| Appearance |
 In the mature brown recluse spider, there is a dark "violin" marking
with the neck of the violin pointing toward the abdomen. The abdomen is
uniformly colored, although the coloration can range from light tan to
dark brown, and is covered with numerous fine hairs that provide a
velvety appearance. Adult brown recluse spiders have a leg span about
the size of a quarter, with a body of 3/8-inch length, 3/16-inch width. |
| Habitat |
Brown recluse spiders usually occupy dark, undisturbed sites. Inside, they may be found in attics, basements, crawl spaces, cellars, closets, and ductwork or registers. They may nest in storage boxes, shoes, clothing, folded linens, and behind furniture. They also may be found in outbuildings such as barns, storage sheds, and garages. Outdoors, brown recluse spiders may be found underneath logs, loose stones in rock piles, and stacks of lumber.
The brown recluse spider spins a loose, irregular web of very sticky, off-white to grayish threads. This web serves as the spider's daytime retreat. This spider roams at night searching for insect prey.
|
| Diet |
| The brown recluse spider is largely a scavenger, preferring dead insects. |
| Control |
|
Bites can be avoided by wearing heavy
gloves when
moving items stored for long periods outside or in garages, basements
or
warehouses. Shoes should be stored inside shoeboxes or shaken
vigorously prior
to wearing. Inspect carefully before putting
your hand
down under an object such as a log or rock. Professionals can remove spider infestations with a
shop vacuum and
apply spider control materials that help prevent their
return. |
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