BROWN RECLUSE

The body is yellow to dark brown, with the body size measuring 1/3-1/2 inch long. Combined with the legs, it could be about 1 inch or longer in diameter. The dorsal has a distinctive dark brown violin-shaped marking. Their web is off-white to grey. They can be found outside, under rocks, debris, wood piles, etc., but many times are found inside. They can be found in storage areas like closets, basements, attics, garages, and cellars. Sometimes they can be around and above the ceiling ductwork or registers. Many times people get bitten by putting their hands or feet in something that has been in storage. You should always wear gloves when handling debris outside the home. The initial bite is not intense, but poisonous. After 8-12 hours, the pain is more intense, and over the next few days, large sores form leaving a disfiguring scar. You should seek immediate medical treatment after the bite.

Spiders are considered a beneficial insect, because they prey on other insects. However, there are two North American species that are dangerous to humans: the Black Widow and the Brown Recluse. Most spiders are harmless, but we do recommend treatment.

BLACK WIDOW

The female has a shiny black, globular abdomen with two yellow or red markings in a triangle shape.
It looks like an hourglass. Males are smaller, lighter in color, with light streaks on the abdomen. The
web is irregular, many times found along exterior foundations on slabs, under stones and rocks, and
behind shrubs. They will bite if provoked. The bite feels like a sharp pain, like a needle puncture. After
15 minutes to an hour, there will be muscular cramps. Bites are rarely fatal, but you should seek
medical attention.