Are There Brown Recluse Spiders in California?

Background

Brown recluse spiders are difficult to recognize because they lack any real distinguishing feature. On their top side, near there head you can see a pattern that is shaped like a fiddle, giving them their nickname of fiddleback spiders. This pattern is only visible on the adult spiders and even then is hard to recognize. Brown recluses have thin legs and are brown in color.

Recluse spiders can be found in the southern half of the United States. ranging from the southern half of California over to Florida and Nebraska over to Virginia.

Brown recluse spiders try to hide and stay away from people. Most bites occur when the spider is hiding in clothing, shoes or bedding and then a person grabs those items. Bites also occur when people pick up objects outdoors when there is a brown recluse hiding underneath. Brown recluse bites can make a person very ill. If you think there is a possibility that you have been bitten by a brown recluse, seek medical attention right away. For the first 24 hours after being bit, the bite mark will look similar to a mosquito bite. After that time, the spot develops a blister in the middle that will begin seeping. Eventually, the spot will develop a scab that may leave a permanent scar. It could take a period of two to three years to heal completely. Without medical treatment a person could develop a severe infection that could affect a person's bone marrow or require that a limb be amputated.

Since Southern California has a relatively dry climate and the brown recluse spider likes to be alone, Californians will typically find brown recluses in secluded areas such as closets, garages, attics and other places where people don't go very often. If you have to search for items that have been stored for a while, it is a good idea to where gloves and be on the lookout for brown recluse spiders. In general, brown recluse spider bites are over reported in California, with researchers believing that there are not nearly as many actual bites as what is rumored to take place.