Brown Recluse

Pest Status:

Name:

Loxosceles reclusa

Uniform:

brown legs with no hair

Shape:

six eyes instead of eight

Size:

Adults are about the size of a quarter

Brown Recluse is one example of a poisonous spider in the U.S. We don’t have a lot of them, but this one you need to pay attention to and take a Brown Recluse spider bite seriously.

Facts, Identification, and Control

Here’s what you need to know about this potentially hazardous spider.

Facts about Brown Recluse

Here’s what to keep in mind.

Where Do They Live?

They’re found in the southern United States in homes, woodpiles, and other places where they can hide.

What Do They Eat?

They eat insects but do not use webs. They typically hunt at night.

How Did I Get Brown Recluse?

The spiders come inside seeking warmth, places to hide, and prey. Clear out debris from areas like closets or the attic to discourage them.

How Serious Are Brown Recluse Problems?

Take care of your Brown Recluse issues right away.

Problem #1

They aren’t as dangerous as urban legend suggests, but brown recluse bite symptoms can be pretty vicious. These are dangerous for children or the elderly and those with compromised immune systems.

Problem #2

They don’t use webs, so their hiding spots could bring you in contact. Check your shoes, gloves, and any storage containers before you handle them.

Problem #3

They have small fangs, and victims rarely feel the bite. Because of this, serious brown recluse bites are sometimes misdiagnosed, leading to issues further down the road.

What Can I Do About Brown Recluse?

You can set down traps, clear out clutter, and generally keep an eye on things in your house to cut down on recluse instances.

Signs of Brown Recluse?

It’s difficult to see signs because they are very secretive. You could live for years in an infested building and not know it.

 

Brown Recluse Prevention and Control tips

It’s possible to take control of your situation.

Control tip #1

Move debris such as building materials, leaves, or wood piles away from the house.

Control tip #2

Seal cracks in the foundation, under doors and windows, and any other places where the spiders could come inside.

Control tip #3

Use glue traps to give clues to where the spiders are hiding during the day. Judge the efficacy of eradication efforts by the number of new spiders you find on the traps.

Brown Recluse Professional Pest Control

It may be pertinent to have a professional spray for them if you suspect an infestation. If you’re still finding them regularly after taking precautions and you don’t know how to get rid of brown recluse spiders, you may need professional help.

FAQ’s

What happens if a brown recluse bite goes untreated?

Brown recluse spider bites can be even more severe, with redness blistering, blue discoloration and potential tissue death. If this isn’t treated immediately, the necrotic tissue will spread, causing infections and complications more severe than just a spider bite.

What are the symptoms of a brown recluse spider bite?

Symptoms of a brown recluse spider bite include reddened skin that may be followed by a blister that forms at the bite site, mild to intense pain and itching for 2 to 8 hours following the bite, and an open sore (ulcer) with a breakdown of tissue (necrosis) that develops a week or more following the bite

How long does a brown recluse live?

Adult brown recluse spiders often live about one to two years.