Did you know that brown recluse spiders are one of the most misidentified spiders? And that it’s actually easier to identify one by telling if something is not a brown recluse spider? That said, the brown recluse is most commonly identified by the dark brown violin shape on its back, its six eyes instead of the eight that most other spiders have, and the fact that it predominantly lives in the Midwest and Southeast regions of the United States.
The brown recluse is infamous for their reclusive, secretive nature, hence the name, making them hard to locate. Oftentimes they can be found hiding in places that are dry and dark, so think of basements, closets, and the occasional wood pile. For more information on keeping your family and home safe from the brown recluse, read along.
Dangers of Brown Recluse Spiders
The brown recluse is a spider that bites, making them a significant health risk. They tend to bite when they feel trapped or that their home is being threatened. The venom that is released during a bite can prove to cause severe allergic reactions, and the effects may take three or more hours to develop, so don’t be surprised to find a delayed reaction.
Furthermore, the bite of a brown recluse is often not felt, making it all the more difficult to identify when you’ve been bitten by one. The way that Arkansas residents might be able to identify if they’ve been bitten by a brown recluse is by:
Reddened skin that is followed by a blister that forms at the bite location.
Mild to intense itching and discomfort for approximately two to eight hours following being bitten.
A sore (also known as an ulcer) with a breakdown of tissue that can develop weeks after being bitten.
If you believe you may have been bitten by a brown recluse spider, seek medical attention, as this is a situation where you'd much rather be safe than sorry.
Preventing Brown Recluse Spiders In Your Home
If you spot a brown recluse spider in your home or see webs, chances are you already have an infestation. Before getting to that point, there are a few tips that you can try on your Arkansas property to keep brown recluses out:
Prevent access. You should thoroughly inspect the outside perimeter of your home for any small holes or openings, with extra attention to utility pipes and where they enter the home. Seal any such openings with a silicone caulk to prevent spiders and other insects from gaining access inside.
Store firewood properly. Be sure to stack firewood at least 20 from your home and five inches up off of the ground to deter spiders from hiding out in the wood. This is one of their favorite hiding spots. It’s also always a good idea to wear gloves when moving the wood, and inspect it carefully before bringing indoors.
Keep items stored correctly. Do not leave shoes and clothes lying about the floor and always shake them out before getting dressed. If they are stored in the basement, garage, or other dark area, then this is a must. Try storing items such as boots, baseball mitts, skates, gardening clothes, and gloves in tightly sealed plastic bags or boxes.
Whether you have brown recluse spiders on your property or not, if you are experiencing an abundance of spiders on your property, the most effective and safest way to handle them is with professional assistance. Contact us at Rumble Pest Solutions.