It might be their menacing appearance or simply the potential of being bitten. Whatever the reason, a considerable number of people are fearful of spiders. In reality, only a few spiders can cause harm to you if you’re bitten. Brown recluse spider bites are one of the most dangerous. So, what does a brown recluse bite look like? Here are some tips to help you determine if you’ve been bitten by a brown recluse and the symptoms you may encounter.
DID YOU SEE THE SPIDER?
Brown recluse spiders are tan to brown in color and have a distinctive violin shape marking on top, just behind their head. This marking will be much darker than the rest of their body color.
DID YOU FEEL THE SPIDER BITE YOU?
Oftentimes, people do not know they’ve been bitten because a recluse spider bite is relatively painless. Look first for two puncture wounds made by the spider’s fangs. You may also feel a minor stinging sensation. These are the first brown recluse spider bite stages. Other symptoms may not be observed until several hours later.
WHAT ARE SYMPTOMS TO LOOK FOR?
A brown recluse spider bite contains enzymes that are released into the body of the victim and cause death to the skin and surrounding tissue. A few hours after being bitten you might experience severe pain at the site of the bite along with nausea, severe itching, fever and muscle pain.
WHAT DOES THE AREA WHERE YOU WERE BITTEN LOOK LIKE?
A small blister about the size of a dime may appear after the initial brown recluse spider bite. As the venom spreads, this blistering effect will also progress and the wound will develop into an open sore. The affected area will be bright red at first, then the surrounding skin may become black and blue due to the decaying of the tissue in the area. Additionally, the skin could feel stiff or hard to the touch. In the most extreme cases, substantial tissue loss and scarring can occur over a large area.
The effects of a brown recluse spider bite depend on how much venom was injected and the person’s sensitivity to the venom. Some people experience little to no effect from a bite, while others have a more severe reaction. A brown recluse spider bite is certainly cause for alarm. If you suspect you’ve been bitten by one of these dangerous spiders, it’s suggested that you seek medical attention right way.
To reduce the potential of being bitten by a brown recluse, call Terminix®. Their pest management professionals will provide you with a plan to control these spiders and other pests in and around your home.
