Here at Gregory Pest Solutions, we strive to make sure you and your family live in an environment safe from harmful pests. We also think it’s important to educate our customers on different types of pests found throughout our service area so they know exactly what they’re up against when they call us. That being said, our Smarter pest control™ field team recently found a possible breeding site for Brown Recluse Spiders here in our hometown of Greenville, South Carolina.
In South Carolina, it is extremely rare to find Brown Recluse, as they are typically found in Tennessee, Kentucky, and the Midwest. Throughout the history of South Carolina, only 10 verified sightings have been recorded.
Findings
Our team uncovered a possible breeding site at a local distribution facility. These spiders are utilizing rodent bait stations along the outside of the facility as harborage sites. Brown Recluse Spiders were first found at this site in September 2017 and our pest management team returned to inspect and collect live specimens on November 15th. Gregory Pest Solutions Technician, Phil Hall and Dr. Eric Benson from Clemson University collected multiple live Brown Recluse Spiders and will be sending them for DNA testing to determine their place of origin.
Brown Recluse Identification
Even though it may be rare to find a Brown Recluse in your home if you live in the Southeast, it is possible that they will become more prevalent through the distribution of goods from their natural range and subsequent localized breeding. Proper identification and pest prevention is the best option to stay safe from a possible bite. According to the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), Brown Recluse Spiders are often identified by a dark brown violin shape on its back and also their eye pattern. This species is well known for its “reclusive” behaviors as it prefers to take residence in warm, dry and dark environments, such as woodpiles, basements, and closets.
“As the brown recluse is known for its damaging bites, many assume that this spider is aggressive when the opposite is true,” says Missy Henriksen, vice president of public affairs for NPMA. “This arachnid bites, usually unintentionally, when it feels trapped. Whether we dig through our storage in the attic or wear a piece of clothing in which a brown recluse has made its home, their bites are reactionary. Therefore the sheer presence of this pest can increase the potential pest-related health risks facing homeowners and their families.”
NPMA offers the following tips to help prevent contact with brown recluse spiders:
- Avoid keeping clothing and shoes on the floor and consider storing inside plastic containers.
- Shake out all clothing that has been in a hamper before wearing or washing.
- Keep garages, attics, and basements clean and clutter free.
- If a spider bites you, contact your primary care physician for medical advice.
If you are concerned about spiders in your home, please call Gregory Pest Solutions so we can help you get rid of these harmful pests.