There are many spiders in Birmingham, but none can cause as much harm as the brown recluse spider. This small and dangerous arachnid is able to thrive in this area due to its warm and humid climate. At EnviroCare, we have been providing customized pest control in Birmingham for more than six decades. We have extensive knowledge about these dangerous spiders and know exactly how to eliminate them for good.
Brown Recluse Spiders: Identification And Habits
Brown recluse spiders can grow to be about half an inch long and have brown bodies and eight legs. Many brown spiders are mistaken for the brown recluse. However, the one thing that sets this species apart from the rest is its distinct violin-shaped mark on its back. Because of its unique marking, the brown recluse is often referred to as the "fiddleback spider."
Brown recluse spiders are not known to be aggressive. They like to stay as far away from humans as possible and will spend most of their time hiding in dark, hard-to-reach areas. Some of the places that you are most likely to find a brown recluse include:
- Underneath piles of firewood
- Under rocks
- Inside of clothing and shoes that are not worn often
- Inside of attics and crawl spaces
- Underneath furniture
- Inside closets and basements
Brown recluses like to eat insects such as crickets and cockroaches. If you have any type of insect infestation in your home, you are more likely to have a variety of spiders, including the brown recluse.
Most Spiders Bite; Some Bites Are More Dangerous Than Others
There is a common myth that suggests the majority of spiders are unable to bite people because their fangs are not long enough to penetrate human skin. This is not true. Most spiders can and will bite if they feel threatened. However, their venom is not considered harmful to humans, so the bite is relatively harmless. Also, most spiders, including the brown recluse, are not aggressive towards humans and will only bite you if they feel their life depends on it. Many people are bitten by a brown recluse because they accidentally come into contact with one. For example, they may grab a box or put on a shoe that has a brown recluse in it.
Unlike most spiders, a brown recluse bite can be extremely dangerous to humans. If you are bitten by a brown recluse, some of the symptoms that you may experience could include:
- Fever
- Nausea
- Rash
- Chills
- Difficulty sleeping
- Dizziness
When you are first bitten by a brown recluse, you will usually not feel it. However, over the next six to eight hours, the pain will start to increase around the site of the bite. Sometimes, the skin around the bite will turn a pale color with a deep purple ring around it. If you notice any skin discoloration around your bite, the tissue around the bite could be dying. If you believe that you have been bitten by a brown recluse, you should seek medical help immediately.
Natural And Effective Brown Recluse Spider Prevention Tips
Some of the most effective ways to keep brown recluse spiders out of your home include:
- Seal up any cracks or gaps around your house.
- Keep firewood piles and other debris away from your home.
- Remove any unused boxes and other clutter from your house.
- Keep food properly stored in airtight containers to prevent other insects from coming into your home.
- Fix any leaky faucets or pipes promptly.
Spiders will come into your home in search of water, shelter, or food. If you make these things inaccessible, they are less likely to take up residence in your home.
Contact The Pros For The Safe Removal Of Brown Recluse Spiders
It is extremely dangerous to have brown recluse spiders running around your home. If you see a brown recluse around your Birmingham property, don't hesitate to contact us today. At EnviroCare, we know how to accurately identify and safely eliminate all brown recluse spiders from your home for good.