Brown Recluse Spiders
If you haven't heard of brown recluse spiders then chances are you don't live in the Southern US areas where they are found such as California or Virginia, though they can go as far north as Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana and Ohio. Brown recluse spiders avoid humans, but at the same time they are infamous for biting humans when they are accidentally touched or if they feel threatened. Brown recluse spider bites sometimes turn into serious infection. Because brown recluse spiders like to hide in clothing and in shoes, they end up having contact with humans, resulting in a bite.
What do they look like?
Brown recluse spiders are on average 1/4 to 3/4 of an inch in size and are brown or deep yellow in color. Their nicknames — fiddleback spider and violin spider — come from their interesting shape and markings. The spiders have markings with a black line that make them look like violins. The violin pattern is common in adult brown recluses, but some young brown recluse spiders do not have any contrasting pigmentation in the violin region. Brown recluse spiders have six eyes, unlike most other US spiders that have eight eyes.
Where do they like to hide?
Their favorite places outside are in woodpiles, sheds and closets, so it's important to wear gloves when working in these spots if you live in an area known for having recluse spiders. Other common hiding places include garages, cellars, in shoes, behind picture frames, under bedding and in and around cardboard boxes. All spiders like cardboard boxes because they are reminiscent of rotting tree bark, so it's a good idea to limit the number of cardboard boxes in your home.
What Should I do if Bitten?
If a brown recluse spider bites you, the chances are that nothing will happen except for minor skin irritation near the bite. The problem is that in some cases, brown recluse spiders will release venom when they bite, which is when it could be dangerous for a human. A human may experience flu-like symptoms or develop a major skin irritation around the bite. If this is the case or if you know that you have been bitten by a recluse spider, seek immediate medical attention.
How do I prevent brown recluse spiders?
The best way to prevent these spiders is by keeping a clutter-free home with few cardboard boxes. There are many spider traps available for purchase, such as those from BigH and glue traps.
For more information visit Natural Spider Traps.
