There are very few spiders in the United States that are truly dangerous. While many people are scared of spiders, and being bitten is unpleasant, most species don’t have potent enough venom to actually hurt people or pets. However, there is one kind of spider in Columbia that residents need to be aware of, and this is the dangerous brown recluse.
Along with the black widow spider, the brown recluse is one of only two species in the entire country considered medically significant. You do not want to be bitten by these spiders, and knowing how to prevent them is key.
Identifying Brown Recluse Spiders
Unfortunately, brown recluse spiders are rather hard to tell apart from other varieties. Unlike the black widow, which is easy to identify with its jet-black coloring and red hourglass marking, brown recluse spiders are much harder to identify. They are usually a light tan to brown color, but they are easier to tell apart by looking for the characteristics that they don’t have.
Unlike many similarly colored spiders, brown recluse spiders do not have markings on their legs. They also only have six eyes as opposed to the more typical eight. However, you’ve got to be looking pretty closely to pick up on these variations. Another way to identify brown recluse spiders is to look for a small violin-shaped marking on their back.
How Dangerous Are Brown Recluse Spiders?
Luckily, brown recluse spiders aren’t the most likely to invade area properties, but they are occasionally found. They also don’t always try to bite as they will mostly try to stay out of your way, but bites can happen when these spiders feel threatened, such as if you accidentally put your hand somewhere they’ve been hiding.
The appearance of a bite can vary, but it’s often accompanied by pain and swelling. A deep ulcer will often develop as well. These bites can result in significant and sometimes even life-threatening damage. If you suspect that a brown recluse spider has bitten you, it’s better to be safe than sorry. You should reach out to a medical professional right away.
How Can You Remove Brown Recluse Spiders From Your Property?
The main reason brown recluses and other spiders come around is in search of their pest prey. Instead of looking for shelter from the weather, they are attracted to homes and businesses with underlying insect issues. So, if you see an abundance of spiders, the best way to handle them is with ongoing professional pest assistance from The Original Bugman Pest Elimination, Inc.
We provide ongoing spider control and pest prevention to keep your home both insect and arachnid-free throughout the year. Just give us a call today to learn more and request a quote.
A Few Brown Recluse Prevention Tips
Along with professional assistance, you can take steps on your own to prevent brown recluse spiders and the insects that bring them around. Here are some effective tips:
- Get lids for all your trash cans as garbage can attract small insects.
- Make sure to wipe up spills on kitchen counters and floors right away. Also, do dirty dishes often.
- Remove old webs from around the property.
- Seal up cracks in the walls and foundation and repair broken screens. Install weather stripping and door sweeps. All of these measures can keep spiders and bugs from getting inside.
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