Pest Library
Brown Recluse
Brown recluse spiders are uniform tan to brown, with a darker violin-shaped mark behind the eyes and long, uniformly colored legs without bands or spines. Far more spiders get called brown recluse than actually are — the violin mark alone is unreliable, and the six eyes arranged in three pairs is the dependable feature.
Profile
- Scientific name
- Loxosceles reclusa
- Identification
- Uniform coloring, violin mark pointing back from the eyes, six eyes in three pairs, and no leg banding or heavy spines.
- Typical size
- Body about 1/4-3/8 inch, leg span around 1 inch.
- Behavior
- Reclusive and nocturnal. Builds irregular retreat webbing in undisturbed storage and hides in boxes, clothing and shoes.
- Habitat
- Attics, closets, storage boxes, garages, behind baseboards and under stored materials.
- Diet
- Small insects.
- Lifecycle
- Long-lived; off-white egg sacs are hidden in retreats.
- Why it matters
- Brown recluse venom can cause a slow-healing skin lesion in some cases. Bites are frequently misdiagnosed and many skin wounds blamed on spiders have other causes — bring any concerning wound to a healthcare provider, and capture the spider if it can be done safely.
- DIY considerations
- Glue monitors placed along walls in storage areas are a practical way to confirm whether recluse spiders are actually present.
- Professional considerations
- Service uses monitoring to confirm presence, treats harborage and voids, and pairs treatment with storage recommendations.
Signs of activity
- Spiders in undisturbed boxes, clothing or shoes
- Irregular, off-white retreat webbing in storage areas
- Shed skins in attic or closet corners
Prevention
- Reduce storage clutter and switch cardboard for sealed plastic bins
- Shake out stored clothing, gloves and shoes before use
- Keep beds and storage away from walls in seldom-used rooms
- Seal gaps at baseboards, attic hatches and utility penetrations
Sources
Related information
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