Brown Recluse Spider vs. Brown Widow Spider

Metro Orlando FL | Kissimmee - Sanford - Leesburg

The climate in Florida makes it a prime location for several species of spiders. Both the black and brown widow spider are native to Florida. The brown recluse is not native to Florida, but has been found in isolated homes for the last few years. It is important for residents to be familiar with what these spiders look like, their behaviors and the correct plan of action that should be taken when a person suffers a bite.

What Does a Brown Recluse Look Like?

Most brown recluse spiders are a dullish brown color, but there are some that may appear more yellow in color. The body of an adult can grow up to about 11 mm in length and, including the legs, they are approximately the size of a quarter. A common nickname for the brown recluse is the fiddle-back spider because of the violin-shaped mark on the cephalothorax. Spotting this mark is the best way of making a positive identification.

Brown Recluse Spider Tips & Information

• Dangers:
  • The brown recluse is one of the more venomous spiders that inhabit the North American continent.
  • While death is a possible outcome from the bite of a brown recluse, this only occurs in very rare cases.
  • Most bites heal in little time and result in only minimal damage, but when a bite is serious, it can result in blisters and necrosis. The death of living tissue (necrosis) will cause a deep open wound that could result in scarring.
• Prevention:
  • If you are digging around in the garage or attic, make sure to look into boxes and spaces where a spider could be hidden.
  • If you plan to wear a pair of shoes that have been stored away for awhile, shake them out before putting them on.
  • If you pull old clothes or blankets out of storage, make sure to shake them out before you use them.
• Treating a bite:
  • If medical attention is not readily available, cover the bite with an antibacterial gel.
  • Try to dress the area with a band-aid or gauze bandages.
  • Try to avoid exposing the bite to hot water, as hot water or heat will help the venom to spread.

What Does a Brown Widow Look Like?

Although it’s called a brown widow, this spider can range in color. You may see them with a solid brown color, or they could be a patchy or mottled brown. A good identifying mark for a brown widow female is the orange hourglass shape that appears on the underside of their abdomen as well as their black and brown striped legs.

Brown Widow Spider Tips & Information

• Dangers:
  • Most of the symptoms will be centered on the location of the bite and it can be quite painful.
  • Additional symptoms may include headache, muscle pain, lethargy, sweating, nausea, and shortness of breath.
• Prevention:
  • An outside woodpile or an old tool shed would be prime locations for a brown widow.
  • The best way to prevent bites is to shake out any item that has been stored away for a long time before you use it.
  • Maintaining good screens and windows can also be a good way to keep them out.
• Treating a bite:
  • If possible, try to catch the spider in a secure container and bring it to the hospital for identification.
  • Identifying the spider can help the medical personnel form a more effective treatment plan.

Prevent Spider Bites with Pest Control

While most people never suffer a bite from a venomous spider, they are more common than many would think. Take care when working or walking in a prime location for spiders. Always get a bite treated from a medical professional as quickly as you can.

If you feel that you have potentially dangerous spiders infesting your home or business, or just simply don’t like having them around, give Heron Home & Outdoor a call. We’ll inspect your home, working with you to make sure your needs are taken care of and any problems are addressed. Call Heron today for a free estimate!