Brown recluse spiders, also known as violin spiders or fiddlebacks, are common in the Midwest and South of the United States. While they are not aggressive, their venomous bite can cause serious medical issues in some cases. Repelling brown recluse spiders from your home is important to help reduce the chances of an encounter with these venomous spiders. In this guide, we will cover various methods you can use to repel brown recluse spiders from your house.

Why Repel Brown Recluse Spiders?

Brown recluse spiders are often found in dark, undisturbed areas in homes such as attics, basements, crawl spaces, closets and garages. They build irregular webs and hunt at night for their prey. Their name comes from their behavior of hiding during the day. Though brown recluse spiders are not aggressive, they will bite if threatened or unintentionally contacted.

While the majority of brown recluse bites cause only mild symptoms, in some cases their venom can cause serious medical issues. Reactions include severe pain, itching, nausea, and tissue damage known as necrosis that can take months to heal. Rarely, their bites can even be life-threatening.

Repelling brown recluse spiders from your home is the best way to prevent any encounters. Their populations can grow rapidly, so addressing an infestation early is recommended.

sealing Points of Entry

The first step in repelling brown recluse spiders is to seal potential entry points to your home. As secretive spiders, brown recluses can squeeze through tiny cracks and crevices. Use these tips to seal possible entryways:

• Caulk cracks around windows, doors, pipes, vents and wiring holes. Pay particular attention to openings in basements and attics.

• Install weather stripping around doors and door sweeps on exterior doors. Make sure doors seal tightly when closed.

• Seal gaps around dryer vents, utilities, and wiring with copper mesh, steel wool or foam sealant.

• Repair screens on windows, doors and vents that may have holes.

• Keep garages tightly sealed, as they offer warmth and plenty of clutter for nesting.

Cutting off access points denies brown recluses entry into your home. Ensure sealing is maintained seasonally as materials can degrade over time.

Manage Clutter

Brown recluse spiders thrive in cluttered areas inside homes. Cardboard, fabrics, rarely worn clothes and other items provide perfect nesting spots for brown recluses.

To discourage spiders, thoroughly organize infrequently used areas of the home. Follow these clutter control tips:

• Store seasonal items like holiday decorations in sealed plastic totes or bags.

• Discard old boxes, newspapers and other unnecessary paper items.

• Shake out or inspect rarely worn shoes, coats and clothing before use.

• Remove storage containers, old furniture and debris from basements and attics.

• Move firewood piles away from the home.

Keeping clutter to a minimum eliminates prime hiding spots for brown recluse spiders. Declutter regularly to maintain control.

Use Repellents & Deterrents

Several commercial repellents and deterrents are available that can discourage brown recluse spiders from inhabiting your home. These products use smells, toxins and physical barriers.

Essential oils: Certain natural essential oils like eucalyptus, tea tree, citrus, peppermint, lavender and cinnamon oils repel brown recluses. Use cotton balls soaked in oils or spritz diluted oil mixtures in problem areas. Oils must be reapplied frequently.

Diatomaceous earth: The abrasive texture of diatomaceous earth damages the waxy outer layer of spider exoskeletons, causing dehydration. Apply a fine dusting along baseboards, window sills, attics and crawl spaces. Wear a mask when applying.

Insecticide dusts: Pest control dust products containing pyrethrins block spiders??? senses so they avoid treated areas. Apply lightly to voids and potential nesting spots. Use products specifically labeled for spiders.

Repelling devices: Ultrasonic devices, vibration generators and electromagnetic repelling devices claim to repel spiders using sound, movement or magnetic fields. Their effectiveness is questionable.

Sealants: Special sealants like silicone caulk, steel wool and copper mesh physically block spiders from entering voids and cracks. Use in wall voids, under sinks, attic openings and more.

Using two or more repellents and deterrents together provides added protection against brown recluse spiders. Follow all product instructions carefully. Monitor areas for spiders after applying.

Work With a Pest Control Expert

For severe brown recluse infestations, or if you are unsure how to properly apply repellents, work with a professional pest control company. Experienced pest management technicians have specialized equipment and insecticides to eliminate brown recluse populations.

Key services a pest professional can provide include:

• Inspecting your home for signs of infestation and entry points.

• Applying spider-killing insecticides in out-of-reach spaces like attics, crawlspaces and wall voids. Some products provide residual protection for months.

• Installing physical barriers and commercial sealing products.

• Removing debris piles and clutter that harbor spiders.

• Advising on proper home maintenance to deter future spider infestations.

While costs vary, pest control services are particularly useful for severe infestations spread throughout the structure. Combined with diligent home maintenance by the resident, professional treatments can successfully rid homes of brown recluse spiders.

Practice Proper Home Hygiene

Implementing some simple housekeeping practices can also help deter brown recluse spiders year-round:

• Vacuum floors and furniture frequently using strong suction. Empty the vacuum???s contents in a sealed bag afterward.

• Remove trash, debris piles, and leaf litter regularly from interior and exterior areas. Eliminate spider hiding spots.

• Store firewood and lumber away from the home. Move any adjacent stacks at least 20 feet away.

• Keep plants pruned back at least 2 feet from the exterior walls of the home.

• Shake out any items left in the yard before bringing them indoors.

• Inspect children's toys and play areas thoroughly for spiders before use.

• Wear gloves and protective clothing in problem areas like attics, basements and crawlspaces.

Consistent, thorough home maintenance practices reduce resources available to brown recluse populations.

Protect Yourself From Bites

While the above methods should help reduce brown recluse populations in your home, spiders may still occasionally enter living spaces. Use these tips to protect yourself from bites:

• Wear gloves, long sleeves and pants when cleaning storage areas or reaching into dark, undisturbed areas where spiders may hide.

• Check shoes and clothing before getting dressed. Shake items out first.

• Keep beds away from walls and tuck in bed sheets. Do not store items or clutter under beds.

• Use glue boards or sticky traps to monitor for spiders in problem rooms.

• Vacuum and dust frequently to remove webs.

• Inspect furniture and boxes thoroughly before reaching in with unprotected hands.

• Keep spider bite first aid and medical contact information readily available. Seek medical attention for severe reactions to bites.

Staying vigilant protects against surprise spider encounters. Identify and address any areas inside or outside the home that could allow brown recluses access. With proper prevention and control, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing your home is unwelcoming to brown recluse spiders.