The brown recluse spider is nicknamed the fiddleback or violin spider because of the distinctive dark violin-shaped marking on top of the cephlothoraxfront body section. Notice the neck of the violin points toward the rear. The brown recluse is unusual in having six eyes instead of the usual eight.
Over the years, the group of spiders to which the brown recluse belongs has been known by various colloquial names: “violin” spiders, “fiddleback” spiders, “recluse” spiders, and “brown” spiders. The recluse spiders are in the family Sicariidae (formerly Loxoscelidae).
Brown recluse spiders, which are sometimes called fiddleback or violin spiders due to their distinct markings, are a fairly common concern for homeowners. While these spiders aren't inherently aggressive, their venomous bites can cause serious health problems.
WOODLOUSE SPIDER (Dysdera crocata)
This spider is sometimes mistaken for the brown recluse spider, though there is only a vague resemblance between the two. Yet, like the brown recluse, the woodlouse spider has six eyes and is most active at night.
First-aid treatment for spider bites includes the following steps: Clean the wound with mild soap and water. Apply an antibiotic ointment three times a day to help prevent infection. Apply a cool compress over the bite for 15 minutes each hour.
Though many spider bites aren't serious, a brown recluse spider bite may cause severe side effects or require immediate medical attention.
Most spider bites can be treated at home by following these steps: Wash the bite area with warm, soapy water. Apply an antibiotic cream (one brand name: Neosporin) to help prevent infection. Put ice or a cool washcloth on the bite to help reduce swelling.
If you find brown recluse spiders in your home, use Ortho® Home Defense Max® Indoor Insect Barrier with Extended Reach Comfort Wand® to kill them. Then use it to treat windows, door casings, and other entry points into the home to create a barrier to keep them out.
Most bites heal themselves and do not result in lasting tissue damage. These bites are not painful at first and often go unnoticed until the first side effects appear. Symptoms do not usually manifest for a few hours after the bite. After reddening and swelling, a blister may appear at the bite site.
More than 80 percent of brown recluse spiders are found throughout the south-central and midwestern United States. They're most common in Southern California (just like a desert recluse), Texas, Florida, Kentucky, Ohio, Kansas, and Alabama.
Although the word recluse alludes to the spider's solitary lifestyle, brown recluse spiders are prolific breeders. A typical female brown recluse lays up to five egg sacs, and each egg sac can contain as many as 50 eggs. So yes, if you see one, it could mean that you have hundreds of them.
The brown recluse spider is nicknamed the fiddleback or violin spider because of the distinctive dark violin-shaped marking on top of the cephlothoraxfront body section. Notice the neck of the violin points toward the rear. The brown recluse is unusual in having six eyes instead of the usual eight.
While many spiders are harmless and even beneficial, a brown recluse isn't one that you'll want to give free rein of your home. While they're generally not aggressive, they have been known to bite if they're cornered or feel threatened.
The hobo spider is brown, has long legs, and can run up to 40 inches per second. They are between one-fourth and one-half inch in length. Though they have a distinctive chevron pattern on their abdomen, it's difficult to identify without a microscope and is more noticeable in juveniles.
Their body colours are typically drab, with most having variegated patterns in brown and yellow, grey, black and white; some inland species are a bright salmon pink below. Often the patterns include radiating lines on the carapace (front of the body) and scroll-like patterns on the abdomen.
Brown recluse spiders are attracted by food, water, and shelter. They eat insects and other spiders, so if you have a lot of pest activity on your property or in your house, they'll have reason to hang around.
Peppermint oil, vinegar, and cedarwood are just a few of the natural remedies said to deter brown recluse spiders, but it is our experience that they will not provide the same level of effectiveness as a professional pest treatment.
We suggest using a residual insecticide as a perimeter spray such as Onslaught Fastcap, Suspend Poly Zone, Demand CS, Avesta CS, and Cyper WSP, to remove as many insects as possible that would enter your home and serve as food sources for these spiders.
Spiders in general are not fans of strong smells, brown recluses are no exception. Potted indoor eucalyptus played on windowsills can be a strong deterrent to spiders.
Brown recluse spiders typically become more active in the warmer months, with a peak season between March and October, according to EarthSky.org.
Preventing a Brown Recluse Infestation
Move your bed away from the wall and remove any skirts and items stored below to prevent a spider from crawling onto the bed. Items worn or used occasionally should be stored in plastic bins and bags, especially if they are found in garages or other dark storage areas.
Wash the area liberally with soap and water; clean the area thoroughly to eliminate any leftover venom and any dirt that could cause an infection. Peroxide and rubbing alcohol are great for treating bites; they are necessary for disinfectant purposes. Use baking soda, bleach, and water to neutralize the spider venom.
If all else fails, some people swear that Mom's cure-all remedy, Vicks VapoRub smeared directly on the red spot, will provide nearly instant, and certainly fragrant relief. Whatever works is somebody's favorite treatment. Some of the more unusual ones include covering insect bites with Elmer's Glue, or nail polish.
Chigger bites are itchy red bumps that can look like pimples, blisters, or small hives. They are usually found around the waist, ankles, or in warm skin folds. They get bigger and itchier over several days, and often appear in groups. Chigger bites start to itch within hours of the chigger attaching to the skin.