Use sticky traps to monitor spider activity

What to Do

Place cardboard sticky traps along baseboards, under furniture, in closets, in basements, and behind stored items. Check and replace traps regularly. Record locations and catch numbers to track activity over time.

Why It Works

Sticky traps are recommended by university extension services for spider monitoring, especially for brown recluse. They reveal where spiders are most active, how many are present, and whether control measures are working. For brown recluse specifically, traps help determine the severity of an infestation and guide treatment decisions.

Tips

• Traps will not eliminate a spider population on their own — they are a monitoring and detection tool
• Place traps flush against walls where spiders travel
• Keep out of reach of children and pets
• Date each trap to compare catches over time
• Catching multiple brown recluse spiders warrants professional consultation
• Cost: $5-15 for a 12-pack