Evaluation of the efficacy of vacuum cleaners for the integrated control of brown spider Loxosceles intermedia

Abstract

Some venomous spiders of the genus Loxosceles can reach high population densities inside and around houses. In Brazil, most spider accidents are related to Loxosceles intermedia. Control of loxoscelism should utilize integrated pest management tools, such as vacuum cleaners, to eliminate egg sacs, webs and spiders. The present study tested the efficacy of one type of vacuum cleaner (for professional and domestic use) in the control of L. intermedia populations. Cockroaches (Pycnoscelus surinamensis) were used in some tests for comparison. Vacuuming using standard accessories or a paper tube resulted in the death of all female (n=60), male (n=60), young (n=60) and just-hatched (n=60) L. intermedia, and all egg sacs (n=5) were destroyed. The removal of the plastic plate present at the bottom of the vacuuming tube inside the machine allowed some spiders to survive the vacuuming process. When kept inside a vacuum bag full of dust and debris, adult females (n=10) survived for 10 days; however, significant mortality was observed among male (n=10) and young individuals (n=10). Addition of cornstarch to the vacuum bag did not affect the spiders (n=20). Vacuum cleaners, such as the one used in the present investigation, are promising tools for integrated management of L. intermedia and other spiders in domestic environments

Chemical Control of Spiders and Scorpions in Urban Areas

“…However this program is designed to pest control companies, and involves the indoor application of several pesticides. In our field experience in Brazil [11,138,140] mostly with L .intermedia, we suggest to homeowners the frequent use of vacuum cleaners [140], and the tolerance to the presence of geckos in their homes, as they are probably the only indoor predator possibly tolerated by people and capable of removing adult and immature Loxosceles individuals [138]. As the gecko in considered a sit-and-wait predator, vagant spiders are more likely to be captured.…”

“…Although statistical tests showed a decrease in L. reclusa population densities with increased population densities of two cosmopolitan species, alluding to a potential beneficial www.intechopen.com interaction for biological control, observations of spider behavior, web positioning (niche partitioning), and predation showed little possibility of biological control capabilities [139]. The use of appropriate vacuum cleaners showed to be efficient on removing and killing L. intermedia at all developmental stages, and it should be valid for other species of Loxosceles also [140]. Measures aimed to educate the population about behaviors that may reduce the likeliness of accidents, of how to recognize brown-spider webs [76], and which microhabitats are preferred by the spider doubtlessly can contribute toward minimizing the problem.…”

Lesão Dermonecrótica Em Um Gato Atribuída a Envenenamento Por Loxosceles - Relato De Caso

“…Como foi relatado pelo tutor o aparecimento de outra aranha, foi sugerido a este um conjunto de ações para eliminar os aracnídeos da residência. Já foi relatado com sucesso a utilização de aspiradores de pó (RAMIRES et al, 2007), preservação de predadores naturais como a lagartixa (RAMIRES e FRAGUAS, 2004) e até armadilhas para aranhas (PARKS et al, 2013)…”

Integrated Pest Management of the Brown Recluse Spider

“…A study in South America demonstrated that the violent tumbling of recluse spiders through the corrugated hose of a shop vacuum cleaner was effective in killing the spiders (Ramires et al 2007). Hence a vacuum is also recommended for physically removing spiders, thus providing some level of immediate population reduction (Sandidge 2009, Hedges and.…”