It would make sense that since brown recluse spiders are arguably the most dangerous spiders in America, they would be easy to identify. Due to their powerful venom, their bodies must be brightly colored, or at least larger than other common spiders in our area, right? What if we told you that brown recluse spiders are some of the most misidentified spiders here in the States? Would this make these pests scarier to you? To help you identify brown recluse spiders around your home, here are a few distinguishing features you should know about.
How To Identify A Brown Recluse
There are over 35,000 species of spiders around the world; many look similar to one another. Brown recluse spiders happen to share many characteristics with several different spiders that live in our area. Sac spiders, ground spiders, and wolf spiders are all commonly mistaken for brown recluse spiders due to their brown color, long legs, and darker markings. The only distinguishing feature brown recluse have that set them apart is the dark brown backward violin mark located just behind their heads.
When Are Brown Recluse Most Active?
Most pests need warmth to survive; spiders do not. They have a naturally produced antifreeze that allows them to keep moving even in the chills of winter. Even if they couldn’t do this, it wouldn’t matter here in Houston, Texas, as our temperatures rarely drop below 50 degrees. All of this is to say brown recluse are year-round pests here.
The Dangers Of Brown Recluse
Although relatively small, these venomous spiders pack quite a punch with their powerful bites. Victims bitten by these spiders often experience pain or redness around the bite zone and develop symptoms, including fever, chills, nausea, joint pain, and weakness. A deep ulcer might also form around the area of the bite. In rare cases, affected individuals have seizures, which sometimes lead to a coma and even death.
If you believe you have been bitten by a brown recluse, seek medical attention immediately. This will reduce your chances of developing severe symptoms and help minimize how much pain and discomfort you feel.
How To Prevent Brown Recluse Spiders
Brown recluse spiders invade homes to hunt other pests such as cockroaches, flies, and beetles. To prevent these spiders and the other insects they invade to feed on, try these simple prevention tips.
- Trim your grass regularly.
- Eliminate clutter and debris from around your yard.
- Make sure your gutters are clean and in good working order.
- Repair leaks in and around your home.
- Use a dehumidifier inside your home.
- Use a caulking gun or some liquid cement to fill in gaps, holes, and cracks in your home’s exterior foundation.
- Inspect weatherstripping, door sweeps, and window/door screens around your home and make sure they are in good repair.
- Clean your home thoroughly and regularly.
- After every meal, store leftover foods inside airtight containers.
The Best Way To Keep Out Brown Recluse
Preventing pests, especially brown recluse spiders, is not an easy thing to do. It requires constant attention and effort to do it right. If you are looking for a simpler solution to keeping brown recluse spiders out of your Houston home, let the professionals at Romney Pest Control help. Our team is dedicated to our clients’ safety and committed to doing everything in their power to keep dangerous spiders out of homes.
Reach out to us today with questions you might have or to schedule a thorough inspection for your Houston home and property.
