There aren’t too many spiders that are considered a danger to humans in the Hilton Head area. However, brown recluse spiders are one exception. These spiders can bite people, resulting in serious infections that can become life-threatening. You’ll need help from a Hilton Head spider exterminator if you have these spiders anywhere in your home or on your property.
Where Brown Recluse Spiders Hide
Brown recluse spiders get their name from their tendency to stay hidden in closets, boxes and other areas. While you might not see one crawling along your floor or wall, you could see them when you open your closet door or move a box around.
Keep in mind that these spiders don’t build webs as many other spider species do, so you can’t use these signs to find out where they might be lurking. If these spiders are outdoors, you might find them under your porch, in a shed, in a woodpile or other sheltered locations.
Identifying Brown Recluse Spiders
Brown recluse spiders can measure between a quarter-inch and three-quarters of an inch long. They have a brownish or tan coloring with a violin-shaped marking on the front part of their body. Unlike other spiders, they also have six eyes instead of eight. A Hilton Head spider exterminator can let you know if you do have these spiders on your property or if you have a different kind of spider.
Brown Recluse Bite Appearance
The main reason that brown recluse spiders are feared is due to their bites. When one of these spiders bites you, you might not even notice it at first. If you do feel something, the bite might feel similar to a sting from a bee or a slight pinch.
How can you tell if it’s a brown recluse bite? Since many bugs can bite, it’s important to identify whether or not you were bitten by a brown recluse spider.
These bites typically appear as a spot of redness in the affected area, which usually shows up within a day or two. You might have some soreness in that area. If the bite gets worse, an ulcer can form in the area. When the skin tissue is affected, it can turn a purplish color.
Brown recluse spider bites can also cause other symptoms, such as joint pain, weakness, chills, fever and nausea. In rare cases, those who have been bitten can have seizures or fall into a coma.
Treatment for Brown Recluse Spider Bites
What should you do if you’ve been bitten by a brown recluse spider? If your child has been bitten, it’s important to see a doctor for treatment right away. For adults, you should keep an eye on your spider bite.
You’ll need to get medical care if the bite forms an ulcer or blister with a dark center or if you have signs of an infection, such as discharge or redness that spreads. You should also get medical help if you have any breathing problems or if your pain becomes severe.
You can treat brown recluse spider bites at home by cleaning the wound with water and soap. Put antibiotic cream on the bite, then raise the area to prevent swelling if you were bitten on the leg or arm. Putting ice on the bite can also help ease swelling. For discomfort, you can take over-the-counter pain relievers.
Brown Recluse Spider Prevention
Reducing clutter in your home can help discourage brown recluse spiders from hanging around. Having a Hilton Head spider exterminator treat your home and yard can also keep these pests from becoming a problem on your SC property.
If you’ve seen brown recluse spiders in your home, call Island Pest Control right away for a Hilton Head spider exterminator. Our technicians have the training and skills needed for eliminating these spiders from your home.
