United Termite & Pest Control

Spiders are one group of arthropods.Many different kinds of spiders live around
homes and buildings. The vast majority are harmless, and in fact are beneficial,
because they prey upon flies, crickets and other insects. One spider in Missouri
USA which is potentially dangerous is the brown recluse. Fortunately, this spider is
relatively common, and has markings that the layperson can use to distinguish from
other non threatening species.

Brown recluse spiders also have 3 pairs of eyes (arranged in 3 groups of two) rather than 4 pairs for most other
spiders. This diagnostic feature requires use of at least a 10X hand lens.

The brown recluse roams at night seeking its prey. During the day, it hides in dark niches and corners, where it may
spin a poorly organized, irregular web. Eggs are deposited in 1/2 inch long off-white silken egg sacs, often appearing
flattened beneath and convex above. It is shy and will try to run from a threatening situation but will bite if cornered.
People are sometimes bitten while they are asleep because they roll onto a brown recluse spider while it is hunting in
the bed. More often the victim is bitten while putting on a shoe or piece of clothing which a spider has selected for its
daytime hiding place. A brown recluse may live without feeding for up to one year but survival without a water source
the life span is shorten to few weeks.

The bite of the brown recluse is usually painless until 3 to 8 hours later when it may become red, swollen, and tender.
Later the area around the bite site may develop into an ulcerous sore from 1/2 to 10 inches in diameter. Healing often
requires a month or longer, and the victim may be left with a deep scar. Prompt medical attention can reduce the
extent of ulceration and alleviate other complications that may develop. It should be noted that not all brown recluse
bites result in ulcerations or scarring.

Spider bites are difficult to diagnose, even by physicians. Anyone bitten by a spider which is believed to be a brown
recluse should try to collect the specimen and bring it to a qualified individual for identification. Positive identification
by an expert will help the physician decide on the appropriate course of treatment.

If you believe you have seen or may have been bitten by a brown recluse, it is advisable to have your property
thoroughly inspected and treated. United Termite & Pest Control, LLC has the experience of handling any
infestation of brown recluse from slight to severe. We can make your property a safer and healthier environment.