Nicknamed the fiddleback, brown recluse spiders have a bad reputation. These arachnids like to keep to themselves, but if you get too close, they can leave you with a painful bite. One spider hiding out in your home isn’t usually a problem, but you don’t want an army of spiders invading. We’ve gathered information to help you identify and eliminate a brown recluse spider infestation.
What Do Brown Recluse Spiders Look Like?
Brown recluse spiders range in color from light to dark brown. They are known for the dark brown violin-shaped marking on their back. These spiders grow between ¼"-½". Males are usually smaller than females. Brown recluse spiders have six eyes that are grouped into pairs. Spiderlings are smaller than adults and often lighter in color. Their violin marking develops as they mature.
Where Do Brown Recluse Spiders Live?
These spiders like to live in dark and undisturbed areas. They prefer warm and dry locations. Brown recluse spiders are most commonly seen in the midwestern and southern parts of the United States. They can also be found in various places around the world. These spiders weave irregular webs often placed behind things. In homes, they gravitate to basements, garages, crawl spaces, closets, and under furniture. Outside, you can spot them in woodpiles, under stones, logs, and yard debris.
Are Brown Recluse Spiders Dangerous?
Brown recluse spiders aren’t aggressive, but they will bite if they feel threatened. Their bites can result in fever, nausea, swelling, and a blister. Pain isn’t always felt right away. However, it can develop hours later. If a brown recluse bites you, it’s best to seek medical attention. Your doctor can help you determine what treatment method is best.
What Do Brown Recluse Spider Bites Look Like?
You may be able to see bite marks. The area will be red, and swelling can be present. Blisters can also form. In severe cases, bites can result in the formation of ulcers or dead tissue.
How to Get Rid of Brown Recluse Spiders
While these spiders will typically keep to themselves, you don’t want them running around your home. Check out a few tips to get rid of these spiders.
- Seal Entry Points: Check your home for areas where spiders can sneak inside. Seal cracks and holes. Make sure door and window screens are in good repair.
- Properly Store Clothes: These spiders like to hide in clothes and shoes. Don’t leave these items on the ground. If you aren’t planning on wearing something for a while, store it in a sealed bin.
- Maintain Your Yard: Remove clutter from your yard including leaf litter and grass clippings. Keep your grass cut short and vegetation trimmed.
- Properly Store Firewood: Brown recluse spiders like to hide in piles of wood. Store any firewood away from your home. Before bringing it inside, carefully inspect it for signs of spiders.
- Create a Protective Barrier: Spraying your yard with a plant-based insecticide spray can help you keep spiders out. Our Yard Bug Spray kills pests on contact and the residual repellency creates a protective barrier.
- Use a Plant-Based Insecticide Dust: Our Spider & Insect Dust kills and repels spiders. It can be applied to areas where spiders like to hang out. Dusts can provide you with long-lasting protection.
Knowing how to identify brown recluse spiders can help you avoid a painful encounter. If spiders or other pests have invaded your home, we have your back! Check out our Maggie’s Farm Simply Effective™ Pest Control products for a more environmentally and family-friendly solution.