BROWN RECLUSE SPIDER Bite
The brown recluse spider is oval, with a body about 3/8 inches long and a leg span of 1 to 1 ½ inches. Its color ranges from yellowish-tan to dark brown. There is a characteristic, dark, violin-shaped marking on the spider's back. This marking is situated with the base of the violin just behind the eyes on tops of the head and the stem of the violin extending along the back to the abdomen. Thus the spider is often referred to as the "fiddle-back" spider. Another distinctive trait of the brown recluse is its arrangement of six eyes in a semicircular pattern-most other spiders have eight eyes.
Like the black widow, the brown recluse prefers a dark, dry, secluded habitat, often indoors, though related species of the southwest are usually found outside. The brown recluse camps in or around houses, in spots that have not been disturbed for some time. Its web is small, haphazard, and woven in cracks, crevices, or corners.
The initial bite of a brown recluse may be almost painless, but often there is a sensation similar to the sting of a bee. Most bites are mild and cause no more than a minimal local reaction. More serious bites are accompanied by pain; within a few hours', an area of redness one to two inches in diameter develops around the bite, with blistering in the center. In the developing stages of the bite, it may be surrounded by a pale, blanched ring. A large area of swelling may surround the bite, with this region becoming blue to blue-black and very sensitive. Within three or four days, the site is covered by a dark, dry scab or eschar, made of nothing more than dead skin. The depth of dead tissue may extend as far as the muscle. This scab can vary in both shape and size, becoming nearly star-shaped in some cases.
Like the black widow, the brown recluse prefers a dark, dry, secluded habitat, often indoors, though related species of the southwest are usually found outside. The brown recluse camps in or around houses, in spots that have not been disturbed for some time. Its web is small, haphazard, and woven in cracks, crevices, or corners.
The initial bite of a brown recluse may be almost painless, but often there is a sensation similar to the sting of a bee. Most bites are mild and cause no more than a minimal local reaction. More serious bites are accompanied by pain; within a few hours', an area of redness one to two inches in diameter develops around the bite, with blistering in the center. In the developing stages of the bite, it may be surrounded by a pale, blanched ring. A large area of swelling may surround the bite, with this region becoming blue to blue-black and very sensitive. Within three or four days, the site is covered by a dark, dry scab or eschar, made of nothing more than dead skin. The depth of dead tissue may extend as far as the muscle. This scab can vary in both shape and size, becoming nearly star-shaped in some cases.
Within two weeks, the dead tissue is lost and the bite site is replaced by an open sore. Healing may take months.
The victim usually is moderately ill during the acute stages of the reaction. Severe reactions are possible and deaths have occurred, primarily in children. The victims often experience fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, weakness, joint and muscle pains and hives or measle-like rashes within one or two days. Table I gives a classification of brown recluse bites according to severity. This classification has been suggested as an aid to establishing the proper treatment for individual cases.
Treatment for BROWN RECLUSE SPIDER Bite
The victim usually is moderately ill during the acute stages of the reaction. Severe reactions are possible and deaths have occurred, primarily in children. The victims often experience fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, weakness, joint and muscle pains and hives or measle-like rashes within one or two days. Table I gives a classification of brown recluse bites according to severity. This classification has been suggested as an aid to establishing the proper treatment for individual cases.
Treatment for BROWN RECLUSE SPIDER Bite
There has been controversy among writers concerning the treatment of these bites. First aid is not effective, but early excision of the entire bite is generally felt to be of value, especially if the bite is greater than 1 cm (4/ 1 0 inch) in diameter. Large doses of cortisone have been advocated by some authors, and antibiotics are sometimes used. A major problem in treating these bites is in diagnosis, since the victim is often unaware of having been bitten. Identification of the spider is very important. A number of peculiar skin wounds have very likely been blamed on this spider for lack of any other culprit since other spiders, ticks, and bugs can produce similar wounds, though not as severe.
Prevention Tips for BROWN RECLUSE SPIDER Bite
Almost all spider bites are inflicted when the spider is forced to defend itself. Since the brown recluse often hides in old garments, putting on shoes or clothes that have not been worn for a while may trap the spider against the victim's body, resulting in a bite. Bites may also take place when the victim rolls on top of the spider when in bed. For this reason, shoes, clothing, bed linens and blankets should be stored with mothballs and thoroughly shaken out before use.
A crucial step in the control of black widow and mown recluse spiders is the elimination of their current and potential habitats. Old lumber and rubble of any sort should be cleared away, or at least treated with an insecticide. Since paint, light and cleanliness discourage these creatures, secluded places behind furniture, appliances, or in closets should be kept clean. Because black widows may defend both their webs and egg sacks, these should be destroyed with care. As mentioned above, outdoor privies should receive careful attention since these spiders often meet their victims there.
Prevention Tips for BROWN RECLUSE SPIDER Bite
Almost all spider bites are inflicted when the spider is forced to defend itself. Since the brown recluse often hides in old garments, putting on shoes or clothes that have not been worn for a while may trap the spider against the victim's body, resulting in a bite. Bites may also take place when the victim rolls on top of the spider when in bed. For this reason, shoes, clothing, bed linens and blankets should be stored with mothballs and thoroughly shaken out before use.
A crucial step in the control of black widow and mown recluse spiders is the elimination of their current and potential habitats. Old lumber and rubble of any sort should be cleared away, or at least treated with an insecticide. Since paint, light and cleanliness discourage these creatures, secluded places behind furniture, appliances, or in closets should be kept clean. Because black widows may defend both their webs and egg sacks, these should be destroyed with care. As mentioned above, outdoor privies should receive careful attention since these spiders often meet their victims there.
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