Brown Recluse Spiders

Appearance

Light to dark brown with dark brown violin marking on the back;

Region

Found in the southern United States and the midwest

Diet: Like other spider species, brown recluses’ diet consists of other insects including moths, cockroaches, crickets, and flies. They tend to hunt for prey at night due to their nocturnal habits.

Habitat: Brown recluses dwell in dark, sheltered areas such as storage rooms, barns, and basements. When outdoors, they are commonly found in wood piles and debris. As brown recluses are hunting spiders, they do not use their webs to catch prey.

Threats: Brown recluses will bite if provoked or an item of clothing they are hiding in is worn, often resulting in a red welt that fades but some reactions can range from nausea, lesions, or fever. You should consult with a medical professional if a bite occurs and there are medical concerns.

Control: Take a look around your home, inside and out, for any entry points to seal with caulk. You want to pay attention to where utility pipes are located. Do not keep clothing on the floor and store shoes in an organizer. For out-of-season clothing, store in airtight containers—not cardboard boxes, which brown recluses are attracted to. Keep your lawn maintained and firewood stacked away from the home.