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Is This Brown Spider In My Tulsa Home Dangerous?

October 23, 2019

a long legged brown recluse spider in tulsa oklahoma durring fall

Identifying a brown recluse spider in your Tulsa home is not always as easy as it seems. In this article, we will discuss what makes brown recluse spiders dangerous and how to identify them accurately.

 

How To Identify A Brown Recluse Spider

Brown recluse spiders are one of the most misidentified spiders due to their brown coloration and small size. Many common spiders are brown or tan, which can make it challenging to identify an actual brown recluse spider when you see one. Brown recluse spiders are also known as the fiddleback or violin spider because of the distinctive darker brown “fiddle” shaped marking on its back. Unfortunately, you can’t always recognize brown recluse spiders by the violin marking alone. Both cellar spiders and pirate spiders often have the same marking. The best way to identify a brown recluse spider is to count its eyes. While most spiders have eight eyes, the brown recluse only has six. These problematic spiders have a life span of one to two years.       

 

How Dangerous Are Brown Recluse Bites?

In the United States, there are only three spiders with medically significant and dangerous venom: the black widow, the Chilean recluse, and the brown recluse. Brown recluse spiders aren’t considered aggressive and usually only bite when they are threatened or disturbed. Bites from these spiders often aren’t felt initially, and may not be immediately painful. Most brown recluse bites only result in minor reactions; however, there are some cases where reactions to these bites are severe. Brown recluse venom contains hemotoxins, which are chemicals that destroy red blood cells, interferes with blood clotting, and can cause organ and tissue damage. A very small percentage of brown recluse bites include symptoms of skin necrosis, which is the premature death of cells in living tissue. In rare cases, their venom may cause hemolysis, which is the bursting of red blood cells.   

 

Where Do Brown Recluse Spiders Hide?   

True to their name, brown recluse spiders are reclusive and avoid human interaction as much as possible. They build irregular webs that are used for hiding, rather than catching food. These webs are often made in dry, dark, and undisturbed locations, generally away from the hustle and bustle of human activity. Common areas where you might find brown recluse spiders in your Tulsa home include cardboard boxes, garages, closets, cellars, woodpiles, and sheds.

 

Spider Prevention

Most spiders, including the brown recluse, are drawn to properties with high insect activity. If your Tulsa home has other pest problems, a spider infestation won’t be too far behind. Here are a few basic pest prevention tips you can use to avoid attracting brown recluse spiders to your home:

  • Make sure your window and door screens are intact.

  • Seal all cracks and gaps around your foundation and exterior walls.

  • Sweep, dust, and vacuum dark corners of your home regularly.

  • Reduce sources of standing water on your property.

  • Keep your trash cans sealed.

  • Contact professional pest control.

Here at Montgomery Exterminating, we provide effective spider control solutions and management options for Tulsa homeowners. If brown recluse spiders are creating problems on your property, it’s always best to leave your infestation to the professionals. Give Montgomery Exterminating a call today to discuss which residential pest control plan is right for you.

#brown recluse spider #free home inspection #home pest control in tulsa

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