How do you get rid of brown recluse spiders in your house, and what do they look like?

I may have seen a brown recluse in my home. How can I tell for sure, and what should I do about it?

The brown recluse spider is one of the most widely discussed spiders in the U.S. It’s sometimes also referred to as a brown hermit spider or a fiddleback spider due to the violin-shaped marking on its back. Brown recluses share lots of similar characteristics with other spiders, so they can often be mistaken for other species. To identify a brown recluse spider, look for three key characteristics: a specific coloration and marking, a small size, and a unique eye arrangement.

Unlike other spiders with eight eyes, recluses have six arranged in pairs. They’re usually light to dark brown and about the size of a quarter when their legs are spread.

Where do brown recluse spiders live? 

Brown recluse spiders seek warm, dry, and secluded environments. Indoors, they are commonly found in undisturbed areas where they can hide and build their webs, such as basements, attics, closets, and crawl spaces. They also like dark, hidden spots, such as inside shoes, in storage boxes, behind furniture, in closets, and in attics.

If you think you’ve found a recluse, avoid handling it. While bites are rare, they can be serious, and you should contact a healthcare professional if you think you’ve been bitten. Due to the potential for misidentification with other common spiders, if you suspect you have a brown recluse, you should confirm with an expert.

Our spider control experts can inspect your home, confirm the species, and provide a plan to help control spiders within your property. Find out more about our spider control services today.