From brown recluse spiders to black widows, several dangerous spiders live in Texas.
Brown recluse spiders are some of the most infamous spiders in San Antonio. It’s good to have some background knowledge on the brown recluse, from what they look like to where they live. This way you’ll be prepared if you ever come face to face with one. Here is our guide to identifying a brown recluse.
What Are Brown Recluse Spiders & How Can I Identify Them?
A lot of spiders look alike, but there are several characteristics unique to the brown recluse.
Appearance
Brown recluse spiders have yellowish-brown bodies with an abdomen covered in gray hairs. All eight of their legs are uniformly colored to match their bodies and have no bands.
The easiest way to identify a brown recluse is by the dark brown, violin-shaped marking that runs from the base of their head to their behind. This marking is why they are sometimes called “fiddle-back spiders.” It’s important to note that this specific mark is only visible on adult spiders.
These brown spiders have three pairs of eyes that form a unique semi-circle pattern. And finally, these spiders range from ¼ to ¾ of an inch in length.
Behavior
Brown recluse spiders are most active between March and October. They might hibernate during the winter, but they may also be driven inside in search of warmth and food. Brown recluses aren’t normally jumping spiders, but they may jump if startled.
Where do Brown Recluse Spiders Hide?
Brown recluse spiders aren’t often out in the open for you to spot. They tend to hide in dry, tight places and places you’re unlikely to bother them. Here are some of their favorite hiding spots:
- Closets
- Basements
- Sheds
- Attics
- Cupboards
- Garages
- In stacks of wood
- Piles of leaves
- Undisturbed piles of clothes
- Boxes
Are Brown Recluse Spiders Dangerous?
Similar to black widows, brown recluses are dangerous spiders. While they are venomous, unless they feel threatened, they’ll rarely bite. But it would be best if you still were careful around these spiders. Brown recluse spider bites can pose a serious health risk for some.
If you have a weakened immune system, a brown recluse bite may cause you to have a whole-body reaction. This type of reaction requires immediate medical attention.
When a brown recluse bites you, symptoms may not appear right away. It can take several hours for you to experience symptoms. It’s important to monitor yourself for a severe reaction.
Signs of a brown recluse bite include fever, issues sleeping, and pain and itchiness at the bite site. Some people may experience swelling and redness on the site too.
Even if you don’t have a weak immune system, the wound is at risk for infection. To be safe, you should consult a doctor if a brown recluse bites you.
Why Do I Have a Brown Recluse Spider Problem?
These spiders make their way into your home via air-conditioning units, cracks in foundations, and plumbing. They may also come through windows, doors, or any other direct entrance to your home from outside.
Brown recluse spiders are avid hunters. If you have any insects like cockroaches or other pests in your home, they’ll follow them in. While they’ll help with some of your other pest issues, you definitely don’t want these venomous spiders in your home.
How Can I Prevent Brown Recluse Spiders?
Secure your home by sealing cracks and putting door sweeps on exterior doors. The best way to keep brown recluse spiders away from your home, though, is to get rid of favorable living conditions.
Clean up any storage areas so that they have nowhere to hide. Keep stored items away from walls to eliminate hiding spaces for them. Also, spraying for common household pests will remove their primary food source. This should help keep them out of your home.
How to Get Rid of Brown Recluse Spiders for Good
Brown recluse spiders are challenging to get rid of. Your best bet is to hire a professional who knows how to handle them.
Our comprehensive pest control plans will ensure your brown recluse problem is solved and remove other pests in the process. Contact Romney Pest Control today to keep your home spider-free!
