Loxosceles Reclusa are commonly known as Brown recluse spiders, and they are among the most dreaded spiders in North America because of their bites. In Wheat Ridge, you can find their species, too.
Despite the fact that these spiders belong to the warned species, they are not particularly aggressive and hardly ever bite unless an individual touches them or tries to capture them.
For this reason, this blog aims to provide insight into the behavior and habits of these spiders, the dangers posed by their bites, and the best ways of avoiding them. There is also a pest control company in Wheat Ridge that can help you get rid of spiders if they infest your home.
What are the characteristic features of brown recluse spiders?
Canefield spiders are tiny to moderately large, typically ranging from 6 to 20 mm in size for the small variety. They are light to dark brown in color with a figure ‘V’ shaped mark on their back. Although this characteristic is helpful, it should not be the only way of telling one spider from the other since there are other similar-looking spiders.
They are a type of spider with a brown color and long, slender legs. These spiders are mainly night active, preferring to dwell in dark rat holes, the attic, basement, piles of wood, or the closet.
Bites are rare simply because these animals are primarily found in areas that humans do not frequent. Then again, a few bites may occur if a human intrudes into the territory of these animals.
What are the possible complications of brown recluse spider bite?
While other spiders may present no medical significance, a bite from a brown recluse spider can be a medical concern because it has a fiber-destroying cytotoxin known as sphingomyelinase D. This toxin possesses the ability to kill skin tissues and results in the formation of necrotic lesions.
In unfavorable cases, the bites can lead to severe complications such as skin ulcers and death of skin tissue or even systemic effects such as fever, chills, and nausea. It is, however, worth noting that brown recluse bites do not always cause pain at the time of the bite.
It may be a slight redness or a pimple that develops into a very painful ulcer within several hours. In extreme circumstances, the skin of the area surrounding the bite becomes gangrenous, and a deep scar appears at the site after healing. However, actual deaths due to brown recluse bites are exceedingly rare.
Here are critical preventive steps:
- Eliminate clutter from surroundings
- Seal all the possible entry points
- Use insecticide dust to get rid of them
- Monitor their activity and make use of traps
- Check clothing and bedding regularly
- Maintain your outdoor areas properly
What does primary care and management for brown recluse spider bite include?
If one is unlucky enough to encounter a brown recluse spider and suffers a bite, it is necessary to respond immediately in order to reduce the amount of harm. First of all, it is essential to wash it with soap and water so bacteria do not enter and infect the wound.
Not only can you apply an ice package to lessen inflammation, but you should also not use heat, which only aggravates the venom’s action. This may also lessen swelling; the affected limb should be raised at all times.
Why is it recommended that professionals be contacted in case of their infestation?
The fear of coming across a brown recluse spider is daunting; however, the likelihood of getting bitten is low. These spiders are reclusive, only becoming aggressive when threatened, and will defensively use their bite.
If your home gets infested by one of their species, it is essential to have a professional to get them out. They can be dangerous to deal with on one’s own and a professional can examine and provide customized solution.