, an allergic reaction may occur.
Even if symptoms are mild, consider following up with a healthcare provider. Especially if the bite area shows signs of infection (increased redness, warmth, pus, or swelling) or if you have any concerns about your reaction to the bite.
Final Words
Remember, while brown widows are less dangerous than black widows, their bite can still cause discomfort and potential health issues. Taking the necessary precautions to remove them from your living space is essential for maintaining a safe and comfortable home environment.
