Brown Recluse Spider in Florida

The brown recluse spider is one of the most feared spiders in Florida. It contains a potentially deadly hemotoxic venom, that can destroy red blood cells, tissue and organs. Although people in the sunshine state have been bitten by the spider, it is not native to Florida. This makes it fairly easy to eradicate infestations.

The Brown recluse spider’s most defining characteristic is its dark violin-shaped marking directly behind the eyes. This spider is equipped with three sets of eyes whereas most other spiders have four. The Brown recluse is a medium-sized spider that is typically between one-quarter and one-half inch in length. They are commonly found in old cardboard boxes, houses, furniture, and other types of buildings.

Brown Recluse Spider

Brown recluse spiders are generally pretty shy and only bite when directly disturbed or pressed upon. Persons bitten usually do not feel any pain for about two hours, then a blister forms around the bite, and the pain becomes intense. The healing from a brown recluse is very slow and can sometimes take six to eight weeks. Any persons suspecting a bite from this spider should consult a physician immediately.

The symptoms most commonly experienced include nausea, vomiting, fever, rashes, and muscle and joint pain. Rarely, such bites can result in red blood cell damage, organ damage, and even death. Usually fatal bites are usually seen in children under the age of seven or those with a weak immune systems.

The majority of brown recluse spider bites do not result in any major symptoms. In some cases the bite forms an ulcer that destroys soft tissue, leaving deep scars. These bites usually become painful and itchy within two to eight hours. Pain and other local effects worsen 12 to 36 hours after the bite, and the necrosis develops over the next few days. The wound eventually could grow as large as ten inches. The damaged tissue becomes gangrenous and eventually decays off the body.

Tampa Bay Pest Management offers free estimates on any bug issue you may be experiencing. Please visit our website at TampaBayPestMgmt.com for more information. You can also contact us at 813-416-3692. We are a family owned and operated pest control company servicing the surrounding Tampa Bay area for over a decade.

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General Pest Control Tips

1. Read and follow label directions.
2. Protect yourself and others from contact with any pesticide.
3. Never eat, drink, or smoke while using any pesticide.
4. Do not allow food, trash, decaying wood, etc. to remain in or on your property.
5. Cover or seal trash tightly.
6. Do not accumulate trash or debris.
7. Cut back limbs, shrubs, and vines that touch or overhang your property.
8. Stack firewood off the ground.
9. "Weatherize" your home. Seal all possible pest entry points.
10. Close all gaps larger than 1.4 inch.
11. Check for and remove structural damage such as moisture-damaged wood. Water damage can cause weak spots in the roof. Animals may enter through the weakened area. Repair damaged windows and screens.
12. Look for holes where roofs overlap.
13. Keep gutters clean.
14. Shuffle stored items regularly and keep boxes tightly sealed in plastic bags.
15. Check storage areas for rodents.
16. Keep gutters clear.
17. Keep all areas where food is prepared, stored, and served clean and free of crumbs and grease. Garbage can lids should be kept closed and secured.
18. Before storing end-of-season clothes, make sure they are clean.
19. Drawer and cabinet liners, paper grocery bags, and even wallpaper can be a source of food to pests.
20. Carefully check for pests in furniture, boxes, paper, and other items brought into your home.
21. Chimneys are frequented by squirrels, raccoons, and birds and they represent the single largest opening in a typical home. Consider chimney caps or wire mesh to cover.
22. Areas where pipes, cables, and wires enter walls and soffits should be sealed completely.
23. Install 1/4-inch wire mesh (hardware cloth) over attic, roof, and crawl space vents in order to prevent entry of birds, bats, squirrels, rodents, and other wildlife. Be sure to wear gloves when cutting and installing hardware cloth, as the wire edges are razor sharp.