Brown Recluse Spiders

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?

Yes, brown recluse spiders are dangerous. Though they are not aggressive and only bite if directly handled or threatened, a brown recluse spider bite needs to be taken seriously and requires medical attention. The symptoms of a brown recluse bite include:

• Fever
• Swelling and tenderness
• Problems sleeping

After a few days, the skin around the bite begins to ulcerate and may take weeks or months to heal. The wound is very prone to infection, and the bite can result in a possibly disfiguring scar.

How do I get rid of brown recluse spiders?

To eliminate brown recluse spiders that have made their way inside, we recommend contacting a pest control company. The brown recluse is one of the most resilient and hardest to control pests in our region and requires a professional solution. If you’ve discovered brown recluse spiders in your home or business, please don’t attempt to get rid of these spiders on your own; contact Adams Exterminating Company for help or to learn more about our treatment options for brown recluse spiders.

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