Encountering a brown recluse spider in your home can be a concerning experience. Known for their venomous bite, these spiders pose a significant risk, making it essential to handle the situation with care. If you’re wondering what to do if you find a brown recluse spider, this guide provides step-by-step instructions and insights to help keep you and your family safe.
What Are Brown Recluse Spiders?
Brown recluse spiders are a species of venomous spider commonly found in the central and southern United States. Known for their reclusive nature, they prefer dark, undisturbed areas such as closets, attics, and basements. Unlike more aggressive spiders, brown recluses tend to avoid humans, but they can bite when threatened or accidentally disturbed.
Identifying the Brown Recluse Spider
Before taking any action, it’s important to confirm that the spider you’ve found is indeed a brown recluse. Proper identification is the first step in ensuring the appropriate response. Here’s what to look for:
- Color: Brown recluse spiders are usually light to dark brown, with a uniform color across their bodies.
- Size: They are about the size of a quarter, including the legs.
- Markings: The most distinctive feature of a brown recluse is the dark, violin-shaped marking on the top of its cephalothorax (the body part where the legs attach). This marking points toward the rear of the spider.
- Eyes: Unlike most spiders that have eight eyes, brown recluses have six eyes arranged in pairs.
Why Brown Recluse Spiders Are Dangerous
The brown recluse is not an aggressive spider, but its bite can be dangerous. The venom of a brown recluse contains a potent enzyme that can cause tissue damage. Bites are often painless at first but can develop into serious wounds if left untreated.
Symptoms of a Brown Recluse Bite
A brown recluse bite can lead to the following symptoms:
- Mild to severe pain: The bite site may become red and tender, with pain intensifying over several hours.
- Blister formation: A blister may form at the site, which can break open, leading to an ulcer or sore.
- Necrosis: In severe cases, the tissue around the bite may die, resulting in a necrotic lesion that requires medical treatment.
- Systemic symptoms: In rare cases, symptoms can include fever, chills, nausea, and joint pain.
What to Do If You Find a Brown Recluse
Once you’ve identified the spider is actually a brown recluse, it’s crucial to take the right steps to manage the situation safely. Here’s what you should do:
1. Do Not Approach the Spider
Avoid getting close to the spider. Brown recluses are typically shy and prefer to hide, but they can bite if they feel threatened. Maintaining a safe distance reduces the risk of being bitten.
2. Secure the Area
If the brown recluse is in an area where it poses a risk to others, take steps to secure the area:
- Keep people and pets away: Ensure that children, pets, and others stay clear of the area where the spider was found.
- Close off the room: If possible, close the door to the room and place a towel or other barrier under the door to prevent the spider from moving to another part of the house.
3. Do Not Attempt to Remove the Spider Yourself
Given the risks associated with a brown recluse bite, it’s important not to attempt to capture or kill the spider yourself. Even if the spider appears to be stationary, it can move quickly if disturbed.
4. Contact a Professional
The safest and most effective way to handle a brown recluse spider is to contact a professional pest control service. The following explains why:
- Expert identification: A pest control professional can confirm whether the spider is indeed a brown recluse.
- Safe removal: Professionals have the tools and experience to safely remove the spider without risking bites or further infestations.
- Thorough inspection: A professional can inspect your home to determine if there are more brown recluses or other pests, which is critical in preventing future encounters.
Take Control of Your Home with Aptive’s Spider Control
Worried there might be brown recluse spiders lurking around your home? Aptive’s expert team is ready to help with comprehensive inspections and tailored pest management solutions, including spider control. Let us help protect your home and community with our trusted services, one home at a time. Reach out to us today for a free quote and take the first step towards a more secure and comfortable living space.
