America's Most Dangerous Spider Has Returned To Illinois

As summer approaches in Illinois, more people are starting to notice a dangerous spider making its way into their homes – the brown recluse spider.

The brown recluse spider is known for its harmful bite! So, if you see one in your house, lingering in your clothing, hiding in your attics, or crawling around in your basements, those are normal places they tend to occupy.

A spider crawled out of my shoe the other day and that kickstarted my fear. I've been making a conscious effort not to leave my clothes on the floor specifically because of that incident.

Get our free mobile app

The brown recluse spider has a very unique violin-shaped mark on its back.

Canva

It prefers warm, dry, and dark places. As weather gets warmer, the brown recluse spider becomes way more active.

If you spot any trying to move into your home, here are some tips on what you can do to keep them away:

Keep Clutter To A Minimum: Because they love hiding in clothing and undisturbed places, keeping your home tidy can reduce the number of places where these spiders can hide.
Seal Cracks & Openings: Check for any cracks or openings in your walls. Seal them up to prevent spiders from entering!
Use Sticky Traps: Placing sticky traps around your home can catch them before they have a chance to roam or bite. This is most effective in garages, basements, and attics.

Canva

I also heard if you spray peppermint oil, that might help deter spiders, too! If you're afraid of spiders and don't want to risk getting bit by a brown recluse spider, keep your space clean and well-maintained!

If you do happen to get bit, please seek medical help because the infection could be deadly if not treated properly. Not only are brown recluse spiders invading Illinois, cicadas are, too! Read more here.