All About Brown Recluse Vs House Spider

One of the most common insects you can find in your homes are spiders. There are countless varieties of spiders. People often confuse the brown recluse with the house spider at first glance. Many mistake the harmless house spider for the venomous brown recluse spider. So, it is important to know the differences between them and the potential risks they carry. In this article, we will explain how to differentiate between them, their bite signs, and how you can prevent the spiders from entering your home in the first place.

The brown recluse

The brown recluse is widely known in North America because it is venomous. It is usually brown or tan in color and has a unique violin-shaped mark on its body. They are very shy, prefer dry, isolated places, and try to avoid people. These spiders usually build their homes in dark, quiet places like storage boxes, basements, or attics.

The house spider

House spiders are the most common spiders found inside homes. They are usually harmless to people and, in fact, serve an important role by feeding on pests and other insects. They are well adapted to live indoors and build webs in corners, near windows, or in basements.

What is the difference between a brown recluse and a house spider?

You can tell the difference by their appearance, behavior, and where they build their webs.

Violin mark: The brown recluse has a distinct violin-shaped mark pointing towards its abdomen, which is absent in house spiders.

Eyes: The brown recluse has 6 eyes that are arranged in pairs, whereas the house spider has 8 eyes.

Body: The brown recluse is brown or tan in color and has a smooth and slender body. Whereas the house spider has a more rounded, hairier, patterned body.

Size: Both spiders have similar body lengths, but the brown recluse has a distinct leg span of an inch.

Webs: The brown recluse spins an irregular, off white coloured webs near the ground, while the house spider prefers building a tangled web around the corners.

Lifespan: The brown recluse has an average lifespan of about 2-4 years, whereas the house spider lives only up to a year.

What time of the year are brown recluses more active?

Brown recluses are most active from spring to early fall, or from March to October. They are most active in August because it is their mating season. They are nocturnal insects; hence, they remain hidden during the day and are active at night.

Since they are ectothermic, or in simpler terms, their body temperature changes with the surroundings, so during summers, to cope with the increasing heat, they increase their movement to speed up their metabolism. This helps them to cool down.

Brown recluses vs house spiders bite.

Although both spiders can be found in your homes, their bites are very different from each other. House spider bites are usually mild with temporary discomfort, whereas brown recluse bites can cause more damage.

Brown recluse spider bite

It is usually painless at first. But the symptoms can develop afterward. The affected area can become red, itchy, swollen, and painful. In some cases, a blister forms at the center of the bite, leading to an open sore. Although severe reactions are uncommon, contact a medical professional if the bite spreads.

House spider bite

It is less harmful in comparison to the brown recluse spider bite. They generally do not bite until they feel threatened. Their bites can cause mild pain and redness. It can also feel a little itchy, but symptoms usually disappear as the bite heals.

How to treat a spider bite immediately

For any suspected spider bite, first gently clean the area with soap and water. For redness and swelling, use a cold compress. Do not scratch, squeeze, or try to cut the bitten area. If you experience pain, increased swelling and redness, fever, or difficulty breathing, seek medical care.

How to prevent spiders from entering your home?

To prevent spiders from entering your living space, seal entry points and remove webs. Start by sealing the gaps and cracks in the walls, doors, and windows. Check corners regularly for webs and remove them. Reduce clutter in undisturbed areas of your home, such as storage rooms, basements, and attics. Store your clothes and blankets in airtight plastic containers instead of cardboard storage boxes to reduce the risk of spider infestation.

Effective ways to get rid of spiders

To respond appropriately to spiders, you must first learn to differentiate between the harmful and the harmless ones. Effective spider control requires a combination of physically catching and removing spiders from your home, sealing entry points, and removing the insects spiders feed on. If you spot a spider in your house, the most effective way to deal with it is to vacuum. Vacuum the spiders and their eggs and dispose of them outside, far from your home.

Why should you never squish a spider?

You should never squish a spider because of the points listed below.

Crushing a female spider that is carrying an egg sac will cause the eggs or baby spiders to scatter everywhere.
Killing a spider will increase the number of insects like mosquitoes, flies, and roaches because spiders feed on these insects.
Squishing a spider can be unhygienic as it will stain the surface, release bad odors, and smear bodily fluids on your walls.

Conclusion

At first glance, the brown recluse spider and common house spiders may look alike, but they are quite different. Therefore, it is important to identify both types correctly. House spiders generally cause no harm, whereas a bite from a brown recluse spider can, in some cases, lead to tissue damage. Understanding the differences between them and the effects of their bites is essential so that you can remain calm and respond appropriately.