Identifying the Brown Recluse "Big Butt" Spider: Venom, Bite Symptoms, and Prevention Tips

Learning to Identify the Brown Recluse Spider

Of the over 45,000 known spider species, most are harmless to humans. But some spiders do pack a venomous bite, like the notoriously dangerous brown recluse spider. Getting bit by one is rare, but learning how to identify them means you can take precautions in their habitat and get medical help quickly if needed.

Distinctive Violin-Shaped Marking

Brown recluse spiders have a distinctive violin-shaped marking on their cephalothorax (the front body section). The "neck" of the violin points toward the bulbous abdomen, which makes them appear to have a big butt. They measure 6 to 20 mm (0.2 to 0.8 inches) long. Their legs span about the size of a half-dollar coin.

Color and Body Shape

As the name suggests, brown recluse spiders have uniformly brown bodies covered in fine hairs. Their long, thin legs also have a slightly darker brown coloring. They have six equal-sized eyes arranged in three pairs in a semi-circle pattern. Their bodies are rounded with no major constriction between the cephalothorax and abdomen.

Cobweb-Type Webbing

Brown recluse spiders construct asymmetrical, cobweb-like webbing as shelters in dark, dry places like attics, closets, cellars, barns, and sheds. Webs act as warning signs that these venomous spiders may inhabit an area.

Where Brown Recluse Spiders Live and Bite

Understanding where these spiders reside helps assess your risk of getting bit. Their territory is fairly limited despite having a dangerous bite.

Midwestern and Southern Central States

Brown recluse spiders live mostly in the central Midwestern and Southeastern United States. States like Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, Missouri, Mississippi, Alabama, and parts of Georgia have well-documented populations.

Indoors vs. Outdoors

These spiders dwell almost exclusively indoors in dark, dry, seldom-disturbed places. While they can venture outside at night to hunt, they strongly prefer indoor habitats. Bites often occur while getting items from storage areas or when putting on stored clothing.

Non-Native Range Bites Still Possible

The likelihood of getting bit outside the spider's endemic region is extremely low. But brown recluses have been introduced through commercial shipments into new areas like the West Coast. Although rare, bites can still occur outside their native territory.

Signs and Symptoms of Brown Recluse Spider Bites

Identifying a brown recluse bite early allows prompt medical care. But their bites often resemble other injuries, making them hard to diagnose.

Mild Initial Bite Reaction

When initially bitten, you may notice nothing more than a slight stinging feeling. A small white blister sometimes forms surrounded by a faint red ring. Occasionally two tiny puncture marks are visible from the fangs.

Pain and Itching After 8 Hours

Over the next 8 hours, pain, itching, and redness intensifies at the bite site. A inflamed raised wheal around 1 to 4 inches wide usually develops resembling a bee sting or infection.

Necrotic Lesion Days Later

In severe bites, a necrotic lesion appears after 24 to 72 hours destroying tissue at the wound. The affected area turns dark purple surrounded by a white halo. An open sore and scab eventually replace the lesion over weeks, leaving discolored scar tissue behind.

Treating a Suspected Brown Recluse Spider Bite

No antivenom exists yet to counteract brown recluse spider venom. So treatment focuses on managing bite symptoms and preventing infection from developing.

First Aid and Over-the-Counter Meds

Gently wash the bite with mild soap and cool water. Apply a cool compress and elevate the wound to reduce swelling. Take OTC pain meds like acetaminophen or ibuprofen to relieve discomfort.

Antibiotics for Infection

See a doctor within 24 to 48 hours after the bite. They will examine your wound and may prescribe antibiotics to prevent secondary infections from tissue damage caused by the venom.

Corticosteroids, Antivirals, and Surgery

For severely progressing bites causing a necrotic lesion, steroids reduce inflammation while antiviral meds inhibit venom effects. Surgery may be required to remove decayed skin tissue and graft repair the wound.

Home Remedies Not Recommended

Do not attempt any home remedies on a spider bite like making incision cuts or trying to suck out venom. These unproven methods can do more harm than good and increase your infection risk.

Preventing Bites From Brown Recluse Spiders

Using preventative measures is your best defense since brown recluse spiders want to avoid humans. Making their habitats inhospitable compels them to stay away.

Remove Clutter and Vacuum Regularly

Spiders require litter-filled spaces to hide and build webs. Keep storage rooms, basements, sheds, and garages free of debris, regularly swept, and vacuumed. This denies spiders good nesting sites.

Seal Cracks and Crevices

Seal any cracks or holes where spiders can enter with caulk or weather stripping. Install door sweeps to prevent gaps. Screen vents, eaves, and ground-level windows to block outside spiders from sneaking in.

Eliminate Prey Sources

Spiders infest areas with plenty of prey like mites, crickets, flies, cockroaches, and other household insects. Getting rid of a spiders food supply compels it to relocate elsewhere for better hunting.

Use Deterrents and Insecticides

Sprinkle diatomaceous earth in out-of-reach places spiders travel. Deploy sticky traps to capture roaming spiders. Only use insecticides labeled for spiders as a last resort by a licensed professional.

Learning how to identify brown recluse spiders empowers you to control them through prevention. And if you suffer the unlikely occurrence of getting bit, recognize the symptoms quickly to seek treatment.

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.