Here in Greater Austin, Texas, there are many different insects and pests that homeowners can see in their homes. Some pests are annoying but harmless while others could cause some harm if they bite you or your family members. Brown recluse spiders are one of the pests that could harm you if they bite you. Most people have heard of brown recluse spiders but they do not know much about them really. Today A-Tex Pest Management wants to give you some more information about the brown recluse spider.
Where Do Brown Recluses Live?
The scientific name for the brown recluse is Loxosceles reclusa. It is one of three spiders in North America that has venom that could be medically significant. The other two are the black widow and the Chilean recluse. They are typically found in the southern and southeastern parts of the United States but they can be found in other areas of the country as well. As their name implies they prefer to be reclusive. They prefer to live outdoors underneath woodpiles or organic debris. If they cannot find a good home outside they will try sheds and barns before heading indoors. If they do come inside your home they will hide in out-of-the-way places like crawl spaces, attics, garages, and cellars.
Brown Recluse Spider Identification
They are about ½ inch in size. While most spiders have eight eyes brown recluse spiders only have six eyes. Brown recluse spiders range in color from light tan to a dark brown color. They do not have any distinguishing stripes or bands on their bodies. They are sometimes called a violin or fiddleback because they have a mark that is shaped like a violin on their backs. Their legs are very long and thin. They have very fine hairs that grow on their legs that cause them to appear silky.
Are Brown Recluse Spiders Aggressive?
Though they do bite brown recluse spiders are not aggressive by nature. They do not bite very frequently. When they do bite it is normally a mistake. They actually prefer to feed on dead insects and do not see humans as prey. If you are bitten by a brown recluse spider you will want to clean the area with mild soap and water. Then apply an antibiotic ointment to the area. You will want to apply a cool compress to make sure that the area does not get swollen. If the bitten area starts to look infected or you are in extreme pain you will want to go and see a doctor right away. Most people do not know that they were even bitten by a brown recluse spider. Many people notice some pimple-like swelling and just are not sure what caused it.
Spider Pest Inspections, Control Treatments, Removal & More in Round Rock, Leander, Pflugerville, Cedar Park & Austin Texas
If you have brown recluse spiders in your home or on your property you will want to get rid of them before they bite someone. They can be hard to get rid of on your own because they are so good at hiding in places that you cannot see them easily. Your best bet to getting rid of brown recluse spiders is to call A-Tex Pest Management today.