I had no idea that a Brown Recluse bite was more venomous than the Black Widow, but I guess you learn something new everyday.<br><br>I have been biten by a Brown Recluse 3 times in the past 10 years, and I'm only 24. It must be something about these Missouri backwoods. <br><br>Anyway, I just wanted to inform the forum that Brown Recluse bites are VERY rarely fatal. Fatalities are most likely to occur in children, the elderly and those in poor physical condition. My doctor told me that the only healthy, fatally biten adult he has heard of, had an allergic reaction to the venom. Approx. 5 people die a year in Missouri from Black Widow bites, and approx. 1 or 2 a year from an allergic reaction to Recluse venom.<br><br>The Brown Recluse is shy and will try to run from a threatening situation, although it will bite if cornered. People are sometimes bitten while they are asleep...mainly because they roll onto a Brown Recluse spider while it is hunting in the bed. More often the victim is bitten while putting on a shoe or piece of clothing, which the spider has selected for its daytime hiding place.<br><br>The bite of the Brown Recluse is usually painless until 3 to 8 hours later when it may become red, swollen, and tender. (All three of mine were painfull immeditely) Later, the area around the bite site may develop into an ulcerous sore from 1/2 to 10 inches in diameter. (All three of mine were about 1 and 1/2 in.) Healing often requires a month or longer, and the victim may be left with a deep scar. (Yep.) It should be noted that not all Brown Recluse bites result in ulcerations or scarring.<br><br>Anyone that has ever been biten by a spider should try to collect a specimen, as it is very hard for doctors to diagnose a spider bite. IF YOU EVER GET BITEN BY A BROWN RECLUSE, GO TO AN EMERGENCY ROOM A.S.A.P., JUST TO MAKE SURE. Prompt medical attention can reduce the extent of ulceration and alleviate other complications that may develop.<br><br>John McIntire