Brown recluse spiders are showing up in Missouri homes more often this time of year, but experts say, despite their reputation, most encounters aren’t dangerous.
CHESTERFIELD, Mo. — If you have spotted a fast-moving brown spider in your home recently, you’re not alone, and you may have encountered one of Missouri’s most misunderstood arachnids: the brown recluse.
“They’re very common in Missouri, and many people hearing this have probably seen one,” said Chris Hartley, an entomologist at The Butterfly House in Chesterfield.
The Butterfly House keeps a few brown recluses on display for educational purposes, but out in the wild, or inside homes, these spiders tend to stay hidden.
“You’re gonna find these spiders in basements, attics, or storage rooms,” Hartley explained. “They really like narrow spaces.”
Brown recluse spiders prefer tight, dark, and undisturbed spaces. Most bites happen by accident, when the spider is trapped against skin inside clothing, shoes, or gloves.
“It is so hard to get bitten by a brown recluse,” Hartley said. “Even if you’ve seen one, that doesn’t mean your family’s at risk.”
The insect expert added that it is just as important to know what isn’t a brown recluse. Some spiders commonly mistaken for them actually help keep brown recluses in check.
“There’s a lot of other spiders that are good, that even eat brown recluse spiders,” said Hartley. “So if you see something that’s not a brown recluse, it’s a friend.”
Hartley recommends keeping storage areas tidy and off the floor. Avoid stacking boxes directly against walls or each other to reduce ideal hiding spots.
“If you’ve got boxes stacked on the floor, get some shelves,” he said. “Don’t pack things against the walls.”
Residents are urged to take steps to prevent and manage brown recluse spiders in their homes, but for long-term results, it is often best to call in a professional pest control service.
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