Brown Recluse
Spider Bite
These spiders spin small, irregular webs under bark, stones or other
secluded areas. Their venom is especially poisonous to people; those bitten often become
ill and find that the wound does not heal quickly. Both male and female recluse spiders,
as well as their spiderlings, are capable of injecting venom which may result in serious
lesion formation or systemic reactions. The severity of the bite may vary. The
symptoms may vary from no harm at all to a reaction that is quite severe.
Usually, the brown recluse spider bite is not felt and the
pain sets in from six to eight hours later. A typical bite area may resemble a
pimple, postule or blister formation within six to 12 hours later. Mild to severe
pain accompanied by swelling may occur during this interval. The surrounding tissue
begins to darken, is irregular in shape with sharply raised edges resulting in a sunken
area which may be several centimeters in diameter. Often there is a systemic
reaction within 24-36 hours characterized by restlessness, fever, chills, nausea,
weakness, and joint pain.
Where the bite occurs there is often tissue death and skin is sloughed off. In
some severe cases, a wound may develop that lasts several months. In all cases, a
physician should be notified. If at all possible, kill and take the spider to the
physician for positive identification. Individual spiders can be crushed underfoot or
sprayed with an aerosol spray. For more about elimination and control of recluse spiders, Black Widow Spiders
and other pest spiders, go to our Spider
Elimination page.
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