Brown Recluse Spider Fact Sheet

Brown Recluse Spider (Wikipedia)

The brown recluse spider belongs to a group of spiders commonly known as violin spiders or fiddlebacks. The characteristic fiddle-shaped pattern is located on the top of the leg attachment region (cephalothorax). Because they are secluded and withdrawn, as their name implies, the brown recluse avoids open spaces. Brown recluse spiders (Loxosceles reclusa) are dangerous and they can bite and inject toxic venom.

Identification:
• Body size: 1/4 to 3/4 inch (6.4-19.1mm)
• Color: Golden brown
• A dark violin/fiddle shape (see top photo) is located on the top of the leg attachment region (cephalothorax) with the neck of the violin/fiddle pointing backward toward the abdomen.
• Unlike most spiders that have 8 eyes, the brown recluse has 6 eyes. The eyes, arranged in pairs – one pair in front and a pair on either side – can be readily seen under low magnification.

Habits:
Brown Recluse spiders are not aggressive by nature and will only bite when they are threatened, usually when pressed up against the victim's skin. They like warm, dark, and dry environments such as barns, porches, basements, wood piles, attics, closets and old tires. The bites are most prevalent in the summer months.

Symptoms:
Recluse bites sometimes go unnoticed at first as the bites are usually painless. Occasionally, some minor burning that feels like a bee sting is noticed at the time of the bite. Usually the symptoms will occur from 2 to 8 hours after the bite. Victims may experience some of the following symptoms:

• Severe pain at the bite site about 4 hours after the bite
• Itching
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Fever
• Myalgias (muscle pain)

Initially, the bite is mildly red and upon close inspection may reveal fang marks. Most of the time the bite will harden and heal in a few days or weeks. The local reaction can be more severe with erythema and blistering, sometimes leading to blue discoloration and leading to necrotic lesion and scarring. Signs to look for are blistering, necrosis of the skin (death), and in rare cases, severe destructive necrotic lesions with deep, wide borders.

Protection:
• Wear a long-sleeved shirt, hat, gloves, and boots when handling
stored boxes, firewood, lumber and rocks, etc.
• Inspect and shake out clothing and shoes before getting dressed.
• Use insect repellants, such as DEET or Picaridin, on clothing and footwear.

Treatment:
• Clean the bite area with soap and water.
• Apply ice to the bite area to slow absorption of the venom.
• Elevate and immobilize the bitten extremity.
• Capture the spider, if at all possible, for identification purposes.
• Seek medical attention.

Prevention:
Reducing the chance of a brown recluse bite begins with destroying or eliminating their habitat.
• Perform routine house cleaning and do periodic inspections.
• Reduce clutter in garages and outbuildings, etc.,
• Store fire wood, building materials, etc., away from the home’s foundation.
• Install yellow light bulbs outside, as they are less attracted to insects.
• Consider using a professional eliminator.

References: 
http://www.osha.gov/
http://msucares.com/
http://www.emedicinehealth.com/