Only two types of spiders in the United States pack medically significant venom, and the brown recluse spider is one of them. Unlike their other dangerous counterpart, the infamous black widow, brown recluse spiders can be tough to identify because they look similar to many other spiders. That's why you may need to rely on help from Franklin pest control professionals to ensure your family is safe.
Brown Recluse Spiders Are Commonly Misidentified
Brown recluse spiders look like many other spiders commonly found in Franklin homes. Huntsman, wolf, house, and hobo spiders look similar to the brown recluse. However, if you mistake a brown recluse for one of these harmless spiders, you could be in trouble when trying to treat a bite.
The good news is that there are a few ways to distinguish brown recluse spiders from the pack. Brown recluses are among the most plain-Jane spiders in our area. Aside from a darker fiddle-shaped marking on their light brown bodies, they are virtually patternless. If you see a spider with lots of mottling or striped legs, it's not a brown recluse.
If you see a very hairy spider, it's also not a recluse, as they have minimal fuzz. Brown recluse spiders are also one of the few with only six eyes, but you'll need to get very close to see this, so it may not be the best way to identify them.
The Dangers Of A Brown Recluse Spider's Bite
Almost all types of spiders are venomous, but unlike most spiders in the United States, brown recluses have venom potent enough to harm humans. Don't panic, though, as your chances of dying from a brown recluse bite are slim. But a bite from this spider can cause a large wound to form and leave a permanent scar.
These spiders pack a venom called a hemotoxin that causes the tissue around the bite site to die, a process known as necrosis. The necrosis around a brown recluse bite can range in size from a tiny pinprick to a wound the size of a grapefruit. These wounds are incredibly vulnerable to infection, so you need to seek medical help if you think you've been bitten by a brown recluse.
The Safest Way To Get Rid Of A Brown Recluse Spider Infestation
If you want to get rid of spiders, the best way to do that is to get rid of the infestations that attract them. Unlike other pests, spiders don't have any reason to come into our homes unless they are infested with common spider prey items like roaches, flies, ants, and other prey. That means if you want to keep brown recluses and other spiders away from your property, the first thing you need to do is make sure you don't have an infestation that's attracting them and eliminate such an infestation if you do.
Five Helpful Tips To Prevent Future Brown Recluse Spider Problems
There are a few steps you can take to make your home less attractive to spiders. These steps include:
- Cover all trash both inside and outside.
- Store pantry foods in airtight containers.
- Seal up cracks and holes in your home's exterior.
- Declutter to reduce spider hiding spots.
- Remove cobwebs wherever you find them.
If these methods do not succeed at keeping spiders out, contact us here at American Pest Control. We have been providing home pest control in Franklin, NC for over 50 years. Our universal technicians are licensed and trained to get rid of brown recluse spiders and other pests that want to make your home their home. For spider control, you can count on, contact American Pest Control to schedule your free inspection.
We offer safe and effective ways to eliminate spiders and their prey so you can enjoy a pest-free home.
Our certified pest experts will work with you to find the best solution for your needs. Simply fill out this form for a free, no-obligation estimate.
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