Are you seeing brown recluse spiders in MS? Here’s how to recognize them and stay safe
Seeing a spider in your home or garage is unsettling for sure. But if you see one with such a scary reputation, like the brown recluse, how do you know what to do next?
Here’s what Mississippi folks need to know about how to spot the spider and what to do if you encounter one.
Brown recluse spiders are rare in MS but not impossible
Brown recluse spiders (Loxosceles reclusa) do live in Mississippi, but confirmed sightings and verified populations tend to be scattered and usually concentrated in northern and central parts of the state. According to Mississippi State University, these spiders prefer dry, undisturbed areas and are most often found indoors in places like basements, closets, and garages.
While many spider bites reported across Mississippi are attributed to brown recluse spiders, entomologists caution that actual brown recluse bites are quite rare. Many skin lesions thought to be spider bites may instead be caused by bacterial infections or other conditions.
It may not be a brown recluse, after all
Dr. Alan Grant, entomologist with the Mississippi State University Extension, warns that many assumed brown recluse bites actually stem from other causes, including infections such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Other possibilities include insect bites, diabetic ulcers, or other skin infections.
This makes it critical to confirm the presence of a brown recluse spider before assuming it is to blame. Misdiagnosis can delay proper treatment, which in some cases could endanger your health.
How to identify a brown recluse
If you see a spider skittering across your floor and you suspect it might be a brown recluse, there are a few features you should look for.
Here’s what Mississippi scientists say to look for:
- Light to medium brown in color
A dark violin-shaped marking on the back, right where the legs attach to the body
About the size of a quarter in size
Brown recluse spiders have six eyes arranged in pairs (most spiders have eight eyes in two rows)
They don’t spin elaborate webs, but prefer hiding in secluded areas
Tips for staying safe
While encountering it’s smart to take precautions in outbuildings or crawl spaces.
Wildlife experts offer some advice:
Wear gloves when cleaning garages, attics, or sheds
Shake out shoes, clothing, and bedding that have not been unused for a while
Keep areas clutter-free and seal cracks around doors or windows
Store boxes off the floor and sealed tightly
Avoid leaving shoes or toys outdoors overnight
Treating a brown recluse bite
While encountering a brown recluse is unlikely, if do you get bitten, follow the following steps:
Wash the bite area with soap and water
Apply a cool compress
Seek medical attention, if the bite shows severe redness, pain, or forms an ulcer
The most important advice you can follow is not to panic. Since these kinds of spider bites are rare in Georgia and most spiders you find are beneficial pest controllers, it’s smart to stat informed from credible resources like MSU Extension and the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks.
What sorts of scary critters have you encountered in your home or yard? Email me at srose@ledger-enquirer.com or find me on social media.
