BROWN RECLUSE SPIDERS
Loxosceles recluse

	Black Widow Brown Recluse Brown Widow Daddy Long Legs Jumping Wolf

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Appearance:
Brown recluse spiders are light to dark brown in color. They have a dark violin shaped marking, with the neck of the violin pointing toward the bulbous abdomen. The abdomen is covered with numerous fine hairs that provide a velvety appearance. The long, thin, brown legs also are covered with fine hairs, but not spines.

Size:
Range from 3/8 to 5/8-inch in length. Their leg span is about the size of a quarter.

Behavior:
Brown recluse spiders often avoid humans, hence the name “recluse”. However, they will bite if they feel threatened. Brown recluse spider bites create open, ulcerous sores and can become infected if not treated.

Habitat:
Brown recluse spiders are actually not an established species in Florida, but bites that are normally associated with them are usually caused by the Yellow Sac spider. Brown recluse spiders prefer dark secluded areas. They are found indoors and can live all year long in homes, barns, sheds, warehouses, and greenhouses. They are common in protected outdoor areas as well. Brown recluses tend to hide during the day and hunt for insects including crickets, other spiders, cockroaches, and other insects. Females can lay many eggs at once, and the eggs can hatch in only a few weeks. Because of this buildings can become quickly infested with brown recluse spiders.

Bite Signs and Symptoms:
The bite of the brown recluse spider can result in a painful, deep wound that takes a long time to heal. Fatalities are extremely rare, but bites are most dangerous to young children, the elderly, and those in poor physical condition. When there is a severe reaction to the bite, the site can erupt into a "volcano lesion" (a hole in the flesh due to damaged, gangrenous tissue). The open wound may range from the size of an adult's thumbnail to the span of a hand. The dead tissue gradually sloughs away, exposing underlying tissues. The sunken, ulcerating sore may heal slowly up to 6 to 8 weeks. Full recovery may take several months and scarring may remain.

Control:
Do you live in Florida and think that this spider may be invading your home? Hulett Environmental Services offers specialty treatments designed to control and eliminate this pest!

CLICK HERE now to schedule a free pest inspection with no obligation!