Brown recluse spiders are typically light brown with a dark brown patch on their upper back. Their velvety appearance comes from fine hairs on their legs and abdomen. Their bodies are divided into two parts: the cephalothorax (upper body) and the abdomen (lower body). The cephalothorax is flat and oval, with two palps protruding from the head. The abdomen is an elongated oval.
Female brown recluses are slightly larger than males, measuring about ¼ to ½ of an inch long (excluding their long, thin legs). The dark marking on the back of their cephalothorax forms the shape of a violin or fiddle, which is why they’re also known as violin or fiddleback spiders. But keep in mind that the fiddle mark isn't always clear, so it's not the most reliable way to identify them. If you're unsure, feel free to reach out for help.
Brown recluse spiders don’t build webs to capture prey like most spiders. Instead, their webs are for protection. These webs are light, silken, and lack the stickiness typical of spider webs. They’re crafted into a flat, tangled barrier that provides a place for the spider to retreat.
These webs are usually tucked away in secluded spaces inside. Look for them near the floor, inside boxes, shoes, or piles of clothes. Outside, they hide under rocks, logs, branches, or bark.
Indoor environments offer brown recluse spiders everything they need: dry, secluded spaces and plenty of food in the form of tiny insects like ants. Plus, they’re protected from unfavorable outdoor temperatures.
Yes, brown recluse spiders are dangerous. Their venom can cause necrosis, where tissue dies beneath the skin, sometimes leading to disfigurement. Bites can also lead to symptoms like fever, nausea, and other systemic reactions. However, severe reactions are rare. Here's what you should know:
While it's always a good idea to have a doctor monitor a bite, the risk of severe injury is very low.
Avoiding brown recluse spider bites is all about being cautious. Here are some tips:
You might also consider a pest control service plan to help remove brown recluse spiders from your home. A pest control plan will also address other pests, the spider's food source.
If brown recluse spiders infest your home, contact Four Seasons Pest Control for assistance! Our locally owned and operated pest control company offers effective pest control services in Danville, South Boston, Moneta, and surrounding areas, as well as in North Carolina’s Piedmont Triad region! You can rely on our experienced specialists to accurately identify and eliminate brown recluses.
Keeping brown recluse spiders out requires a few key steps, many of which also help deter other pests. Here’s how to do it:
All of this can be a lot of work! If you want a hassle-free and effective solution, contact us to learn about pest control service plans. We’ll help with exterior pest control and routine treatments to keep your home spider-free.
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Ringgold, VA
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Greensboro, NC
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Danville, VA
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