Most spiders are completely harmless to humans. There are over 20,000 different species of spiders that live in the Americas and only 60 are capable of biting people. There are several species of recluse spiders in the United States and Texas is home to some of them including the Texas recluse. Also known as brown spiders, they are one of the most dreaded pests that are found in households.
Brown Recluse Spider Identification
Mature Texas recluse spiders are about 1/3 of an inch with a leg span of 1 to 1 ½ inch. The male and female Texas recluse are about the same size. They are yellowish-brown to tan in color they don’t have the violin-shaped marking like other recluse spiders. The abdomen is all the same color absent of any markings. The Texas recluse and other recluse spiders have six eyes that are arranged in three pairs of two. This makes them different than most other spiders that have eight eyes. These spiders are shy and not aggressive unless they are disturbed or feel threatened. They are found in areas that are undisturbed and rarely used. Outdoors these areas include piles of boards or wood and clutter in the yard. Indoors they can be found in crawl spaces, garages, cluttered closets and attics. Recluse spiders don’t spend a lot of time in webs as they are hunting spiders. You can find their webs in hidden areas that are used to lay eggs and for them to retreat. Recluse spiders are nocturnal and will come out at night to hunt. Mature Texas recluse spiders can be active any time of the year and can live a long time due to their reclusive nature.
Bite of the Texas Recluse Spider
Brown recluse spiders venom is extremely venomous, even more, potent than that of a rattlesnake and they can live with humans for a while before they are noticed, usually when a bite occurs. These bites can be serious. Other than the fact they are painful, they can also lead to secondary infections, skin ulcers that can be disfiguring and other complications. Like other recluse spiders, the Texas recluse is assumed to have a necrotic bite, but the venom is still a bit of a mystery. Necrotic bites cause severe damage to the skin and tissues around the bite that will turn into a large open sore, known as a necrotic lesion. The recluse bite will form a red circular area that will slough off the skin, leaving the open wound behind. This wound can take up to seven months to heal completely.
Spider Control & More in Austin, Round Rock, Leander, Pflugerville & Cedar Park, Texas
Recluse spiders would rather not bite humans but they will if they feel they need to in order to survive. Because the Texas recluse can give a serious bite, it’s best to hire professional pest control to deal with them. Infestations of recluse spiders can be difficult for even professionals to control. It’s important to choose a company that is willing to take the time to work the infestation for as long as needed to prevent another from occurring. Contact A-Tex Pest Management to handle any issues you’re having with spiders and other pests!