Brown Recluse Spider

The Brown Recluse Spider

Thousands of spider species exist in this world, though all of them are irritating some are venomous too. Brown Recluse Spider is one such species which is known for its toxic venom. Take a look at the notable features of these hazardous spiders.

HOW TO IDENTIFY BROWN RECLUSE SPIDERS

Appearance:

Brown recluse spider

Brown Recluse Spiders are small spiders and their average length ranges between 6 and 20 mm (0.24 and 0.79 in). The distinctive feature of the brown recluse spiders is the presence of a violin-shaped dark mark; it is located on the dorsum of the cephalothorax. They are also known as fiddle-back spiders because of this violin-shaped mark.

These are small, non-hairy spiders and they bear light-brown or yellowish-brown color. Their legs are 1-inch long and contrasting to other spider species, brown recluse bears uniformly colored legs and abdomen. Unlike other spider species that have eight eyes, brown recluse spiders have six eyes.

Behavior:

These spiders have unusually high reproduction rate; a single spider lays around five egg sacs and each egg sac contain approximately fifty eggs. Thus a couple of spiders can turn into a severe infestation.

They put up haphazard, small webs near grounds and instead of using them to catch preys; they only use them for retreating. Brown Recluses are nocturnal and feed on small bugs like crickets and cockroaches.

They are shy species and aren’t known for biting humans, but if disturbed or feel threatened (like if accidentally you step on them), they may bite people and inject venom.

Signs:

The most evident sign of a brown recluses’ invasion is sighting the spider itself. Spotting a web near the floor also hints to their existence in your place. Their bites are painless initially and symptoms appear after several hours; common symptoms include fever, nausea, restlessness, and lesions. In rare cases, they are known for causing serious tissue damage.

HOW DO YOU GET BROWN RECLUSE SPIDERS

Brown recluse spiders prefer to live in dark and secluded places. Abundance of readily available food and prey insects tempt brown recluse spiders and they invade houses. After getting into your space, they mostly hide in hard to reach, dark, dry and warm places like under kitchen cabinets, in basements, in gaps and storage areas. These places are least disturbed or cleaned and thus provide them an essential habitat to thrive. They can also hide in barns, sheds and garages outside.

HOW TO GET RID OF BROWN RECLUSE SPIDERS

Bites of brown recluse spiders are extremely toxic, it’s better to eradicate them instantly. The following measures will help you in eliminating these spiders.

Contact Spray:

If brown recluse spiders are spotted, it’s better to vacuum them off. More than that, contact aerosol sprays are pretty efficient in killing them; they can also be used for instantly killing a spider or two.

Insecticides:

A Brown Recluse spider infestation can’t be controlled without assistance of professional exterminators as it requires careful insecticide application.

Residual insecticides are professionally sprayed in all hideouts, like basements, under furniture, attics, etc with focus being on cracks, corners and crevices. After the spray, it’s recommended to thoroughly inspect and clean the premises and then a residual insecticide dust is applied on all possible habitats of brown recluse spiders; this will stay active for 6 months and keep the spiders away.

Preventive measures:

Clean your house regularly, dispose garbage, reduce the clutter especially in basements and storerooms, keep firewood away from house’s foundation, install door sweeps and put up yellow or sodium vapor light bulbs at the entrance as bugs and pests aren’t much attracted towards them.

Never leave clothes on floor and always store them in plastic containers and shake them off before wearing them to avoid any encounter with spiders.

Brown Recluse Spider Facts

• Brown recluse is native of American South and Midwest and is relocated because of trade or shifting of items from their place of origin.
• There is a misconception that brown recluse bites are behind Lyme disease or diabetic ulcers, there is no such case.
• Brown Recluse bites are painless initially and the sensation and pain starts after 8 hours of bite.
• Their venom is more poisonous than rattlesnake venom, but the small quantity of injected venom makes it less dangerous for people.

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