Brown Recluse Spiders in New Hampshire: Sightings, Bites & Identification

Are There Brown Recluse Spiders in New Hampshire?

The brown recluse spider is a venomous spider that gets its name from its reclusive habits and brown coloring. Also known as the violin spider or fiddleback spider for the characteristic violin-shaped marking on its cephalothorax, the brown recluse spider is found predominantly in the south-central United States.

But what about New Hampshire? Do brown recluse spiders reside in the Granite State? Let's take a closer look at the behavior, identification, and habitat of the brown recluse spider and whether it can be found in New Hampshire.

Brown Recluse Spider Behavior and Habits

As their name suggests, brown recluse spiders are shy, non-aggressive arachnids that seek to avoid human interaction. They prefer to build their irregular webs in dry, sheltered spaces like basements, garages, sheds, attics and crawl spaces. Outdoor populations are far less common.

These spiders are nocturnal and actively hunt for prey at night. During the day, they tend to remain in their webs or hidden crevices and are unlikely to bite unless accidentally provoked or pressed up against the skin.

Despite their reclusive nature, in some cases the brown recluse's venomous bite can have devastating dermonecrotic effects in humans, making them a serious public health concern in endemic areas.

Identifying Features of the Brown Recluse

Brown recluse spiders are medium-sized, usually 6-12 mm (0.2-0.5 inches) in body length. Identifying features include:

• Uniform light to medium brown coloration on legs and body
• Dark brown violin-shaped marking on the top side of the cephalothorax
• Six equal-sized eyes arranged in three pairs (most spiders have eight eyes)
• Long, thin legs that do not have spines
• Fine hairs that cover the legs and body

Their violin marking and eye arrangement are key identifiers to distinguish them from other household spiders that may look similar at first glance.

Brown Recluse Habitat and Range

Brown recluse spiders build their webs in dry, sheltered locations in states like Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Arkansas, Missouri, Kansas, and portions of the southeastern United States. Outside the US, they have spread to South America.

They thrive in hot, arid environments and are far less tolerant of cold winters and humidity. Basements, attics, closets and crawl spaces in older homes provide ideal habitat.

Are Brown Recluse Spiders Found in New Hampshire?

While the brown recluse has an extensive range across the southern and midwestern US, verified populations are extremely rare in New England. The cold winters, humidity and unsuitable habitat make it unlikely for brown recluse populations to become established in New Hampshire.

That said, a few isolated brown recluse sightings have been recorded in New Hampshire, likely from accidental transport in shipping crates, vehicles and luggage from endemic states. But experts emphasize these are isolated incidents only.

One study compiled decades of verified brown recluse sightings and identifications by arachnologists. Out of 1,773 total records across 42 states, there were only 2 records from New Hampshire. Both were individual spider specimens, not entire populations.

In contrast, hundreds of verified records originated from Midwestern and Southern states with more suitable recluse habitat. So while not impossible, brown recluse encounters in New Hampshire seem to be extraordinarily rare events.

Misidentification of Other Spider Species

Many reported brown recluse sightings in New Hampshire and northern New England are cases of mistaken identity. Several other spider species can be confused with the brown recluse, including:

• Cellar spiders - Long, thin legs, pale brown coloration, darker violin marking
• Pirate spiders - Brown color, violin-shaped marking, 6 eyes
• Barn funnel weaver - Light brown, mottled legs, violin-shaped marking
• Rabid wolf spider - Brown, violin marking on grey/black body

Upon expert inspection, the suspected recluses almost always end up being one of these harmless lookalike species that lack medically significant venom.

Misdiagnosis of Bites

Many presumed brown recluse bites are actually other conditions altogether. Bacterial infections, poison ivy rashes, fungal infections, diabetic ulcers, and blood clots can be mistaken for necrotic spider bites when the offending creature is never seen.

Diagnosing a lesion as a brown recluse bite without visually confirming the spider's presence is unreliable. In non-endemic areas like New Hampshire, the odds of another condition being responsible are quite high.

Signs of a Brown Recluse Spider Bite

On the very rare chance you suspect an actual recluse spider bite in New Hampshire, be alert for these symptoms:

• Mild pain and itching at the bite site within 2-6 hours
• Development of a white or light colored blister or bullseye lesion
• Spreading redness, pain and swelling in the hours and days after the bite
• Breakdown of tissue and ulceration in severe cases of necrosis
• Flu-like symptoms like fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, headache

Seeking prompt medical care is vital if these bite symptoms appear following a known or probable spider encounter. Quick treatment can help prevent severe necrosis and other dangerous complications.

First Aid for Suspected Brown Recluse Bites

If bitten by a spider you suspect could be a brown recluse, do the following while awaiting medical assessment:

• Wash the bite area with soap and water
• Apply a cool compress to relieve swelling and pain
• Elevate the bite site if possible
• Avoid icing the bite, topical antibiotics, electroshock, tourniquets or incisions
• Save the spider if captured for identification purposes

Seeking medical care quickly is highly recommended, even if symptoms seem mild at first.

Other Venomous Spiders in New Hampshire

While brown recluse spiders are virtually unheard of in New Hampshire, two other types of venomous spiders do reside in the state and can pose dangers to humans if provoked:

1. Black Widow Spiders

The northern black widow spider is native to New Hampshire and can be found in brush piles, woodpiles, sheds, garages, hollow stumps, and similar dry, sheltered spots outside.

Black widows have a prominent red hourglass shape on the underside of their shiny black bodies. Their bites can cause muscle aches, nausea, sweating and hypertension. But fatalities are unlikely with proper medical treatment.

2. Yellow Sac Spiders

Yellow sac spiders are one of the most common house spiders in New Hampshire homes. They have a pale yellow color and can be identified by their elongated front body segment.

Most bites only cause mild symptoms, but in rarer cases their venom can produce skin necrosis. Their bites should be washed and monitored carefully as a precaution.

Avoiding Spider Bites in New Hampshire

While verified brown recluse spiders are scarce in New Hampshire, using caution around any spiders is wise. Here are some tips for avoiding bites:

• Carefully inspect clothing, shoes, towels and linens before use
• Wear gloves, long sleeves and pants when cleaning storage areas
• Clear clutter and vacuum spider webs regularly
• Seal cracks and crevices around the home
• Shake out any items stored in the garage or basement
• Inspect beds and furniture for spiders before use
• Keep woodpiles and yard debris away from the home's foundation

Being attentive and using proper protective clothing can help prevent unfortunate and painful spider bites.

Takeaway on Brown Recluse Spiders in New Hampshire

In summary, established populations of brown recluse spiders are not believed to inhabit New Hampshire due to unsuitable climate conditions. The few verified sightings in the state have been isolated incidents attributed to accidental transport from endemic regions.

Misidentification of other harmless spider species and conditions often leads to inaccurate assumptions of brown recluse bites in the state. Still, it is prudent to learn how to identify recluse spiders in the unlikely event of encountering one.

While brown recluse spiders may not be a pressing concern, black widows and yellow sac spiders do reside in New Hampshire and warrant appropriate caution when in close contact. Being informed about thespiders found locally can help state residents co-exist safely.

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.