|
The Brown Recluse spider is most commonly found in the Midwest and Southern states of the United States. Though these spiders are not aggressive, their bite is and learning how to identify the spider and prevent their bite is important.
Brown Recluse spiders are what their name suggests- reclusive. When living indoors, the brown recluse will hide in undisturbed and dark areas. An attic, basement, closets, and under household items for example. The spider will become more active at night when it is on the search for food.
Outdoors, the brown recluse will seek the same type of undisturbed shelter. Woodpiles, under stones, hidden in leaves, old sheds, and garages are all common areas for the brown recluse.
If you live in an area populated by Brown Recluse spiders, keeping “undisturbed areas disturbed” is your best defense. Clean regularly indoors, dusting and vacuuming corners, and hidden areas in closets, basements, etc. However, never reach into these areas with unprotected hands. The hose of a vacuum cleaner is good as a substitute. If the spiders become a big problem, contacting a pest control company would be a viable solution.
To prevent brown recluse spiders outdoors, keep the area free of debris and hiding spots. Since hiding areas are natural outdoors; leaves, stones, etc., your best option is to protect yourself. If you need logs from a woodpile or are removing rocks, wear protection.
Most of all, the spiders do not go searching for a human to bite. They only bite out of defense. Further defense would be to shake out clothing, shoes, blankets etc. before wearing them. Other suggestions would be to keep beds away from walls and to keep window areas screened.
Brown Recluse spiders are somewhat easy to identify. They are usually yellow to brown in color with long skinny legs. Most spiders have eight eyes, but the Brown Recluse has six, which are arranged in pairs on their forehead. Their most distinguishing mark is of a dark violin shape located on their head. This makes the Violin Spider another common name for the Brown Recluse.
Bites can occur when we are most careful or have no control. Some bites can occur when sleeping from rolling over on the spider. Most of the time the victim isn’t even aware of the bite until about 8 hours later when the area becomes uncomfortable. The reaction that occurs from the bite varies depending on the overall health of the person and how much venom the spider injected. Though the bites are rarely fatal, the risk increases with children, elderly or people in poor health.
The bite of a Brown Recluse can be rather nasty. Their venom causes the tissue to break down. It can take several hours, days or sometimes weeks for the reaction to develop. It is most commonly a large ulcer like area. The center usually becomes an open wound that blackens from the killing of tissue. The area around the center of the bite becomes blistered, red and inflamed.
It is important to see a doctor to ensure the bite is properly cared for. Medication can be prescribed to control the progress of the bite. In extreme cases, surgery or skin graphs may be needed to repair the ulcerated area of the bite. The area is generally slow to heal so it is very important to seek a doctor’s care.
| 
