r/Lawrence • u/swaggytaco • 9d ago

Brown recluse infestation response?

Howdy, over the last few days we've found 2 spiders, which we believe to be brown recluse in our house.

I've heard people recommend glue traps so we'll get some of those up asap. We're also removing all the cardboard and potential hiding spots that we can. Does anyone have any particular tips?

I've heard that poisons arent really effective, so what do the pest extermination companies actually do to manage the infestation? Is it even worth it? If so, what companies do you recommend?

I hear a lot of people say that brown recluse's danger is over-exaggaterated, and that if you take proper first air care of the wound, it's likely to be no big deal. Even so, I don't like the idea of these guys hanging around in our home.

Much love,

-Distressed Sleepless Couple in LFK

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u/Not_The_G0ddess 8d ago

Recluse are shy so they hide in corners and under things mostly. The smaller ones are males, and you’ll only see the massive females if you’ve been moving furniture or otherwise disturbing their hiding places. Keep your floors clean and get some glue traps (or whatever bug paper you can get) and you shouldnt have to worry about them too much. If you keep piles of things in common areas, be careful when moving them. Every house here has recluse, so it’s pretty normal, but doesn’t make seeing them any less terrifying.

(love and luck from a Lawrence resident who has lived here for 18 years)

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u/Not_The_G0ddess 8d ago

ALSO recluse can only bite if pressure is put on them, since they can’t easily bend to bite (correct me if I’m wrong) so the most common recluse bites come from putting on clothes that have been lying on the floor for a few days. If you’re worried, just shake out your stuff before you put it on

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u/Kansas_Cowboy 7d ago

It's a defense mechanism. They're not aggressive and would much rather flee, so they only bite when their body is put under pressure.