If you are anything like most people, then you are not interested in meeting up with any spiders at any time, whether they are harmless or not. Let alone one that is dangerous like the brown recluse spider. Identifying these hairy spiders is probably a good idea so that you keep an eye out for them in your home and prevent them from biting you or someone you care about.
You will easily recognize the brown recluse spider by the violin shape on the top of their body and the semicircle of 3 sets of beady eyes. They have long dark colored legs, that make them look especially creepy, that are attached to their oblong abdomens that are covered in gray hair. They eat other types of spiders, garden pests, cockroaches and crickets by going out and tracking them down for a feast. They build webs as more of a nest to rest or hide in and do not trap their prey in them like other spiders do. Sometimes brown recluse spiders can be found in woodpiles, leaf piles, outbuildings and under porches. Brown recluse spiders gain entry to your home through cracks and crevices, broken screens and vents, or through openings around utility wires, cables, and pipes. Once inside they hide in out-of-the-way places that are not likely to be disturbed, like attics, basements, furniture, closets and clothes that are left on the floor.
So, back to the original question, are they dangerous? You bet they are! They are a venomous spider that is found in the south. They are usually not aggressive and won’t seek you out to bite, but they will if they are handled directly or if they feel threatened. It has been proven that their presence is beneficial to reducing other insect populations, but they are still horrible house guests. If bitten you could experience a fever, swelling, tenderness, and trouble sleeping soon after. After several days, your skin will ulcerate, making it difficult to heal and the wound could become infected. If you think you have been bitten by a brown recluse spider, you should get medical help right away.
It is important to note that these spiders can easily enter your home, are very resilient and hard to eradicate completely. If you think you have a brown recluse spider infestation in your home or business, don’t try to eliminate them yourself, it could take months of “do it yourself” methods, and may not be effective in the end. You will need a spider control expert.
If you need to get rid of brown recluse spiders from your home or business, you should call a professional pest control company that has a good reputation. In North Texas, you can call us at Adams Exterminating Company, we have been serving the area for about 70 years, providing the finest pest and termite control around. We have a team of well-trained service technicians and entomologists with the most environmentally friendly pest control products possible. Please call our knowledgeable office personnel for more information on how we can solve all of your pest problems.