The brown recluse spider is a well-known species found throughout Texas. A number of different recluse spider species can easily be found all over Texas including the brown recluse. Brown recluse spiders are feared due to their venomous bites. Their bite can leave terrible lesions and can require medical assistance to properly recover. To help prevent brown recluse spider bites, A-Tex Pest Management will share how to identify and control brown recluse spiders if found.
What Do Brown Recluse Spiders Look Like?
Brown recluse spiders live in various places throughout the United States and are heavily concentrated in Texas. Brown recluse spiders like to hide during the day and only emerge at night to hunt for prey. Brown recluse spiders are usually accidentally encountered as they tend to hide in shoes, clothing and inboxes. Most people never even know they are there until they are bitten. When bitten by a spider, it is important to identify the culprit in the event you will require medical assistance. Brown recluse spiders are light brown or tan in color and have a very distinct violin-shaped marking on their cephalothorax which is the part the head and legs connect to. Brown recluse spider can grow slightly bigger than a quarter. Another distinct feature is the position of the spider’s eyes. They form an upside-down triangle shape with two eyes at each point.
Necrosis & Other Effects of Brown Recluse Spider Bite
Brown recluse spiders are not considered aggressive in nature. Rather they prefer to stay away from larger predators, including humans. However, if they feel threatened, brown recluse spiders will bite. Their venom isn’t deadly unless someone has a severe allergic reaction to it and didn’t receive proper medical attention fast enough. However, brown recluse spider venom can leave severe lesions. A bad reaction to their bite will often start as a white blister where later the skin will become hard and black and then turn into a volcanic like lesion. At times, lesions may require medical assistance, including surgery. It is good to know, however, that a study shows that 90% of people can recover from a brown recluse spider with only mild itching and little to no other side effects.
How to Prevent Brown Recluse Spiders
Brown recluse spiders can be hard to control as they typically roam indoors during night time hours or is occasionally brought into the home unknowingly. However, to help keep brown recluse spiders out of your home you will first want to keep them out of your yard. To reduce the number of brown recluse spiders in your yard, the very first step is proper yard maintenance. Keep your yard clean, free of clutter and yard debris. Additionally, keep the grass and yard vegetation trimmed as brown recluse spiders are drawn to dense vegetation. Next, make sure the home is secured. Inspect around the doors and windows for gaps and other possible entry points. Seal any gaps around the outer edges if needed. Additionally, make sure the windows are closed properly and have functional window screens. Check the weatherstripping on all exterior doors for signs of wear and tear and repair if needed. Another major defense against spiders is applying a pesticide. A professional pest control service can help secure the remaining weak points in your home and reduce the number of pests including spiders that wander into your home.
Brown Recluse Spider Inspections, Control & More in Round Rock, Leander, Pflugerville, Cedar Park & Austin Texas
For quality pest protection for your home, contact A-Tex Pest Management and schedule our services today!