How do you tell if it's a brown recluse?

A brown recluse has a dirt or sandy brown body with a slightly darker marking at its center; they can also be dark brown and even slightly yellow. Its legs are a lighter brown and completely uniform in color, with no additional markings. If the spider has stripes or other pigments on its legs, it's not a brown recluse.

What gets mistaken for a brown recluse?

Huntsman spider (family Sparassidae). These spiders are fairly frequently mistaken for brown recluses. Note the 8 eyes in 2 rows, and spines and darker dots on the legs and abdomen.

How do you test for brown recluse?

Although a diagnostic test for Loxosceles reclusa bite is not available in clinical laboratories, an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) has been developed to detect brown recluse spider venom.

What spiders look like brown recluse?

Hobo spiders are commonly mistaken for brown recluses due to their brown coloring. However, there are some differences between the two spiders. Hobo spiders have a chevron pattern on their abdomens. These markings can be faint and difficult to see with the naked eye.

How can you tell a brown recluse from a grass spider?

Their brownish hue and outdoor habitat are what cause many people to misidentify a grass spider for a brown recluse. Agelenopsis, or a grass spider, is significantly larger than a brown recluse but has a similar coloring. However, this spider has a set of eight eyes and is a funnel web spinner.

How to identify a brown recluse spider

Are brown recluses aggressive?

Brown recluse spiders are not aggressive by nature, and typically run for cover when disturbed. However, these spiders are known to bite when they feel trapped.

What is the difference between a brown recluse and a house spider?

Color Patterns & Markings

A brown recluse spider has a darker patch that is wider near the eyes and narrows like a violin as it moves towards the spider's abdomen. A house spider has no such pattern and is uniform in color on the cephalothorax.

Do brown recluses jump?

The spider does not usually jump unless touched brusquely, and even then its avoidance movement is more of a horizontal lunge rather than a vaulting of itself entirely off the surface. When running, the brown recluse does not leave a silk line behind, which would make it more easily tracked when it is being pursued.

Which states have brown recluse spiders?

Brown recluse spiders are established in sixteen states: Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Texas.

How do I identify a spider I found?

What does a brown recluse bite look like after 24 hours?

if the area around the bite becomes more purple in color around 12 to 24 hours after the bite, skin death will likely occur. This is known as necrosis. If necrosis occurs, it can take several weeks or even months for the wound to heal fully.

Do brown recluse bites itch?

Venom from the brown recluse spider usually causes local tissue damage. The following are the most common symptoms of a bite from a brown recluse spider: Burning, pain, itching, or redness at the site which is usually delayed and may develop within several hours or days of the bite.

Should I go to the ER for a brown recluse bite?

Go to the emergency room or call your doctor immediately if you think a brown recluse has bitten you. If possible, catch the spider in a jar and take it with you. This can help your doctor identify the spider and confirm the diagnosis. Often in the emergency department, a doctor will give you a tetanus booster.

Where are brown recluse spiders most commonly found?

Brown recluse spiders are native to the U.S., and can be found from Texas to Florida and up to Ohio. They are often found living outdoors in debris and woodpiles, and hundreds or even thousands can be found in a single area. When indoors, brown recluses favor cardboard because it mimics rotting tree bark.

What does the bite of a brown recluse look like?

Initially the bite site is mildly red and upon close inspection may reveal fang marks. Within a few hours, the redness gives way to pallor with a red ring surrounding the area, or a "bull's-eye" appearance. The lesion will often appear to flow downhill over the course of many hours.

What state has the most brown recluses?

The brown recluse makes its home in the south-central area of the United States. They appear most abundantly in states such as Oklahoma, Texas, Arkansas, Kansas, Alabama, and Kentucky. As seen below, the brown recluse can be found in many other states as well.

What time of year are brown recluse most active?

Brown recluse spiders are mostly only active from March through October, so trying to control them from October through March is generally not necessary or useful. 2. They are found outdoors in Kansas and other Midwestern states, as well as within structures. They tend to thrive in the same environments that humans do.

Will brown recluse spiders leave you alone?

Brown Recluse Spider Bites

These spiders just want to be left alone. Unless they are disturbed or feel threatened, the brown recluse spider will not attack. This spider bites humans often as a response to feeling trapped.

What if I see a brown recluse in my house?

Signs of a brown recluse spider infestation mainly include spotting one, or noticing webs in and around the home. If you have an infestation in your home, contact a licensed pest professional to inspect and treat the pest problem.

What is worse black widow or brown recluse?

Brown recluse usually doesn't kill a person the worst that can occur is amputation of a limb, removing and skin grafting the damaged tissue. But the Black Widow can have a more lethal bite since it not only effects tissue but the neurological system, which can lead to death.

Do brown recluses live in groups?

Brown recluses are usually found in the Midwestern and south-central areas of the United States. They prefer to scavenge dead or dying insects rather than hunt live prey. As the name would suggest, they are generally shy, reclusive spiders, but do tend to live in groups or clusters.

How do you keep brown recluse spiders out of your house?

Install door sweeps, screens, and apply weather-stripping to window and door casings. Caulk any cracks. Closing these crevices and wall voids will prevent brown recluses from entering your home.

Where do brown recluse spiders hide?

Brown Recluse Hiding Spots

Outside, you might find brown recluse spiders under logs, rocks, and in your firewood pile. If they get indoors, they may seek hiding places in boxes, shoes, clothes, and furniture. They can be found inside closets, in basements, and garages.

Do brown recluses move fast?

The brown recluse spider is a fast-moving, hunting spider with a venomous bite that can lead to serious injury.

Where do brown recluse spiders like to live?

Brown recluse spiders may live in the following locations: boxes, clothing, shoes, furniture, bedding, rubber tires and other dry, dark, warm locations. Storage areas such as closets, basements and cellars are commonly inhabited.