Brown Recluse Spiders in New Jersey: Bites, Treatment & Prevention

The Brown Recluse Spider in New Jersey

The brown recluse spider, also known as the violin spider or Loxosceles reclusa, is one of the most venomous spiders found in the United States. This spider gets its name from the violin-shaped marking on its cephalothorax (the front body section). The brown recluse is usually light to medium brown in color but can range from cream-colored to dark brown or black.

Brown recluse spiders are found predominantly in the central and southern United States, with populations concentrated in Oklahoma, Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and parts of Georgia, Tennessee, Kentucky, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas, and Missouri. However, some specimens have been observed in non-endemic states like New Jersey, particularly in warehouses and other areas containing shipped goods from endemic regions.

Identifying the Brown Recluse Spider

The brown recluse has six equal-sized eyes arranged in pairs, unlike most spiders which have eight eyes. Their legs are uniformly colored and do not have any banding or patterns. Adult brown recluse spiders are typically between 6-20 mm in body length (excluding leg span).

One key identifier is examining the violin pattern on the top surface of the cephalothorax - it has a darker violin-shaped marking with the "neck" pointing toward the abdomen. The violin marking may not be as obvious in younger spiders. The leg span can reach up to 5 cm or more.

Brown Recluse Habitat

Brown recluse spiders build irregular webs in secluded, dry, sheltered areas such as underneath rocks or logs, in abandoned piles of wood, dry leaves, debris, inside boxes or old furniture, attics, crawl spaces, barns, sheds, cellars, and other man-made structures. They prefer environments that are hot and dry.

In New Jersey, brown recluse spiders may be accidentally transported into homes and buildings within boxes, furniture, and other items shipped from endemic states. They may take up residence in little disturbed corners, closets, attics, or basements. Since they are nocturnal spiders, they may bite humans while being trapped against the skin or when their webs are disturbed.

Brown Recluse Bite Symptoms

The brown recluse has a cytotoxic venom that can cause severe skin and tissue damage at the bite site. However, the majority of brown recluse bites do not result in any symptoms or visible effects. In cases where venom is injected, symptoms of a recluse bite may include:

• Mild to intense pain at the bite site
• Itching, tingling, or burning feeling
• Reddening of the bite area
• Appearance of a white or light-colored blister or lesion
• Shedding of the skin
• Formation of a painful ulceration with a blackish, crusty appearance (necrotic lesion)
• Chills, fever, nausea, vomiting
• Rash, hives, itching
• Joint pain or body stiffness
• Blood in the urine

In severe cases, the bite can cause systemic effects throughout the body. Seek immediate emergency medical care if bitten by a brown recluse spider in New Jersey or elsewhere.

Treating Brown Recluse Spider Bites

If you suspect you have been bitten by a brown recluse spider in New Jersey, follow these first aid recommendations while seeking medical treatment:

• Wash the bite area with soap and water to help reduce risk of infection
• Apply a cool compress to relieve swelling and discomfort
• Elevate the bite area if possible
• Do not attempt to remove any venom - leave that to a medical professional
• Avoid applying heat, ice, tourniquets, or electric shocks to the bite
• Do not try to cut open or drain the bite
• Capture the spider safely if you can for identification purposes, but avoid further contact

Seek emergency medical care if any severe symptoms develop such as oozing wounds, severe pain, nausea, difficulty breathing, swollen limbs, or fever. Anti-venom and other treatments may be administered under medical supervision.

Medical Treatment for Brown Recluse Bites

Treatment for brown recluse bites focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing complications from the venom. In addition to wound care, medications that may be used include:

• Pain relievers
• Antihistamines
• Corticosteroids to reduce inflammation
• Antibiotics for infection
• Blood pressure medications
• Muscle relaxers
• Anti-nausea medication
• Tetanus vaccine

More serious interventions may involve surgery to remove damaged tissue or a skin graft. Medical supervision is recommended for at least 24 hours after being bitten to monitor for potential side effects.

