How to Keep Fiddleback Spiders from Infesting Your House

Clean closets to make them less attractive to the fiddleback spider.

The brown recluse or fiddleback spider is common to the American South and Midwest. They are generally shy by nature, which means you aren't likely to see them until you suddenly disturb their hiding place. This is why you should take steps to avoid giving them a nice home.

Things You'll Need

• Glue boards
• Insecticide dusts or sprays
• Sealant caulk
• Plastic bags

Instructions

1. Keep floors and corners clean. Sweep hardwood floors regularly and vacuum carpeted areas. Pay special attention to any areas that are naturally dark due to furniture or curtains.

2. Clean closets and areas under sinks. Sanitize or empty these dark, cluttered places. If there are too many items in a closet, it may be time to consider donating unused items to a thrift shop.

3. Set out glue boards to survey for the presence of fiddleback spiders along corners and where walls meet the floor behind furniture and clutter. The glue boards also capture male spiders who are more likely to move into human habitats. Follow up with insecticides, either dusts or sprays, in areas that indicate a significant fiddleback presence.

4. Work cautiously in areas such as woodsheds and attics, which can be difficult to spider-proof. These areas are naturally crowded, dark, and dusty. Wear gloves and shoes that cover the foot. Block house access from an attached garage by sealing cracks around doors and electrical conduits or plumbing.

5. Move your bed away from the wall to discourage spiders climbing in it and remove bed ruffles and items stored under the bed. Keep clothes off the floor and store gardening clothes and gloves, boots, roller skates and other infrequently worn items in tightly closed plastic bags, the University of California IPM Online site advises.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember, wear gloves when doing this cleaning.

• Insecticides are not recommended. Many spiders are resistant to insecticides, and there is no reason to put potentially dangerous chemicals in your home when a little cleaning will do just as well.

References

• University of California IPM Online: Brown Recluse and Other Recluse Spiders
• The University of Kentucky College of Agriculture: Brown Recluse Spider