What You Need to Know About Recluse Spiders
Known to many people as brown spiders, recluse spiders are found in many locations around the world with the most venomous being in North America. Recluse spiders are a genus of arachnids which are known for their nasty bites which can lead to shallow sores developing in people's skin. This is because the venom the spiders carry destroys tissue in living things. Injuries sustained from their attacks can be misdiagnosed quite easily since they don't always look like straightforward spider bites. Antibiotics and anti-venoms tend to be the best treatments if you are unlucky enough to suffer a bite from a recluse spider. In all cases, professional medical assistance is highly advisable to prevent the injury from getting worse.
The Appearance of Recluse Spiders
Since they are not a single species, recluse spiders do vary in appearance. Members of the Sicariidae family of spiders, recluse spiders can usually be identified by their brownish appearance and their eyes. Their six eyes are set out in three groups of pairs, known as dyads. Some also have a violin shape on their backs which means that they are occasionally called fiddle back spiders. However, this is not a reliable method of identifying most of the Australian species. All recluse spiders are small. The very largest get up to 1.2 centimetres in length but many are half that size even when they are fully grown.
Behaviour and Habitat
Recluse spiders are known to be poor hunters. In most situations in the wild, they are observed scavenging on small creatures rather than spinning webs in an attempt to trap prey. They like warm environments where they are most prevalent and are, therefore, found in northern parts of the country in greater numbers than the south. Unlike other poisonous spiders found in the southern hemisphere, recluse spiders are not particularly aggressive. They won't bite large mammals and people unless they are disturbed and feel threatened. As their name suggests, recluse spiders try to stay out of the way of people.
Dealing With Recluse Spiders
If you notice recluse spiders, then it is likely that they have found a good habitat for feeding in your garden. Take care when moving piles of logs or going into an outbuilding after a long time where they might have decided to take up residence. Consult a spider extermination specialist to remove them from your home or garden, especially in places where children or pets might want to play.
