The brown recluse spider is most common in the south-central United States. These spiders are also generally referred to as “fiddleback” because of the marking on the cephalothorax (fused head and thorax). They are regularly found in dark, stuffy areas, which are rarely disturbed by humans and animals. Many pest control companies receive numerous “brown” spider calls that homeowners erroneously think are brown recluse spiders.
Brown Recluse Description
The adult brown recluse spider, including other species of recluse spiders, the violin marking is found on the fused head and thorax area. The abdomen is consistently colored, although the coloration can range from tan to dark brown. The brown recluse has long, thin, brown legs which are covered with fine hairs - no spines. Adult brown recluse spiders have a leg span about the size of a quarter. Both sexes are venomous. The immature stages closely resemble the adults except for size and a slightly lighter color. Unlike most spiders, the brown recluse has pairs of six eyes.
Brown recluse spiders prefer isolated corners and sheltered areas with low moisture levels. These spiders are called “Recluse” for a reason – they prefer areas unoccupied and not disturbed by humans. In a study accomplished by Jamél Sandidge, Entomologist, the top 10 areas where brown recluse spiders are found in homes:
Egg laying mainly occurs from May through July. The female lays about 50 eggs which are encased in a white silken sac - roughly 2/3-inch diameter. Each female may produce several egg sacs over a period of a year. Spiderlings materialize from the egg sac in about 30 days. It takes an average of one year for the spider to reach the adult stage. Brown recluse spiders often live about one to two years. In some studies, brown recluse may live five to 10 years under ideal conditions. They can survive long periods of time - ½ year - without food or water.
For more information about Brown Recluse Spider habitat and life cycle : visit Amaxx Brown Recluse Spider Info
The reaction to a brown recluse spider bite depends on the amount of venom injected and and individual’s sensitivity to it. Some people are unaffected by a bite, whereas others experience immediate or delayed effects as the venom kills the tissues (necrosis) at the site of the bite. Symptoms are reactions signs sometime include:
If bitten brown recluse spider, remain calm, and immediately seek medical attention by contacting your physician, hospital and/or poison control center. Actions to take:
Control of brown recluse indoor infestations can take a long time - 6 months or more. These infestations tend to be widely dispersed within a building, and they seek out-of-the-way sites. Controlling brown recluse spiders, is best attained by following an integrated pest management (IPM) strategy. IPM involves multiple approaches such as preventive measures, exclusion, sanitation, trapping, and chemical treatments.
If you live in the Nashville and Middle, Tennessee area, contact ArmaXX Pest Control. This pest control company has extensive and successful experience controlling brown recluse spiders, especially in large buildings and institutions.
Spider Content Description