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Controlling spiders
• As a precautionary measure, become familiar with what poisonous spiders look like and how they act.
• Because spiders nest in quiet, undisturbed areas, discourage them by cleaning and vacuuming closets, cellars and other such areas frequently.
• Seal buildings with caulk, screening and weather stripping to keep spiders from entering.
• Tape or seal boxes, especially in storage areas infested with brown recluse spiders.
• Where possible, wash off outside areas, particularly under roof eaves, with a water hose.
• Mechanically removing the webbing may be necessary because no chemical treatment to dissolve webs is available.
• When chemical control is needed, use products containing diazinon, chlorpyrifos, propoxur, bendiocarb, synergized pyrethrins, carbaryl, resmethrin, tetramethrin, malathion or mixtures of these insecticides. Always follow label directions and use only products labeled for spider control or for use in areas where spiders are found. Spray or dust outside under roof eaves, window ledges and porch and patio roofs. Inside, spray around windows, door facings and baseboards and in attics basements and storage places. Chemical control may not always be as successful as desired because spiders are mobile and may migrate back into the area. Also, species that sit on the web may not pick up much residual pesticide.
• Because some spiders, such as the brown recluse, can be difficult to control, homeowners may wish to engage a professional pest control operator.
First aid for spider bites Relieve local swelling and pain by applying an ice pack, ammonia or alcohol directly to the bite area. In case of severe reaction, consult a doctor immediately and, if possible, take along the spider for positive identification. Specific antivenin is available to treat some widow spider bites.
Tips for professionals
• Advanced-generation pyrethroids, such as cyfluthrin, deltamethrin, lambda-cyhalothrin, tralomethrin and bifenthrin, generally work well against spiders.
• Wettable powder formulations generally provide superior residual control on wood, concrete and brick surfaces.
• Residual pyrethroid dusts such as cyfluthrin or deltamethrin provide excellent control in inaccessible void areas.
• Brown recluse infestations are best treated with a combination of sanitation, residual sprays and dusts in appropriate areas.
• Aerosol fogs are generally ineffective for all but exposed stages of spiders, but may provide a useful supplement to residual sprays and dusts.
Produced by Dr. Jack Jackman Agricultural Communications, The Texas A&M University System
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