How To Get Rid Of A Brown Recluse That Allows You To Keep Your Distance

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Generally speaking, spiders get a bad rap. Of the more than 3,700 different kinds in the U.S., there are only a handful you need to be wary of, so normally you shouldn't kill spiders in your home. However, there are always exceptions, and the venomous brown recluse is one of them. Trying to whack one of these spiders with a broom or a fly swatter can keep you at arm's length, but the brown recluse is surprisingly fast on its feet. The safest course of action could be to use an insecticide spray. It allows you to keep your distance while targeting the spider even if it runs. That said, not all insecticides do the trick, so it's a subject that warrants further investigation.

Before we get to that, let's see how to identify a brown recluse so you know what to look for. As the name suggests, the spider is light brown. The body doesn't grow more than ½ inch long, although the legs can spread to about an inch. One clear sign is a violin-shaped mark just behind the head (it's also called the violin or fiddleback spider). They also have six eyes instead of the usual eight ... but who wants to get that close? You won't find brown recluse spiders everywhere either; they are rarely seen outside the central and southern states and are currently not found in California.

While you might notice signs of a brown recluse spider nest in your house, it can sometimes be hard to access their hideaways. Although it's possible to treat nooks and crannies where they might nest, spraying the spider itself with an insecticide from about a foot away is the most effective way to deal with them.

It's important to note that some people have not had luck with certain insecticides, so it is recommended that you use one that contains pyrethrin (or its derivatives), which gets into the spider's nervous system to paralyze and kill it. TERRO T2302-6 Spider Killer Spray, available from Amazon, specifically targets brown recluse, and should kill instantly on contact. The product is water-based, so it won't stain most surfaces, although carpet should be avoided. Also, it must not be used in food areas. Use a brush and pan to clear away the body rather than picking it up with your hands.

TERRO spray can also be used outdoors, but for a more natural approach, there are helpful plants that can keep spiders away from your home. Most of them smell pleasant to us, but hopefully the brown recluse won't feel the same. If you have a serious brown recluse infection, experts recommend you call in a professional rather than try to deal with it yourself — the ultimate arm's-length solution.