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Brown Recluse Vs. Black Widow – Which Is More Dangerous?

Of all the spider species out there, two stand out – the brown recluse and the black widow. Both are very dangerous and both are common in home infestation. But which one of them is more dangerous? Let’s find out.

The brown recluse

The brown recluse is a small spider, that is brown in coloration, and which has a distinctive violin marking on its abdomen. It is a spider that spends most of its time hidden in clutter, and only goes out to mate or find a new nest. Brown recluse spider webs are hidden as well, and there will not be many outward signs that  this spider is present in the home. This is part of why the brown recluse is so dangerous and responsible for so many bites. The venom of the brown recluse is a necrotizing agent that will eat through flesh, which can be very painful, and it can leave behind a scar. A brown recluse bite will require medical attention, but deaths are rare.

The black widow

The black widow is a fairly iconic spider species. You are probably already aware of how this spider looks – shiny black, with a bulbous abdomen that has a red or orange hourglass on it. Black widows are also quite timid, but their nests will be more out in the open, and the female black widow will sit upside down near the nest. Most black widow bites occur accidentally, when someone rummages through the nest of a widow by mistake, or when the spider is hiding inside clothes or shoes.

Control

Both species are controlled using similar methods, which have to be implemented by a pro. The control process is straightforward, and it will use a combination of direct insecticide applications and baits. There is also the option to have residual insecticides installed in areas of the home that are frequented by spiders, and areas which are used to enter the home. This treatment is great because not only will it kill off any spiders hiding in these areas, it will also prevent spiders from entering the home in the future.

For more information on how brown recluses and black widows are removed from the home, or if you have one of these two species currently indoors, contact us today, and we will help you with everything you need.