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### **Symptoms may include:**
– A stinging or burning sensation at the bite site
– Redness and swelling
– A blister that forms and eventually turns into an **open ulcer**
– Fever, chills, body aches, or nausea (in rare cases)
In some cases, the skin around the bite can become deeply infected, requiring **medical attention**, and in rare situations, **surgical intervention**.
> ⚠️ **Important:** If you think you’ve been bitten, seek medical help ASAP—**especially if the wound worsens** or you experience systemic symptoms.
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## 🏠 **How to Protect Your Home and Family**
The brown recluse is shy and reclusive (hence the name), so prevention is key:
### ✅ **Tips to stay safe:**
– Shake out shoes and clothing before putting them on
– Store shoes and clothes in sealed bins or off the floor
– Seal cracks and gaps in your home’s foundation, walls, and windows
– Declutter storage areas like attics, basements, and garages
– Use sticky traps to monitor spider activity
– Wear gloves when handling firewood, boxes, or cleaning rarely-used areas
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## 🧼 **Natural Repellents to Try:**
While no solution is 100% spider-proof, these scents may help deter them:
– **Peppermint oil**
– **Vinegar spray**
– **Citrus peels**
– **Cedarwood or eucalyptus oil**
Spray these around corners, baseboards, and behind furniture to help keep spiders away.
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## 🔬 **When to Call the Pros**
If you suspect an infestation or keep seeing these spiders around, **call a licensed pest control expert**. Brown recluse spiders multiply quickly and are excellent at hiding, so it’s best to get professional help before things escalate.
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## 🚨 **Final Thoughts**
Most spiders are more scared of us than we are of them—but the **brown recluse** is one of the few you really need to watch out for. A single bite can cause serious harm, especially if left untreated.
By learning what to look for and taking smart prevention steps, you can protect yourself and your home—and avoid a painful surprise.
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Want to learn how to spider-proof your house or identify other dangerous insects? Just ask—I’ve got tips for that too! 🕷️🏡💡
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