Avoiding Spider bites 

Simple precautions can help you to easily avoid the potential for spider bites:

• Do not place your extremities (hands, feet) in places that you cannot see.
• Take care in moving items in and out of storage that have remained there for long periods.
• Do not leave shoes, gloves, hats, and clothing outside overnight.  Nocturnal spiders may take refuge in such items at daybreak.
• Repair worn weatherstripping on doors to exclude wandering spiders.
• Mend holes in window screens to exclude climbing spiders.
• Seal all other openings in and out of the home such as where plumbing and electrical conduits enter or exit the house.
• Carefully inspect any objects coming indoors from outside (this includes houseplants, firewood, outdoor furniture, and toys), as spiders may hitchhike on such items.  Exotic spiders can (rarely) stow away on fruits, vegetables, and tropical houseplants you purchase at the grocery.  Be aware but not afraid.
• Do not handle spiders.
• Instruct children on how to recognize the potentially dangerous spider species in your area.