Hobbies And Interests
Brown Recluse (Loxosceles reclusa)
This spider grows to almost an inch long (20 mm), is dark or light brown and has a violin-shaped pattern on its upper body, along the cephalothorax. However, a similar pattern is found on other spider species, so it is not exclusive to the brown recluse. The recluse is found in homes or outdoors and generally flees when threatened, biting only if accidentally handled, such as when it hides in clothing or gloves and comes in contact with the skin. The bite is generally not felt, but the venom is hemotoxic and in some cases can cause severe tissue necrosis; however, this is not common and most bites do not cause complications. The small number of bite cases that are serious appear as necrotic skin lesions that grow over days and/or systemic symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, muscle and joint pain, fever, rashes and, very rarely, death or organ damage.
Black Widow
The three species of black widows in Arkansas are the brown widow, the northern black widow and the southern black widow. The female spider reaches lengths of up to 1.5 inches (38 mm). It is most commonly black and has a distinctive bright red hourglass marking on the underside of the abdomen; however, the brown widow has a brown body and orange or red markings on the upper body, and the hourglass pattern underneath is red or orange. They do not normally leave the web (often located in sheltered areas outdoors, in sheds or in the home), preferring to wait for insect prey. The female widow's venom is very powerful and in some cases fatal. Bites may produce symptoms such as extreme pain, nausea, difficulty breathing, organ damage or death. Most bites are not dangerous, but immediate medical treatment should be sought after a bite.
Hobo Spider (Tegenaria agrestis)
The hobo spider reaches lengths of just more than half an inch (15 mm), and its color is usually a shade of brown or clay, with a herringbone pattern on top of its abdomen. It is often mistaken for the brown recluse spider, as it has similar characteristics. The spider is found worldwide and in many parts of North America, including Arkansas, where it is found outdoors in gardens and sometimes in homes. It is thought to have been introduced to North America from Europe. The spider is not commonly found in homes where the larger house spider, which preys on it, is allowed to roam. The hobo spider has rarely been considered a problem in Europe, but in the U.S. symptoms from bites have been reported to be similar to that of the brown recluse.
Safety in the Home
To avoid possible encounters with venomous spiders in the home, keep clothing and bed linen off the floor. Also keep shoes off the floor and shake them well before putting them on. Placing screens on windows may help to prevent venomous spiders from entering the home.