Home Treatment for Minor Bites

For mild bites that do not require emergency care, the following home treatment measures may help:

• Rest and elevate the bite area
• Apply a cool compress to relieve pain and swelling
• Gently clean the bite with soap and water
• Use an antibiotic cream to prevent infection
• Avoid scratching or irritating the bite
• Take over-the-counter pain medication as needed
• Watch for any signs of worsening reaction or infection

See your physician promptly if the bite does not improve within a few days with home treatment. Persistent ulcerations, oozing, swollen glands, fever, or increased pain signal complications requiring medical intervention.

Preventing Brown Recluse Spider Bites

To avoid potential bites from brown recluse spiders in New Jersey homes or buildings, recommended preventive measures include:

• Regularly inspect attics, basements, closets, and other little-disturbed areas
• Seal cracks, holes, and openings in the foundation
• Clear clutter and debris piles which provide hiding spots
• Store boxes off the floor and away from walls
• Cover air vents with fine mesh
• Vacuum and dust regularly
• Remove and shake out stored clothing, linens, or materials
• Install sticky traps or insect monitors
• Use caution when reaching into dark, enclosed spaces
• Wear protective clothing like gloves, long sleeves, pants when in infested areas
• Inspect items like furniture before bringing them inside
• Treat home basements and attics with pesticides if needed

Being able to identify a brown recluse spider can help prevent bites. Seek professional pest control if an infestation is suspected inside the home.

Professional Brown Recluse Spider Treatment

If you suspect a brown recluse spider problem at your New Jersey home, it is advisable to contact a licensed pest control professional. They can:

• Inspect your property and confirm the presence of brown recluse spiders
• Determine the scope and location of the infestation
• Apply professional-grade pesticides in infested areas
• Use non-chemical methods as needed, like vacuuming and traps
• Seal cracks and crevices where spiders may enter and hide
• Provide advice to make your home less inviting to the spiders
• Offer follow-up treatments and prevention services

Pest control experts have the tools and expertise to rid your home of brown recluse spiders and limit the chances of encountering them indoors. They can also help confirm spider specimens if you have captured one.

DIY Brown Recluse Spider Control

There are some DIY steps you can take to control brown recluse spiders in and around the home:

• Apply pesticide sprays labeled for spider control in basements, attics, and crawl spaces
• Dust cracks and crevices with desiccant dusts which dry out spider bodies
• Place sticky traps in corners and undisturbed areas to monitor activity
• Seal cracks and holes where pipes or utilities enter the foundation
• Reduce clutter, debris piles, tree branches touching the home
• Improve lighting and ventilation in infested rooms
• Vacuum and clean frequently to disturb webs and remove spiders

However, brown recluse populations can be challenging to eliminate yourself. Pest control experts have the experience, tools, and strong chemicals needed to fully clear an infestation.

Brown Recluse Spider Bite Pictures

Seeing images of brown recluse spider bites can help identify the symptoms. Bites may progress through the following stages:

1. Mild Bite:

A small red, white or discolored lesion appears surrounded by mild swelling.

2. Ulcerating Bite:

The bite lesion expands, turns darker, and begins ulcerating at the center.

3. Healing Bite:

A scab forms over the ulcerated area as the bite gradually heals over time.

4. Severe Bite:

Large necrotic ulcer with dead tissue and extensive reddening/swelling.

5. Healed Bite:

A round scar may remain at the bite site after healing.

These photos can help identify a potential brown recluse spider bite. However, many conditions can also produce skin lesions and ulcers. Seek medical advice to confirm the cause.

Key Takeaways

• The brown recluse spider is rarely found in New Jersey but may enter homes in shipped goods from endemic states.
• Bites inject cytotoxic venom leading to skin necrosis but are often harmless.
• Look for violin marking on body and 6 equal-sized eyes to identify this spider.
• Seek emergency care for severe reactions; mild bites can be managed at home.
• Prevent bites by reducing clutter, sealing cracks, inspecting items, and shaking out materials.
• Pest control treatment is recommended to eliminate brown recluse infestations.

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.