Most spiders are harmless busy-bodies in a backyard habitat, but these dark-brown hermits can pose a deadly threat to your family’s health and safety.
The brown recluse, also known as the violin spider, is one of the most dangerous arachnids found in the United States. With a range from the southwestern states all the way to Terre Haute, these eight-legged menaces can pose real and serious dangers.
True to their name, brown recluses are a tawny brown in color with a dark fiddle-shaped marking on the top of their head. An easy way to identify a brown recluse is the six equal-sized eyes in the center of their head (instead of the characteristic eight that most spiders have). Unlike other arachnids, brown recluse spiders don’t capture prey in their webs. Instead, they build irregular structures in which to hide from danger.
The Dangers Defined
Although rare, deaths have been reported after a severe brown recluse bite. Children under the age of seven are the most at risk for the necrotic venom, which rots tissue and leaves painful open sores. Bites may take several days to become noticeable, becoming a bluish, sinking pit capped by a white blister. Without immediate medical attention, the wound can spread into a full necrotic lesion.
The best way to stay safe from the threat of the brown recluse is to prevent them from taking up residence. This can be done through several preemptive actions.
- Seal up any cracks, holes, or large openings in structures such as playground equipment or outdoor sheds.
- Keep solid debris like firewood or large branches off your property and away from the sides of your house. Brown recluses hide in dark areas, so remove their options immediately.
- Regularly inspect dark areas of your home like basements and crawlspaces for spider activity.
If brown recluse spiders have already found their way into your home, preventative measures will be of little help. At this point, professional home pest control services will be needed to eliminate present and future spiders from multiplying.
Stay Safe with Action
Even with preventative measures in place, the dangers of the brown recluse remain. If you think or know that venomous spider activity is picking up around your yard, the time to act is now. Don’t hesitate to reach out to Action Pest Control today for advice or assistance in safely removing pests from your home or lawn.
Get peace of mind by calling to schedule your free home inspection, helping you to fight back against brown recluse spiders and to secure your property from venomous spiders and beyond.