How do I identify a brown recluse spider?

The brown recluse spider, also known as the violin spider or Loxosceles reclusa, is a venomous spider found primarily in the central and southern United States. While spider bites are generally harmless, a brown recluse bite can cause significant tissue damage due to the spider’s cytotoxic venom. Therefore, it is important to be able to recognize a brown recluse spider so you can take precautions if you live in an area where they are found.

What does a brown recluse spider look like?

Brown recluse spiders are typically between 6-20 mm (0.25-0.8 inches) in body length and have long, thin legs. They are a light to deep brown color with a darker violin-shaped marking on the top surface of their cephalothorax (fused head and thorax). This violin marking is why they are sometimes called violin spiders. The neck of the violin points toward the spider’s abdomen. They have six equal-sized eyes arranged in pairs, with one pair in front and a pair on either side.

Key identification features of brown recluse spiders include:

• Violin-shaped marking on top of cephalothorax
• Uniform brown color, legs same color as body
• Six equal-sized eyes arranged in three pairs
• Long, thin legs
• Body size 6-20 mm

Where do brown recluse spiders live?

Brown recluse spiders are found primarily in the central and southeastern United States. Their native habitat centers around the Ozark Plateau, where Arkansas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Kansas and Iowa meet. They have expanded into surrounding states, with isolated populations reported as far north as Wisconsin and Michigan and as far west as Texas.

Within their range, brown recluse spiders may be found both indoors and outdoors. They prefer dry, warm environments like basements, closets, sheds, barns and crawl spaces. They may also hide in cardboard boxes, behind furniture, in piles of clothing and in unattended shoes or boots. Outdoors, they may be found under logs, rubble piles and rocks.

How to identify a brown recluse spider bite

Being able to recognize a brown recluse spider bite is also useful. Their venom contains a hemotoxic compound that can destroy red blood cells and cause surrounding tissue to die. However, it is important to note that most suspected spider bites are actually misdiagnosed and caused by other conditions.

Some key features of a brown recluse bite include:

• Little pain at the bite site initially
• Blistering at the bite site within 2-8 hours
• Formation of a large, irregular wound or ulceration
• Wound dries out and forms a blackish scab
• Systemic symptoms like fever, chills, nausea, joint pain in moderate cases

Seek medical attention promptly if you suspect a brown recluse bite, as death of skin and other tissues can continue for weeks without treatment.

How to prevent brown recluse spiders in your home

If you live in an area with brown recluse spiders, you can take some basic precautions to help prevent them from taking up residence in your home:

• Seal cracks and crevices on the exterior of your home.
• Remove clutter like piles of debris, rocks, and firewood away from the foundation.
• Install tight-fitting screens on doors and windows.
• Store boxes off the floor and regularly check for spiders.
• Inspect items like shoes and clothing after storage.
• Use glue boards or traps to monitor for spiders.
• Vacuum and dust regularly, especially in undisturbed areas.

Insecticide sprays and perimeter treatments may also help reduce brown recluse populations around your home. Non-chemical measures like sticky traps can help monitor populations.

What to do if you find a brown recluse spider

If you find a spider that you believe is a brown recluse in your home, take precautions to avoid being bitten. Some tips include:

• Trapping it under a glass jar until it can be identified or safely removed.
• Using glue boards or sticky traps to contain the spider.
• Gently sweeping it into a dust pan using a broom or brush.
• Using protective gloves and clothing if you need to directly handle the spider.
• Taking a picture of the spider and seeking expert identification if you are unsure.

Avoid squashing the spider or forcing it to bite, as this may increase your risk of being bitten. Safely collect and contain the spider for removal instead. You may wish to enlist a pest control professional for identification and removal if brown recluse spiders are found regularly in your home.

First aid for a brown recluse spider bite

If you are bitten by a brown recluse spider, take these immediate first aid steps while seeking medical attention:

1. Wash the bite area with soap and water.
2. Apply a cool compress to relieve swelling.
3. Elevate the affected limb if possible.
4. Do not attempt to suck out venom by mouth.
5. Avoid any home remedies or slicing/cutting the wound open.
6. Seek emergency care if systemic symptoms like fever or nausea develop.

Though uncommon, severe reactions to a brown recluse spider bite can be life-threatening. Seek evaluation by a medical professional so appropriate treatment with steroids, antivenom, antibiotics, and wound care can be initiated promptly.

Myths and facts about brown recluse spiders

There are many myths and misconceptions about brown recluse spiders. Learning to separate fact from fiction can help you coexist safely if brown recluses occur in your area. Here are some brown recluse myths and facts:

Myth: Brown recluses are aggressive.

Fact: Brown recluse spiders are timid and bite only when threatened or compressed against skin. Most bites occur when people roll over them in bed.

Myth: Their populations are spreading.

Fact: Brown recluse numbers have remained generally stable within their native range.

Myth: Bites always cause nasty wounds.

Fact: While some bites cause significant reactions, most are mild or imperceptible.

Myth: They live only in dark, dusty spaces.

Fact: Brown recluses inhabit a wide range of undisturbed indoor and outdoor spaces within their range.

Myth: Fumigation is necessary if they move in.

Fact: Non-chemical measures like clutter reduction and sealing cracks are often sufficient.

Conclusion

Brown recluse spiders can be concerning if you live in areas where they occur. While serious bites can occur, they are uncommon. Learning how to identify them, discourage them from your home, and handle encounters safely is key to preventing problems. With vigilance and sensible precautions, most people can coexist relatively safely with brown recluses within their native habitat range.