There are many different types of spiders around homes and buildings. In fact, it is estimated that roughly two million spiders can be found in an acre of grassland. Most spiders are harmless and benefit nature, because they prey upon flies, crickets and other annoying insects. However, one spider that is sometimes dangerous is the brown recluse spider. The brown recluse bite can cause serious wounds and requires quick medical attention.
Description
The brown recluse spider, Loxosceles reclusa, is sometimes referred to as the “fiddleback “spider because of the violin-shaped marking on the top surface of the head/back area. A full grown adult with its legs spread out is about the size of a quarter. The recluse has three sets of two close-set eyes for a total of six eyes. Its legs are uniformly colored and lack “hairs/spines.”
The brown recluse spider, Loxosceles reclusa, is sometimes referred to as the “fiddleback “spider because of the violin-shaped marking on the top surface of the head/back area. A full grown adult with its legs spread out is about the size of a quarter. The recluse has three sets of two close-set eyes for a total of six eyes. Its legs are uniformly colored and lack “hairs/spines.”
Habitat
Brown recluse spiders lives naturally outdoors in woodpiles, tree stumps and undisturbed/enclosed areas. The recluse spider migrates into buildings when conditions are favorable. For example, brown recluse spiders prefer isolated corners and sheltered areas with low moisture levels. In a study conducted by Jamél Sandidge, Entomologist, the top 10 areas where brown recluse spiders are found in homes:
Brown recluse spiders lives naturally outdoors in woodpiles, tree stumps and undisturbed/enclosed areas. The recluse spider migrates into buildings when conditions are favorable. For example, brown recluse spiders prefer isolated corners and sheltered areas with low moisture levels. In a study conducted by Jamél Sandidge, Entomologist, the top 10 areas where brown recluse spiders are found in homes:
- Near furnace and water heater
- Second floor bedrooms – unoccupied
- Any room without air conditioning or ventilation
- Bathroom – behind toilet or tub
- Near plants
- Basement – under stairs
- Basement – in piles of wood, boxes, carpet or clothing
- Windowsills
- Behind entertainment center
- Bedrooms
Brown Recluse Spider Infestations
As mentioned above, brown recluses will take up residents in a home or building when the conditions are idea. Recluses are going to dwell where they can find food, such as crickets, flies, spiders and other insects. Most homes have flood lights and other bright lights which attract thousands of flying insects. If the home has an unoccupied area, spiders will move in and prey on the other insects. Within a few months, the brown recluse spiders egg sacs have hatched - between 20 and 50 eggs – per female spider and the building becomes infested with spiders. According to the University of Tennessee, some recluses can live from 2 to 10 years inside a building.
As mentioned above, brown recluses will take up residents in a home or building when the conditions are idea. Recluses are going to dwell where they can find food, such as crickets, flies, spiders and other insects. Most homes have flood lights and other bright lights which attract thousands of flying insects. If the home has an unoccupied area, spiders will move in and prey on the other insects. Within a few months, the brown recluse spiders egg sacs have hatched - between 20 and 50 eggs – per female spider and the building becomes infested with spiders. According to the University of Tennessee, some recluses can live from 2 to 10 years inside a building.
The stagnate real estate market has caused many home and business properties to remain unoccupied for several months. In effect, these building are often neglected and can simply fall into brown recluse disrepair. Overflowing gutters and overgrown shrubby provides breeding grounds for all types of insects; hence, creating a smorgasbord for recluse spiders.
Control
Control of indoor infestations of the brown recluse spider can take a long time (6 months or more) and can be difficult since they tends to be widely dispersed within infested buildings, and the spiders seeks isolated sites. The first step in effective management of brown recluse spiders is to conduct a thorough inspection of the property. Control of spiders, including the brown recluse, is best achieved by following an integrated pest management (IPM) approach. IPM involves using multiple approaches such as preventive measures, exclusion, sanitation, trapping, and chemical treatment when necessary. Large infestations will take multiple treatments targeting the spider itself, common habitats and its food sources – other insects.
Control of indoor infestations of the brown recluse spider can take a long time (6 months or more) and can be difficult since they tends to be widely dispersed within infested buildings, and the spiders seeks isolated sites. The first step in effective management of brown recluse spiders is to conduct a thorough inspection of the property. Control of spiders, including the brown recluse, is best achieved by following an integrated pest management (IPM) approach. IPM involves using multiple approaches such as preventive measures, exclusion, sanitation, trapping, and chemical treatment when necessary. Large infestations will take multiple treatments targeting the spider itself, common habitats and its food sources – other insects.
Bite Symptoms
The reaction to a brown recluse spider bite depends on the amount of venom injected and individual’s sensitivity to it. Some people are unaffected by a bite, whereas others experience immediate or delayed effects as the venom kills the tissues (necrosis) at the site of the bite. Symptoms are reactions signs sometime include:
- The bite may feel like a pinprick and/or stinging sensation followed by intense pain
- The initial bite area may have a little red mark.
- The lesion from a brown recluse spider bite may grow 1½ inches by 2¾ inches or smaller. The lesion may exhibit blue-gray or blue-white colors and surrounded by redness—hence the “red, white, and blue sign.”
- A small white blister usually initially rises at the bite site surrounded by a swollen area. The affected area enlarges and becomes red, and the tissue is hard to the touch for some time.
- After a few days, the bite site can erupt into a “volcano lesion,” basically a hole in the flesh due to damaged, gangrenous tissue.
- Sometimes a person may not be aware of the bite for 2 to 8 hours.
- Some victims experience general systemic reactions that may include restlessness, generalized itching, fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, or shock.
Preventing Spider Bites
- Inspect bedding and towels before use.
- Shake out clothing and shoes before getting dressed.
- Wear gloves when handling firewood, lumber, and rocks.
- Don’t store boxes underneath beds.
- Exercise care when handling cardboard boxes (some spiders may inhabit the space under folded cardboard flaps).
First Aid
If bitten, remain calm, and immediately seek medical attention by contacting your physician, hospital and/or poison control center.
- Apply an ice pack directly to the bite area to relieve swelling and pain.
- Collect the spider (even a mangled specimen has diagnostic value), if possible, for positive identification by a spider expert.
- A plastic bag or small jar is useful and with no preservative. However, rubbing alcohol helps to preserve the spider.
About the Writer
C. E. Jones is the President and a partner of ArmaXX Pest Control Services, LLC, including a brown recluse spider extermination expert. His company serves residential and commercial customers in Nashville, Tennessee and surrounding communities. You can reach him by email at info@armaxx.com. Please visit the company on the web at www.armaxx.com.
C. E. Jones is the President and a partner of ArmaXX Pest Control Services, LLC, including a brown recluse spider extermination expert. His company serves residential and commercial customers in Nashville, Tennessee and surrounding communities. You can reach him by email at info@armaxx.com. Please visit the company on the web at www.armaxx.com.
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