The Misunderstood & Often Misidentified Brown Recluse Spider

There are about 3,000 identifiable species of spider in the United States. Of these spiders, only two of them are considered dangerous: the black widow spider and the brown recluse spider. While black widows are recognized by their signature red hourglass marking, brown recluse spiders are often misidentified.

How to Identify Brown Recluse Spiders

Unless you’re an experienced arachnologist, brown recluse spiders may seem to have a similar appearance to any other brown spider. Brown recluse spiders are light brown or yellowish-brown in color and usually have a darker violin-shaped mark on their dorsum. These dangerous arachnids don’t build their webs in strategic locations to catch prey, unlike other species of spider. Instead, brown recluse spiders build their webs in undisturbed areas to serve as a retreat or resting spot.

How Dangerous are Brown Recluse Spiders?

While brown recluse spiders don’t bite unless they’re threatened, bites from these venomous pests can leave lasting effects. In most cases, brown recluse bites aren’t fatal. The only reported deaths from a bite were in children under the age of 7. Depending on the amount of venom injected and the location of the bite, your reaction may be anything from mild skin irritation to skin lesions. 

 

Symptoms of brown recluse bites include blistering, swelling, fever, itching, muscle pain, and nausea. Most bites will heal on their own without creating lasting tissue damage, however, there are cases where bites become ulcerous and cause deep scarring. If you have been bitten by a brown recluse spider, it’s important to seek medical attention.

How to Keep Brown Recluse Spiders Away From Your Home

True to their name, brown recluse spiders are reclusive, they generally like to stay out of sight. This makes basements, closets, high shelves, empty boxes, attics, crawlspaces, and other undisturbed areas prime locations for brown recluse spiders to hide. Keep brown recluse spiders away from your Beaumont home with these spider prevention tips.

• Reduce excess moisture around your property.
• Keep boxes, papers, and other clutter materials organized.
• Seal common points of entry, such as cracks in your foundation, ripped window screens, and gaps under exterior doorways.
• Trash, pet food, and other food items often attract insects, which attract brown recluse spiders. Keep your garbage bins sealed, and pet food in airtight containers.

It’s important to understand that keeping insects and other pest populations down can help make your property less attractive to all spiders. Bill Clark Pest Control provides quality spider and other pest prevention services for Beaumont properties. For assistance or more advice on how to rid your home of these dangerous spiders, contact the pest professionals here at Bill Clark Pest Control.