Brown Recluse Spiders

What do brown recluse spiders look like?

Brown recluse spiders are relatively small, tending to be between a quarter and half an inch in length. They have six eyes, and like all spiders, they have eight legs. Their coloring is the main way to identify brown recluse spiders. They have light to medium brown bodies with a darker brown marking on their backs, just behind their heads, that looks like a violin. They are sometimes called fiddlebacks or violin spiders.

Where do brown recluse spiders live?

Brown recluse spiders get their name because they are very shy and reclusive. They prefer to stay in out-of-the-way locations where they can’t be seen or bothered. They like warm, dry, and dark environments. You will likely find brown recluse spiders in basements, wood piles, closets, and other secluded locations.

Are brown recluse spiders dangerous? 

Brown recluse spiders are dangerous because they are venomous. Although most spiders can bite, they don’t cause any serious harm with their bites. Brown recluse spiders are an exception. Their venom can be quite harmful to humans.

It is rare to be bitten by a brown recluse spider because they prefer to stay away from humans. However, if you startle one, it may bite to defend itself. Although a brown recluse spider bite is not fatal, it is dangerous. 

Typically, brown recluse spider bite victims experience a stinging pain that intensifies at the bite site. After that, a blister forms, and the surrounding area becomes swollen. Over the next couple of weeks, necrosis of the tissue occurs, leaving an open ulcer that can be quite large or deep. 

If you get bitten by a spider that you think is a brown recluse spider, it’s wise to consult a doctor. If possible, bring the spider with you for identification.

What attracts brown recluse spiders?

Brown recluse spiders are attracted to areas with a good food supply and where they can live in seclusion. They are primarily outdoor spiders that shelter in wood piles, under rocks, and around cluttered areas where they can hide. If they enter, you’ll likely find brown recluse spiders in basements, attics, or other storage areas.

Brown recluse spiders eat small insects, like roaches and crickets. They prefer live prey but will eat larger prey if it is dead.

If brown recluse spiders enter your house, it is typically due to unfavorable outside conditions. If the weather gets too cold or rainy, or if they’re having trouble finding food, they may come indoors looking for shelter and food.

How do you get rid of brown recluse spiders?

If you have reason to believe that brown recluse spiders are already on your property, do not ignore the problem. A brown recluse infestation can be dangerous for your family’s health.

The most effective way to rid your property of brown recluse spiders is to contact Lindsey Pest Services. For over 60 years, Lindsey Pest Services has been delivering pest control solutions to Greater Jacksonville homes and businesses; our highly trained and fully licensed pest control specialists have the experience and know-how to exterminate brown recluse spiders. When you contact us, we’ll inspect your property, accurately identify the pest problem, and develop a customized treatment plan. 

We also recommend signing up for year-round home pest control services to eliminate the bugs that attract brown recluse spiders and other arachnids. Contact us today for more information! 

How to prevent brown recluse spiders?

Preventing brown recluse spiders from entering your home starts with stopping them from hanging out on your property. There are several things you can do to make your property unappealing to brown recluse spiders:

• Eliminate clutter around the exterior of your house.
• Keep your grass and landscaping trimmed and well-maintained.
• Move wood piles several feet from your home, and don’t stack wood directly on the ground.
• Get routine pest control to eliminate pests that brown recluse spiders eat.
• Seal all cracks and gaps around the exterior of your house to make it hard for brown recluse spiders and other pests to get inside.
• Repair or replace any torn window or door screens around your house.
• Eliminate clutter inside your house.

By removing food and eliminating shelter, brown recluse spiders are less likely to end up on your property or in your house.