Brown recluse spiders are venomous and mainly found in the central and southern U.S. They are shy and not usually aggressive. However, they can become an issue when they invade homes or businesses. These spiders often stay hidden during the day, which makes spotting an infestation harder. If you’ve seen signs of a brown recluse infestation or suspect one, it’s important to act fast. We’re here to help with proven brown recluse pest control.
Brown recluse spiders (Loxosceles reclusa) are small, secretive spiders known for the violin-shaped marking on their back. They are usually brown to deep yellow, measure about 1/4 to 3/4 inch long, and have long, thin legs with fine hairs. Unlike most spiders, they have six eyes arranged in pairs.
Brown recluse spiders usually avoid people and only bite when handled, crushed, or disturbed. Reactions to a bite vary, so proper species identification is important.
Call now to book your free inspection.
Known for hunting at night and lying low during the day, let’s take a closer look at where to find brown recluses and what they eat.
Brown recluse spiders often hide in areas that are dark, quiet, and rarely disturbed. Indoors, they are commonly found in cluttered storage spaces, cardboard boxes, shoes, wall voids, and other tight crevices. Outdoors, they may shelter under rocks, in wood piles, or around similar protected areas. During the day, they rest inside silky retreats and come out at night to hunt.
Brown recluse spiders feed on small insects and other spiders. They hunt at night rather than using webs to trap prey, and they are also known to be cannibalistic. Because they can survive for months without food or water, they are able to remain hidden for long periods, which can make infestations harder to detect.
The life of a brown recluse spider starts with a silky egg sac, usually laid in summer. Once the spiderlings hatch, they take about a year to grow into adults. These spiders don’t breed quickly, but because they hide in undisturbed areas, a small number can go unnoticed and develop into a larger brown recluse infestation over time.
Brown recluse spiders are more active in warmer months, especially from spring through early fall. This is when they are more likely to be seen hunting at night or moving between hiding spots. In winter, they tend to remain hidden in warm indoor areas such as storage spaces and wall voids. They usually avoid people and prefer to stay out of sight, which is one reason their presence can go unnoticed for long periods.
Keep storage areas clean and use sealed plastic bins instead of cardboard to prevent brown recluse spiders from settling in. Check for gaps around windows, doors, and vents and seal them. Shake out shoes and clothes that have been in storage. Even with these steps, it’s a good idea to have regular inspections for brown recluse spiders from one of our professional exterminators, especially if you’ve had issues in the past.
The most effective way to handle a brown recluse infestation is with expert help. While overall decluttering and sealing cracks might help reduce numbers, they often don’t reach the source of the problem. Our team uses targeted brown recluse treatment methods to get to hard-to-reach hiding spots. For peace of mind and long-term results, our professional brown recluse pest control service is the best choice.
Look for a small brown spider with six eyes, long legs, and a violin-shaped mark on its back. If unsure, leave it alone and contact us for help.
If you suspect a brown recluse spider bite, you should wash the area and consult a medical professional who can advise you on the best course of action.
They’re drawn to quiet, dark spaces like storage boxes, closets, or under furniture. Clutter gives them more places to hide.
They’re most common in the central and southern U.S., but they can live indoors in many areas if the conditions are right.
Many spiders with brown coloring are mistaken for them. Look for a distinctive violin-shaped marking on their cephalothorax (the front part of the spider's body to which the legs are attached).
It’s rare, but not impossible—especially if your bed is close to a wall or there’s clutter nearby. Keep bedding off the floor and check linens if you're in an area where they’re common.