In 2022, a 19-year-old male was hospitalized twice for rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney injury after being bitten by a brown recluse spider. He was diagnosed with hemolytic anemia on day seven and hospitalized for six more days. Although extremely rare, this type of reaction to a brown recluse spider bite is referred to as a systemic loxoscelism. The condition occurs when the spider venom binds to the red blood cells and causes extreme symptoms within 24 to 72 hours after the initial bite. Symptoms include fever, chills, headache, fatigue, nausea, weakness, aching muscles and joint pain, jaundice, blood in urine, kidney failure, shock, seizures and coma. A reaction of this nature is more common in children and intensive medical intervention is necessary although sadly it may not always result in saving the life of the child.
What Attracts Brown Recluse Spiders?
The brown recluse is a hunter spider, and nothing makes a home more attractive to these predators than lots of food. Their primary food source is small bugs and unfortunately, the more small bugs you have, the more attractive your home will be to a brown recluse spider.
Dangers of a Brown Recluse Spider
The brown recluse spider is one of the most venomous spiders found in central and southern United States. The adult spider may vary in color between dull yellow to a coppery dark brown. Young spiders are generally a lighter color than the adult specimens. Adults can measure as much as 1/2 of an inch in length. The most obvious sign of the brown recluse is the presence of a violin-shaped mark on the abdomen of the spider. Because of this mark, the brown recluse spider is commonly referred to as the fiddle-back spider
As the name suggest, brown recluse spiders prefer dark and secluded areas including closets, boxes, woodpiles and porches. It is most active at night and bites generally occur when the spider feels trapped or becomes agitated otherwise it is not generally aggressive toward humans. Children are the highest risk of suffering a bite with a serious reaction to a brown recluse spider.
If you live in San Antonio, Texas and your child complains of a painful bite or sting, you should be aware of the following symptoms:
• Itching
• Chills
• Fever
• Nausea
• Sweating
How to Treat a Brown Recluse Spider Bite
If you or your child begins to experience symptoms with a mark, wash the area of the bite with soap and water then place a cold compress on the bite before going to the emergency room.
Spider Pest Inspections, Treatment, Control, Removal & More in Austin, Round Rock, Leander, Pflugerville & Cedar Park Texas
In some cases necrosis or tissue damage can occur at the bite of the site. There are many other conditions that can be mistaken for a spider bites including reactions to mediation, bacterial infections such as staph and Lyme disease. For more information on spider identification, control, removal and prevention, contact the knowledgeable professionals at A-Tex Pest Management today.
