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Tennessee has had an increase in brown recluse spider bites this year. These bites are not deadly (except in very rare cases) but can be painful and damaging if treated incorrectly. These spiders are mostly nocturnal and eat other insects like crickets. They are a light brown color with a violin marking on their back. They often live outdoors and can be found around rocks and woodpiles. They are commonly found in homes in Middle TN and often hide out in undisturbed places like attics and basements. Brown recluse spiders are not aggressive toward humans but will bite if they feel threatened, are stepped on or sat on.
With the increase of these spider bites in TN, they have often been talked about as much worse than they are. A brown recluse spider bite will usually heal on its own but we recommend to see a doctor no matter what. For more information about the brown recluse spider problem in TN, check out this article by the Tennessean.
To try and avoid these spider bites, move beds away from curtains and walls. Also check clothes before you put them on. Keep attics and basements clean and organized to avoid clutter, so they do not have any place to hide. Make sure all holes and cracks are sealed on the exterior of your home, so they have less of a chance of getting inside. Keep moisture down and ventilation units sealed.
If you find that you have a spider infestation in your home, call a professional exterminator to help you safely get rid of brown recluse spiders. Do-it-yourself spider extermination techniques can be unreliable and even dangerous. Professional exterminators are trained to locate spiders, plan the best way to remove them and implement a program to keep them from returning.