If you suspect you’ve been bitten by a brown recluse spider, see your doctor. Persons bitten by a brown recluse spider should apply ice, elevate the affected area, and seek medical attention immediately. Such symptoms are more common in children, the elderly, and patients in poor health. Rarely, symptoms of fever, chills, dizziness, rash, or vomiting may occur. However, they can progress to a larger blister and continue to a large ulcer that lasts for months and leaves a deep scar. Brown recluse bites aren’t life-threatening, and most don’t cause serious complications. The bites are initially painless but will become red, swollen, and tender in about three hours. At night, it may wander into shoes, clothing, or bedding, and it could bite you if it inadvertently becomes trapped against your skin.īrown recluse spiders rarely bite humans. The brown recluse hunts and feeds at night, and it hides during the day. They can also go months without food or water. Brown recluse spiders can live and survive in cold environments, such as unheated basements, or hot environments, such as attics. If you live in these regions, you’ll want to keep an eye out. Similar species live in the southwestern United States and southern California. Brown recluseīrown recluse spiders are most commonly found throughout the south-central and Midwestern United States.
![nocturnal spiders nocturnal spiders](http://www.mybitoftheplanet.com/2002/2002sept_files/spider1009sm.jpg)
It’s rare to find these types of spiders in your home, but if you do, be sure to eliminate them immediately. The brown recluse and black widow are two types of spiders you want to avoid.