If you have arachnophobia, the fear of spiders, it doesn’t matter what type of spider you see. You’re going to treat it like it’s deadly. Whether that means running for your life or calling your local pest control expert, that’s up to you. However, one spider has risen up the ranks in recent years as one of the most feared eight-legged insects. If you’ve heard or met anyone who has experienced a bite from a brown recluse spider, you know why they’ve become feared by many. While the brown recluse spider sounds intimidating, is it lethal? Let’s see!
Brown recluse spiders are one of three spiders in North America with medically significant venom. In terms of toxicity, it’s up there with the Chilean recluse and the black widow. These spiders typically are 0.24 inches to 0.79 inches in size but can grow larger.
While brown recluse spider bites rarely result in death, you should take them seriously. When left untreated, these bites can cause serious skin damage, nausea, and muscle pain. If you seek medical attention as soon as possible, most bites resolve themselves within days to weeks. However, the most extreme or severe bites can take months to heal fully.
You should monitor the person who experienced the bite for any signs of a serious reaction over the next 24 to 48 hours. Keep an eye on the bite site to ensure the condition isn’t worsening. If the victim begins to experience nausea or any unusual symptoms, seek medical attention immediately. When in doubt, head to your local urgent care or emergency room if necessary.