is a dark, fiddle-shaped area on the front half of its 
back. This mark narrows to a thin center line near 
the abdomen. Unlike most spiders, this species and 
its close relatives have six eyes, instead of eight. 
The female brown recluse spider produces as 
many as 300 eggs in her lifetime. About one year is 
necessary to complete the development from egg 
to mature adult. 
Brown recluse spiders are very adaptable. They 
are able to remain active in temperatures ranging 
from 40° to 110° F. They may live as long as 2 
years. 
Effects of the Bite 
Reaction to the bite of the brown recluse spider 
varies considerably and depends on the amount of 
venom injected and individual sensitivity to it. 
The bite is usually followed by intense pain. 
Sometimes the victim is not immediately aware that 
he has been bitten, and an hour or more may pass 
before he experiences discomfort. 
The first visible symptom of brown recluse poison- 
ing is a small white blister at the site of the fang 
punctures. The affected area enlarges and becomes 
inflamed. It is hard to the touch. Eventually, affected 
tissues begin to die and peel away. The center of 
the bitten area becomes sunken and the skin 
around the bite becomes raised slightly. An ulcer- 
ating sore then develops; it may be quite large. 
Some lesions are so extensive that skin grafts are 
necessary. 
In addition to the local reaction from the venom, 
victims have been known to suffer one or more of 
the following effects: rash, chills, fever, bloody 
urine, weakness, jaundice, and convulsive seizures. 
These symptoms do not usually occur. 
After the healing process is complete, a de- 
pressed scar of varying size remains at the site of 
the lesion. The healing process is usually slow, and 
2 to 6 weeks may pass before improvement shows. 
What To Do In Case of a Bite 
If you think you have been bitten by a brown re- 
cluse spider, get immediate medical attention. Keep 
calm and, if possible, try to find the spider that bit 
you— positive identification of the spider by an ex- 
pert can be helpful. The bites of most spiders are 
temporarily painful, but not dangerous. In the case 
of the brown recluse, prompt medical treatment is 
needed to prevent severe reactions. 
Although there is no specific antidote for the bi 
of the brown recluse spider, patients have r 
sponded well to treatment with one or more of tl 
following: steroids, antihistamines, and antibiotic 
Immediately after being bitten: 
e Apply an antiseptic solution to the fang pur 
tures to help prevent infection. 
e Apply ice packs to the area surrounding t 
bite. 
Do not treat the wound as you would a snake bit 
Do not cut the fang punctures. Do not apply suctio 
Do not employ a tourniquet. 
Control 
The brown recluse spider can live for sevet 
months without food. Because of this, the brov 
recluse is difficult to eliminate by merely controlli 
the insects on which it preys. 
The most effective method of control is to apr 
sprays or dusts to the spider and its web. 
Lindane is effective in controlling this pest 
homes and outbuildings. 
Household sprays containing lindane are ave 
able at supermarkets, home and garden cente 
hardware stores, and other retail stores. Some 
these sprays can be applied directly from pre 
surized cans. 
Brown recluse spiders are found most often 
basements, kitchens, bathrooms, water-heater a! 
clothing closets, attics, and storage places. Spr 
along baseboards; spray behind furniture and p 
tures, beneath boxes, and other objects that ser 
as hiding places. 
Limit the amount of lindane you use. Do not spr 
large surfaces such as walls, floors, or ceilings. 
Other areas subject to infestation are: barns, ot 
buildings, garages, woodpiles, and feed stora 
buildings. 
Because of possible fire hazard, do not use | 
dane sprays at the bottom of water-heater closets. 
use only lindane dust. Use the dust sparingly. Use 
lindane dust that contains only 1-percent lindane 
To keep your premises free of the brown reclu 
spider: dispose of unneeded clothing, papers, a 
other litter; sweep sheds and storage closets; cle 
the area around the water heater. 
If you live where brown recluse spiders are co 
mon, spray or dust with lindane. However, do r 
apply lindane or any other insecticide unless y 
have good reason to believe your property is 
fested. 
