Brown Recluse Spider

What do these Spiders look like?

Brown recluse spiders are known for their venomous bite and distinctive violin-shaped marking on their back.

Information About Brown Recluse Spider

Locale On Property
Brown recluses can be found in boxes, clothing, shoes, tires, bedding, furniture and storage areas. If you spot one of these spiders, there may be many more hiding in your home.

Description
Light to dark brown, with characteristic dark brown violin marking on back

Concerns
A brown recluses’ venom is more potent than a rattlesnake but often less harmful due to the small amount of venom released.
Some people have a severe, systemic (whole-body) reaction to brown recluse spider bites, including the rapid destruction of red blood cells and anemia (hemolytic anemia).

Signs and symptoms include:
Fever and chills.
Skin rash all over the body with many tiny, flat purple and red spots.
Nausea or vomiting.
Joint pain.

Brown Recluse Spider: Identification, Dangers & How to Keep Them Out

The Brown Recluse Spider is one of the most feared spiders in North America—and for good reason. While they are not aggressive by nature, their venomous bite can lead to serious medical complications in rare cases. Understanding how to identify, prevent, and control brown recluse spiders is essential for protecting your home and family.

What Is a Brown Recluse Spider?

The Brown Recluse (Loxosceles reclusa) is a venomous spider primarily found in the central and southern United States. True to its name, the brown recluse prefers dark, undisturbed areas and typically avoids human contact. However, when they do feel threatened or accidentally come into contact with people, they can bite, sometimes with serious effects.

Where Brown Recluse Spiders Are Usually Found

Brown recluses prefer dark, quiet, and undisturbed spaces where they can hide and hunt. Common indoor hiding places include:

• Attics and basements
• Closets and storage boxes
• Shoes, clothing, and towels left on the floor
• Behind furniture or wall voids
• Garages and crawl spaces

They may also nest outdoors in sheds, woodpiles, and under logs, eventually making their way inside through cracks or gaps in the home’s foundation.

Are Brown Recluse Spiders Dangerous?

Yes, brown recluse spiders are one of the few spiders in North America with medically significant venom. While bites are rare and typically occur when the spider is accidentally pressed against the skin, they can lead to symptoms such as:

• Redness and swelling at the bite site
• Blistering or ulceration in severe cases
• Fever, chills, or nausea
• Skin necrosis (tissue death) in rare instances

If you suspect you’ve been bitten by a brown recluse, wash the area with soap and water, apply a cold compress, and seek medical attention, especially if symptoms worsen within 24–48 hours.

How to Keep Brown Recluse Spiders Out of Your Home

Prevention is key to minimizing the risk of encountering brown recluse spiders in your home. Here are the most effective prevention methods:

1. Declutter and Clean

Keep basements, attics, and closets clean and organized. Store items in sealed plastic bins rather than cardboard boxes, which spiders can easily hide in or chew through.

2. Seal Entry Points

Inspect and seal cracks and gaps in the foundation, around windows, doors, and utility lines. Install tight-fitting screens and door sweeps to keep spiders from slipping inside.

3. Shake Out Clothing and Linens

Brown recluse spiders often hide in undisturbed clothing, towels, or bedding. Shake out garments and linens before use—especially if they’ve been sitting for a while.

4. Use Sticky Traps

Place sticky spider traps in corners, under furniture, or along baseboards in areas where spider activity is suspected. These can help monitor and reduce populations.

5. Consider Professional Spider Control

Because brown recluses are reclusive and excellent hiders, it can be difficult to fully eliminate them with DIY methods. If you suspect an infestation or encounter multiple spiders, contact a pest control expert to assess and treat the situation safely.

When to Call a Professional

Call a licensed pest control professional if:

• You see multiple brown recluse spiders in a short period
• You find spiders in living spaces or bedrooms
• You’re concerned about potential bites, especially with children or pets in the home

Professional spider control services include inspections, targeted treatments, and follow-up strategies to ensure long-term results.

The brown recluse spider is a potentially dangerous pest, but with the right approach, it can be effectively managed and prevented. Regular cleaning, sealing off entry points, and monitoring your home can go a long way in keeping brown recluses out.

If you’re concerned about spiders in your home — especially if you live in an area where brown recluses are common, Avayda Pest Control offers expert spider identification, control, and prevention services. Contact us today to schedule an inspection and keep your home safe and pest-free.