‘Tis the season… with all the rain and warmer temps, the Brown Recluse spider is on the move. These spiders are shy, non-aggressive wandering hunters. Most people are bitten when they come into contact with one in their bedding, clothing or when working in a confined area. Bite reactions can range from a reddened bump that may cause mild ulceration of the skin to a severe, necrotic destruction of living tissue at the bite location and spreading into surrounding tissues. Be mindful when handling MTE. Keep clothing hung up and avoid clutter on the floor of closets. Brown Recluse spiders LOVE cardboard; try not to use cardboard boxes to store clothing and other items.

The spiders love dark places to hide and they are a wandering hunter. To keep them away, regularly apply peppermint oil to a cotton ball under your bed, closets, lockers and cabinets.

Pesticides and sprays are largely ineffective against these spiders; freshly applied contact will kill them, however the nesting/breeding areas are typically in crawlspaces, electrical conduits and within walls or spaces that typical spray treatments do not reach. Glue traps and pepper oil deterrents are the best ways to keep these spiders out of your living/sleeping areas.

Stay safe & beat the bug!

First Name: Vern
Last Name: Davidson Jr.
Email: walking.dead.bean@gmail.com
Union/Local: APWU – Cape Girardeau Area Local 4088
Office held if any: Past Vice President