With winter just around the corner and temperatures dropping, most homes will experience unwanted guests.

Like most, over the years I have had the occasion to come into contact with various insects. The brown recluse spider is probably one of the insects you have seen many times, however, and not fully recognized it because it can resemble many other spiders.

The brown recluse can be easily recognized by its violin-shape mark on its back. Some folks call it the "violin spider" or "fiddle-back spider" because of its markings. It has six eyes, instead of eight. It lives like a recluse in a small web in dark corners, running to hide when disturbed. Its bite usually produces an open, ulcerated sore that will become serious because of the bacterial infection that occurs without medical attention.

Like most spiders, the brown recluse does not seek to bite people … the bite usually comes because it is trapped in a shoe or one lies on the spider in bed.

If your home has been invaded by the brown recluse spider, there are several things that can be done to reduce your chances of getting bitten:

1. Clothing should be stored in sealed plastic bags.

2. Clothes which have been left on the floor, in a clothing basket or are otherwise exposed, should be shaken out and inspected thoroughly before you put them on.

3. Your bed should be moved away from the walls and not touch any curtains.

4. Bedding should be inspected before you get into it and it should not touch the floor after you go to bed.

5. Lastly, keep the home clean and free of clutter.

If you are allergic to any of the above products, please don't use them. Always test fabrics and paints before using any chemical compounds. Please remember to wear rubber gloves to protect your hands and eye protection for your eyes. If you would like to share a cleaning idea or concept with the reading audience, call Ed at NWES (255-2266) or send them to the Bonner County Daily Bee (310 Church St., Sandpoint, ID, 83864); Attn: What Would Ed Do?

Copy written by Edmond E. Madan, certified forensic, fire, flood, mold inspection and remediation contractor. Ed is the chief executive officer of Northwest Executive and Environmental Services, LLC.