Do Brown Recluse Spiders Live in Colorado? Bite Symptoms & Prevention Tips

Brown Recluse Spiders in Colorado - What You Need to Know

The brown recluse spider is one of the most feared spiders in North America. This is partly due to its venomous bite, but also because of how common these spiders are in certain parts of the United States. But do brown recluse spiders live in Colorado? And if so, what do Colorado residents need to know about this venomous spider?

What Are Brown Recluse Spiders?

Brown recluse spiders (Loxosceles reclusa) are one of several species of recluse spiders found throughout the southern and midwestern United States. They get their name from their brown coloring and tendency to be shy and reclusive.

Brown recluse spiders are medium-sized, with a body length of 6-20 mm (up to 3/4 inch) and a legspan approximately the size of a U.S. quarter. They have six equal-sized eyes arranged in pairs, unlike most spiders which have eight eyes. Their most distinguishing feature is the violin-shaped marking on their cephalothorax (fused head and thorax). This is how they get their nicknames fiddleback spider or violin spider.

Brown recluse spiders build irregular webs in secluded areas and hunt at night for prey like cockroaches, crickets and other small insects. Their venom contains a cytotoxic agent that can cause tissue damage in humans, making their bites medically significant.

Are Brown Recluse Spiders Found in Colorado?

Despite their reputation, brown recluse spiders have a limited geographic range concentrated in the southern and central United States. Their native habitat centers around the Ozark Plateau region. Population densities are highest in areas like Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, Missouri, Mississippi, and portions of the Midwest and Southeast.

So do brown recluse spiders live in Colorado? At this time, there are no known established breeding populations in Colorado. However, isolated brown recluse spiders have occasionally been found in Colorado homes, likely accidentally introduced inside boxes or belongings moved from endemic areas. These incidents represent occasional introductions rather than true homegrown populations.

Brown Recluse Bite Symptoms

While not native to Colorado, potential encounters with transported brown recluse spiders means Coloradans should still know the signs of a brown recluse bite. Their venom contains chemicals that can break down skin tissue, leading to an open wound that expands over time if left untreated.

Here are some symptoms of a brown recluse spider bite:

• Mild immediate pain, similar to a bee sting
• Itching, redness, and discomfort at the bite site
• Blister formation within 24-48 hours
• Ulceration and dark blue or purple wound crater 2-3 days later
• Wound expansion for 6-8 weeks if not treated
• Scarring and skin discoloration after healing
• Systemic symptoms like fever, nausea, and rash (less common)

If a brown recluse bite is suspected, the wound should be promptly treated by a medical professional to prevent extensive skin damage. Antibiotics, wound care, and tetanus shots may be warranted.

Brown Recluse Bite Treatment

There is no antivenom available to counteract brown recluse spider bites. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and promoting healing of the wound. Here are some medical treatment options:

• Cleaning and disinfecting the bite area
• Tetanus vaccine or booster shot
• Oral antibiotics to prevent infection
• Antihistamines for itching and swelling
• Topical antibiotics and steroid creams
• Surgical debridement for necrotic wounds
• Skin grafts in severe cases

Home care can also help treat brown recluse bites. Applying ice packs, elevating the affected limb, and OTC pain relievers may help relieve symptoms. Avoid scratching or irritating the bite. Seek emergency care if the bite area expands rapidly or systemic symptoms develop.

How to Prevent Brown Recluse Bites

The best way to avoid problems with brown recluse spiders is to prevent them from entering your home in the first place. Here are some tips to keep them out of Colorado homes and limit potential contact:

• Install tight-fitting door sweeps and window screens.
• Caulk and seal potential entry points like cracks and crevices.
• Remove clutter like piles of sheets, clothes, or cardboard boxes.
• Inspect items like shoes, toys, and boxes before bringing them inside.
• Clean regularly and vacuum thoroughly.
• Store loose items like clothes and linens in sealed containers.
• Wear gloves and long sleeves when cleaning attics, garages and basements.
• Shake out any items left on the floor before use.
• Install sticky traps or insect monitors to detect infestations.

Being vigilant about keeping brown recluse spiders out of living areas is the best way for Colorado residents to avoid potentially finding one of these venomous spiders at home.

Conclusion

While native populations are unlikely, brown recluse spiders may occasionally find their way into Colorado homes through transported goods. Their venomous bites require prompt medical care, so it is important to take precautions. Sealing up entry points, cleaning thoroughly, and inspecting new items can help prevent introductions. Being informed about brown recluse identification, bites, and control will help Colorado residents coexist safely with this introduced spider species.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.