Most people in the American Midwest know that brown recluses equal trouble. However, many people see a spider and assume that it was a brown recluse before verifying the identity of their new eight-legged friend. The truth is that most reports are incorrect. Know the facts before you pack your things and move out of your home. In this article, we will go over the dangers of brown recluse spiders, how to identify a brown recluse spider, and how to protect your home.
Health issues from brown recluse spider bites
The good news is that brown recluse spiders are not typically super aggressive. If you do encounter one, there is a strong chance you can walk away without a bite. However, if you do get bit, remain calm. The brown recluse does have venom running through it that you must take seriously. However, luckily, you probably won’t suffer any permanent damage or die.
Brown recluse spider bites are serious and very dangerous. You will first notice some pain and a bite mark. You may also experience chills, nausea, rash, and joint pain. In very serious cases, someone may experience seizures. If an open wound becomes infected, that could also lead to additional complications or death.
If you have been bit by a brown recluse, visit a doctor. There is no antivenom, but the doctor should help manage your symptoms and provide useful advice on how to prevent infection.
How to Identify a Brown Recluse
If you see spiders in your home regularly, you want to know if it’s a brown recluse to tell if the creature is dangerous or not. While you don’t want to get too close to the new guest in your home, here are some ways to help determine if the spider you see is a brown recluse or not.
Geography
Brown recluse spiders tend to stay in the Midwest and South Central United States. They have historically not been successful when transported to a different area. Naturally, if you don’t live in this area, you likely haven’t encountered a brown recluse.
Size
These spiders are smaller than you might think. A brown recluse only grows to be a maximum of 0.5 inches. For comparison, this is about the size of a quarter. If the spider you see is significantly larger, you can breathe a little more securely.
Appearance
The brown recluse varies from dark brown to yellow in color, but it stays in the brown/tan color family. The color is consistent, and the spider does not have stripes or scales. Legs are long and skinny.
The thing that makes it stand out is the “violin” on its back. This marking is darker than the rest of the spider’s coloring. The top of the “violin” faces toward the rear of the spider.
Another thing that sets the recluse apart is that it is one of the few spiders with six eyes. The brown recluse has a semi-circle of three pairs of eyes. Most other spiders have eight.
Tips to make your home less of a recluse habitat
1. Seal cracks
If you know of any cracks or openings to your home, make it a priority to close up those cracks and holes. The spiders need to find a way into your home in the first place. Stop them at the source.
2. Brighten up your home
Brown recluse spiders like to live in dark areas. Make your home less habitable for them by installing plenty of light in your home. Make a point to flash the lights on a couple of times a week in every room, especially those you don’t use very often.
3. Spray insecticide regularly
As part of your regular home maintenance, you should spray your home with insecticide once or twice a year to help keep all bugs out, including brown recluse spiders. When you make this part of your routine, the spiders won’t have long enough to establish themselves in your home.
4. Reduce feed
If you don’t want brown recluse in your home, don’t make it appetizing to them. Literally. Brown recluse eat smaller bugs, so keep your home as bug-free as possible.
5. Go to the experts
If you really want to make your home safe from brown recluse spiders, you should talk to a professional. Bug-A-Way Pest Control in Southwest Missouri can access your home and give you ideas on how to best protect yourself.
If you have brown recluse spiders in your home, call the brown recluse removal experts to get rid of your infestation. Bug-A-Way Pest Control in Southwest Missouri should be able to help you take your home back. Contact Bug-A-Way Pest Control Online or call 417-624-2999 to learn more about Bug-A-Way Pest Control.