While deaths from the bite of a brown recluse spider are considered rare, no one wants to risk it with the life of their loved ones. Recently, a 5 year old Alabama boy died within hours of a confirmed brown recluse bite. Children and persons above the age of 50 are more susceptible to complications due to bites from the venomous spider. Prevention and pest control in Fort Worth are the best means to protect your loved ones from the bite of a brown recluse.
Brown recluse spiders have a characteristic dark brown violin marking on their back. They spin irregular webs, which aren’t used for catching prey, but rather used as a retreat. These spiders are nocturnal and eat other insects such as cockroaches and crickets. An increased presence of the spider’s typical prey can potentially increase their presence and the number of offspring. Keeping other insects under control with pest control in Fort Worth will reduce the available food supply for these spiders.
Vacuum often to discourage the brown recluse from making its home in yours. Don’t forget under and behind furniture, inside sofa beds, in corners and anywhere seldom disturbed. The next action you want to take is to place stored papers and other clutter in sealed containers. Tidy up and vacuum often is the adage for spider prevention. Pest control in Fort Worth is effective in a known infestation, and for prevention.
Treat the Habitat with Pest Control in Fort Worth
Brown recluse spiders often live outdoors where they are typically found around cedar shake roofs, rocks, utility boxes, garden equipment and woodpiles. They are sometimes even found in automobiles. Pest control in Fort Worth for the brown recluse includes the treatment of outdoor locations.
Indoors, brown recluses can be found in any undisturbed area, such as inside boxes, among papers, in bags and sacks, in seldom-used apparel and shoes, under furniture or in crevices of window moldings. Closets, attics, crawl spaces and basements are common brown recluse spider hiding spots. An area they seem to prefer is inside the bed linens, perhaps due to their tendency to build webs between a bed headboard and the wall. Treatment of indoor spaces with Pest control in Fort Worth is effective when routinely provided.
Threats
The brown recluse spider bites in defense to a perceived threat. Both the female and male brown recluse spiders can bite and inject venom. The recluse’s bite is usually not felt, but results in a stinging sensation, followed by intense pain as long as six to eight hours later. A small blister usually develops at the bite location that can turn into an open ulcer. Restlessness, fever and difficulty sleeping are common symptoms of a brown recluse spider bite. Some victims report intense itching after being bitten.
Symptoms of Brown Recluse Spider Bite
The signs and symptoms depend on the amount of venom injected and the body’s response to the venom. Initially, there are no signs and symptoms of spider bite, though some report a slight prick or itch. The most common symptoms occur 2-8 hours after being bitten. The symptoms start with mild burning sensation at the site followed by irritation. The victim may develop one or more of the following symptoms:
- Severe inflammation
- Intense pain
- Bluish blister
- Redness on and around the wound.
- Chills and rigor
- Nausea or vomiting
- Seizures in severe cases
- Joint pain
- Body ache
- Lesion that initially has the appearance of a pimple
- Lesion may be filled with green or yellow puss
- Formation of ulcer
- Rashes
- Necrosis (the death of the cells)
- Itching
- Dark urine
- Fever
- Muscle cramps and pain
The bite of the brown recluse spider causes a painful wound that doesn’t heal quickly. Though fatalities are rare, in young children and the elderly, bites can be dangerous and may produce a volcano lesion or death. Volcano lesion is gangrenous tissue that creates an ulcerated area in the flesh.
Systemic Effects of a Brown Recluse Spider Bite
In severe cases, a combination of local and systemic manifestations may occur after brown recluse bites and can result in death:
- Destruction of red blood cells, resulting in hemolytic anemia with injury to the kidney possible. Blood transfusion may be required.
- Consumption of platelets (the body’s blood clotting factors) resulting in Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). The destruction of platelets (thrombocytopenia) is reported most often in children. DIC may lead to dangerous bleeding and rapid death.
- Acute kidney failure may develop leading to coma.
- Death
Symptoms of this potential complication include low energy, nausea, vomiting, and fever. Brown Recluse Spider Bite Treatment
Despite the severity of the brown recluse bite, there is no established treatment.
The Brown Recluse Spider is a dangerous spider known to cohabit with humans. If you have seen this spider in your home, contact The Bug Dude for pest control in Fort Worth.
