Brown recluse spiders are common throughout the state of Texas. They are one of the most feared spiders with some misconceptions about just how dangerous they are and what can happen to us if we get bitten by one. They also get mistaken for other spiders, so it’s important to know what they look like.
What Do Brown Recluse Spiders Look Like?
Brown recluse spiders are sometimes called fiddle-back spiders because of the violin-shaped marking on their back. It can be hard to see this marking because brown recluse spiders are quite small. They are typically 3/8 of an inch long and 3/16 of an inch wide in size. They are light brown to medium brown in color. The problem with the brown recluse spider is that they don’t always have the tell-take marking. You can make a positive identification by looking at the eyes. Of course, this can be hard due to their small size. The brown recluse has six eyes arranged in three pairs whereas other spiders have eight arranged in rows of four. They are in fact, a recluse, and like to live alone. They are more active at night and rest during the day. Brown recluse spiders are fantastic at finding out-of-the-way places to construct webs. Almost any dark, undisturbed area can be a place to hide. Lots of times these places are in your home. They like dry areas like closets, attics, basements, and other dark areas.
Brown Recluse Spider Bite
Spiders would rather run from you than bite you. As with most spiders, the brown recluse is not actively looking to bite you; we are way too big to eat! They will bite you to defend themselves. If you decide to play with one, you will most likely get a bit. This will also happen if they get pressed up against you in some way. The venom in a brown recluse spider can cause necrosis, but not always. Necrosis causes the flesh around the bite to die and rot. Their small size means they have small fangs which mean they usually can’t inject large amounts of venom. If you are bitten, you may experience fever, chills, intense pain and swelling. If enough venom is injected, there may be necrosis and the area may get bigger as the venom moves through the body. Brown recluse spider bites can be dangerous, more dangerous to the elderly and the young. Seek medical attention if you suspect you’ve been bitten by a brown recluse spider. If you can safely catch the spider, it’s a good way to make a positive identification.
Spider Pest Inspections & Control Services in Austin, Round Rock, Leander, Pflugerville & Cedar Park, Texas
Brown recluse spiders are very difficult to eradicate, mostly because of their secretive habits. For this reason, and the potential health threat, it’s best to have professionals treat your home. We have the experience you need to rid your home of these pests and provide you with advice to prevent problems in the future. If you find yourself dealing with any spiders, contact A-Tex Pest Management for help.