In your Texas home over the fall and winter months, spiders are a common occurrence. As many pests seek shelter from the colder weather, spiders follow them into your San Antonio, TX home or business. During the cooler months, the most common spider species to come inside is the Brown Recluse Spider. With this in mind, we at A Five Star Termite and Pest Control would like to elaborate on brown recluse spiders.
What Do Brown Recluse Spiders Look Like?
Featuring the distinct dark brown violin shape on its back, the brown recluse spiders are easily identified. Woodpiles, garages and closets are examples of their preferred location, as the spider prefers warm, dry and dark environments. Their secretive behaviors are a notorious behavioral trait. On a scale that ranges from tan or light brown to dark brown, these are the primary colorings of the brown recluse spider and as mentioned, they have the dark violin marking on their back. These bigger than the average house spider, averages ¼ – ½ inch long and feature a more robust round body. Getting their name due to their reclusive nature and coloration, the brown recluse spiders, or sometimes referred to as fiddleback / violin spiders. A sure confirmation you have them in your home is noticing their webs and seeing them firsthand.
Brown Recluse Spider Bites
As it is usually unintentional and more of a reflex if they feel trapped, brown recluse spiders will deliver a devastating bite, often when a foot is sliding into a shoe they took residence in or a hand that reaches to pull out a blanket that has been undisturbed for a while. Making it more optimal to avoid, a bite can take 3 or more hours to develop and about 3 weeks to heal. More prone to severe allergic reactions from the venom are the kids of the elderly or those with preexisting medical conditions.
How to Prevent Brown Recluse Spiders?
By first hindering their access to your home, prevention is effective. Particularly around utility lines and pipes, ensure your home is well sealed by repairing any holes and gaps. With the firewood up at least 18 inches off the ground, keep it organized and at least 20 feet away from the house. Be sure to wear a thick pair of work gloves if you need to relocate your wood. Shake out well before using them, any clothes, shoes, and blankets, especially items that are not frequently used can be harboring these spiders. These spiders avoid aggressive behavior.
Spider Inspections, Control & More in Canyon Lake, Spring Branch, Bulverde, Timberwood Park, Leon Valley, Alamo Heights, New Braunfels, Selma, Live Oak, Converse, Universal City, Cibolo, Seguin, New Berlin, St Hedwig, Adkins, La Vernia, Elmendorf, Losoya, Von Ormy, Macdona & San Antonio, Texas
The initial bite of a brown recluse is not usually felt. It can take 6-8 hours for the pain to manifest as later, the stinging sensation emerges and is soon followed by the pain that is intense. Along with localized blisters, the surrounding bite may become swollen. Also, common symptoms include difficulty sleeping, fever, and restlessness. An open ulcer that potentially exposes underlying muscles and/or bone, during the next 10-14 days, the dead tissue gradually sloughs away. Getting medical treatment is encouraged as soon as possible to help manage the symptoms if bitten. Call A Five Star Termite and Pest Control and let our experts eliminate the infestations and help you prevent further invaders if you suspect brown recluse spiders, or any other spiders in San Antonio, TX home.
