Found in the south central Midwest from Ohio to Nebraska and the South from Texas to Georgia, the brown recluse spider is one of the most commonly misidentified spiders. However, its bite can cause necrosis in humans, and the spider is known for its reclusive hiding abilities—making it essential homeowners remain educated on what to do if you come across a brown recluse.
No matter your pest concern, Evolve Pest Control will provide you peace of mind through consistency and excellence. With over 60,000 homes serviced, our expert service technicians will treat your property like their own, resolving your Dallas pest control concerns once and for all.
Correctly Identifying The Brown Recluse Spider
The brown recluse spider is ¼ to ½ inch in size and light to dark brown with its characteristic violin marking on its back. Because this spider is so often misidentified, it may be helpful to make efforts to determine if the spider is NOT a brown recluse, as this is much easier. Brown recluse spiders have six eyes as opposed to the usual eight we have come to expect in arachnids. The violin marking is darker than the spider’s body.
The brown recluse gets its name not only from its color, but its behavior as well. This spider prefers dark, secretive places to hide, such as in wood or debris piles, or in seldom-used garments. The brown recluse spider is most often found in residential properties in storage areas such as the basement, attic, closets, or bedrooms.
Are Brown Recluse Spiders Dangerous?
While not aggressive, brown recluse spiders will bite humans when threatened. Brown recluse spider venom may cause dead skin tissue, resulting in an ulcer. The bite heals slowly, often taking several weeks. This spider’s bite is particularly dangerous to vulnerable populations such as babies, those with pre-existing conditions, and the elderly. If you are bitten by a spider you believe to be a brown recluse, seek medical attention and bring the spider for identification purposes, if possible. Remember, when it comes to matters of health, it is always better safe than sorry.
If you believe your home or yard to have a brown recluse spider infestation, contact a licensed professional home pest control or commercial pest control service, such as Evolve Pest Control to arm your home against these uninvited guests. Don’t second-guess, call the professionals!
Five Simple Tips To Prevent Brown Recluse Spiders In Your Dallas Home
To effectively prevent an active brown recluse spider infestation, homeowners should follow these tips in order to avoid the spider gaining entry into their home in the first place.
- Inspect the exterior of your home for any potential points of entry, such as foundation cracks or around outdoor utility pipes. Seal any holes with a silicone-based caulk.
- Inspect all window and door screens for tears. This will not only protect against brown recluse spiders, but a myriad of other pests as well, including those the brown recluse preys on (and may follow into your home!).
- Store any firewood a minimum of 20 feet from the exterior of the home, and at least five feet off the ground. Use working gloves when handling wood; inspect any wood before bringing it into the home.
- Avoid leaving clothes and shoes on the floor. Seldom-worn garments or shoes should be kept in tightly sealed plastic bags, or shaken out before being put on.
- If you observe an excess of spiders on your property, contact Evolve Pest Control.
Regardless if they are the brown recluse or not, the most effective method to resolve spiders inside the home is through calling professional help. Evolve Pest Control service technicians will service your home expertly, every time. Contact us today for a free estimate for your residential or commercial property.
