Brown Recluse Safety
(Originally printed in the Derby Weekly Informer on October 10, 2001)
by Barbie Atkinson

Derby resident Kelly Ratzliff was bitten by the Brown Recluse spider two seperate times last year, once on the elbow and once on the knee. Both times, he was bitten while working in his flower beds. The Brown Recluse spider is usually non-aggressive but will bite its victim with a poisonous bite if disturbed.

According to Jonathan Long with Alternative Pest Management, nearly 70% of the homes in Derby in which they have been called for treatment have the Brown Recluse Spider.

"Be careful in your garage, shed and attic space," Long said. The spiders also like to spend time in piles of rocks, wood or leaves. If they come inside, they will go to dark closets, attics or basements.

The Brown Recluse's body is entirely tan or brown, except for a dark violin shape on its head. Both male and female spiders are similar in appearance and equally poisonous. Immature Brown Recluse spiders are similar in design but may be slightly lighter brown. They are just as poisonous as the older spider.

A small blister usually rises at the bite site surrounded by a large congested and swollen area. Depending on the reaction to the bite, within 24 to 36 hours, the victim may experience fever, chills, nausea, weakness, and join pain.

The bite will begin to look similar to a volcano, according to Ohio State University. There may also be a hole in the flesh due to the damaged tissue.

"We noticed the red bite and streaks. We went to the doctor right away," Ratzliff said. Ratzliff received a shot and continued treatment with prescribed medication. The would took quite awhile to heal, between six and eight weeks, according to Ratzliff.

Experts recommend using caution when cleaning out undisturbed storage areas. Most bitten people have directly contacted the spider when putting on clothing or shoes not used for long periods of time.

"Be careful when putting on boots that you haven't worn all summer, and jackets too," Long said.

Long reminds Derby residents preparing for holiday guests to be certain to check the guest beds and bedding prior to letting your guests use them. Some people have been bitten after sleeping in an unused bed and rolling over onto the spider.

Researchers at the Ohio State University recommend removing trash and old boxes, eliminating clutter in basements, closets and attics. Long suggests packing storage items in plastic containers with lids - rather than cardboard.

Researchers also recommend dusting and vacuuming thoroughly and more frequently around windows, corners in rooms, under furniture, in storage areas and normally undisturbed places to eliminate spiders, webs and egg sacs.

Pesticides can be used to treat cracks, crevices, windows and doors in homes. Since the Brown Recluse is a "hunter", another effective solution is the use of glue traps. The "hunter", according to Long, is a spider who goes to look for their food rather than waiting for their food in their spun web. Place the traps in areas suspected to be high traffice areas for spiders. These areas include corners of rooms and the floors of your closets.

Long also recommends the use of non-chemical alternatives to treat your home for the Brown Recluse and other pests. His program has been effective with combating the Brown Recluse in area schools. It's important to use things other than chemicals around areas where children are according to Long.