The Hesses had a brown recluse infestation at their first house in Jeff City, but it probably won't hearten you to hear that they actually broke their lease and moved because of the critters.

I remember that, now that you mention it, Frazier. And no, it isn't exactly helpful since we can't move out so easily.

I know about spiders. I was bitten by (probably) a yellow sac spider in NJ, and it left a scar on my eyelid and two (tiny ones) on my nose. The doctor said if I hadn't gotten to the emergency room when I did, the inflammation from the bite might have gone to my brain. !!! Scary.

The good news is, there's probably someone who can help. When I was trying to figure out what bit me, I tracked down a guy in NJ who was in charge of vector control for the state. He knew an amazing amount about spiders. "Vector control" basically means controlling anything that can spread disease or harm through biting, stinging, etc., so spiders qualify. I would say TN has a similar person, and that would be the very one to ask about handling a brown recluse infestation. If people go blank at the term "vector control", ask them who handles the state's mosquito control policy. Mosquitoes are a vector source of disease. That person should at least be able to get you on the right track.

Alternatively, call some Nashville university's entomology department and ask for the spider specialist.