Disagreeable or Deadly?

Brown Recluse Spiders have a reputation for being dangerous, but how deadly are they really?

Very few homeowners enjoy finding spiders on their property, but some are scarier to come across than others. Brown Recluse Spiders are one of the two most medically dangerous spiders we have here in Virginia, with Black Widow Spiders being the other. While there isn't a unified consensus on which is more dangerous between the two, it's safe to say that Brown Recluse Spiders are a species not to be messed with.

What Do Brown Recluse Spiders Look Like?

How Dangerous Are Brown Recluse Spiders?

How Do I Protect Myself From Brown Recluse Spiders?

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What Do Brown Recluse Spiders Look Like?

Brown Recluse Spiders are part of the family of spiders that have a shiny black or dark brown fiddle-shaped pattern on the back of their head (the family being aptly called violin spiders or fiddlebacks). They are a shade of brown, ranging from tan to dark brown, and are most often golden. Aside from the fiddle-marking, they have no other stripes or bands, fine hair on their body and an oval shaped abdomen. Brown Recluse Spiders grow to be almost half an inch long with four thin legs on either side of their body, and six eyes arranged in groups of two on the front and sides of their head.

Several other spiders, such as funnel weaver, nursery web and wolf spiders, are often mistaken for Brown Recluse Spiders, but all those spiders have other markings, such as bands, stripes, or spots.

Brown Recluse Spiders generally live in basements and garages, hiding behind and in boards and boxes. They don't spin their webs out in the open, but can have huge populations once an infestation begins.

How Dangerous Are Brown Recluse Spiders?

The quickest answer is "that depends". Symptoms can range from mild to extremely severe, including death. Initially, the site of the bite is usually painless. In the following one to two days, symptoms will begin to develop and can include fevers, chills, weakness, joint pain, and nausea. The skin around the bitten area may die, causing a wound that can last for months.

The most at-risk population are the very young, very old, and the immunocompromised, though severe reactions can occur in anyone. Most of the reported deaths have occurred in children, with some happening just hours after the bite; however, death from a Brown Recluse Spider bite is relatively rare.

Just as with human populations, a Brown Recluse Spider bite can be harmful to pets. The symptoms can include vomiting, labored breathing, wobbly gait or limping, drooling, or even paralysis.

If you suspect a spider bite and experience any of these symptoms, seek immediate medical care at the ER (or veterinarian).

How Do I Protect Myself From Brown Recluse Spiders?

Remember that spiders eat insects, so keeping your house and yard free of other bugs will automatically lower the population of spiders as they will move to areas with more food. This includes turning off exterior lights or using warm LED lightbulbs, which attract fewer insects. Seal up cracks and gaps in your exterior walls, doors and windows.

Because Brown Recluse Spiders like to hide in and behind clutter, keeping a tidy house (or garage or basement!) will help eliminate the draw for spiders to move in with you. Vacuum regularly, especially under furniture, behind doors, in closets, and in storage areas. The same principle applies to your yard. Eliminating piles of rotting leaves and foliage, wood piles, and unkempt grass and bushes will reduce the insects in your yard, leaving spiders less attracted to it. Removing standing water will also significantly reduce the insect population, and therefore the number of Brown Recluse Spiders you are drawing into your living areas.

Professional pest control services, particularly services that target broad insect populations and not just mosquitoes, will be effective at keeping spiders at bay. They work both directly in eradicating spiders, and indirectly in eliminating food sources by reducing other insect populations. Prevention is best - consistent yard pest control applications throughout the warm months to keep them out of your yard, and maintaining a year-round home barrier to keep them from coming inside any time of the year (especially in the winter when they're seeking shelter), is key.

Let us help you protect your home and family. Call us today!

To learn even more about local Virginia pests, check out our pest library