Brown Recluse Spiders
Brief overview of brown recluse spiders
Venomous spiders, the brown recluse can be found in Texas and throughout the southern region of the U.S. Considered ecologically beneficial, brown recluse spiders help to keep nuisance insect populations down. Unfortunately, they can also infest homes and create unpleasant living conditions.
What do brown recluse spiders look like?
Brown recluse spiders have oblong abdomens that are covered in gray hairs and long legs that are darker in color than the rest of their bodies. They are most easily identified by the “violin” shaped pattern on the top of their bodies. They also have three pairs of eyes that are arranged in a semi-circle pattern.
Where do brown recluse spiders nest?
Brown recluse spiders build webs for hiding and resting places but not to catch prey. They are often found in leaf piles, woodpiles, under decks, and in outbuildings. While out hunting, they may find their way inside via spaces around utility entrances, air-conditioning units, and cracks in the foundation. Once inside, and as their name suggests, they tend to hide in quiet and undisturbed areas like closets, inside of clothing and shoes, in boxes, basements, attics, crawl spaces, and under furniture.
What do brown recluse spiders eat?
Brown recluse spiders feed on other spiders and a variety of insects including:
- Garden pests
- Crickets
- Cockroaches
Brown recluse spiders do not wait for their food to come to them like many other spider species; they actively hunt down their food.
Are brown recluse spiders dangerous?
