What are Brown Recluse Spiders?

Brown recluse spiders are venomous spiders known for the distinctive violin-shaped marking on their backs. They are light to dark brown in color and have long, thin legs. Unlike many spiders, brown recluses have only six eyes arranged in pairs, which helps distinguish them from other species. True to their name, they prefer dark, undisturbed spaces and usually come out at night to hunt small insects. While they are not aggressive, they will bite if pressed against skin, such as when hiding in shoes, clothing, or bedding.

Signs of Brown Recluse Spider Infestation

• Light to dark brown spiders with a violin-shaped marking on the back
• Spiders hiding in shoes, clothing, storage boxes, or bedding
• Irregular webs built in corners, basements, attics, or behind furniture
• Increased sightings in dark, undisturbed areas such as closets or crawl spaces
• Dead insects left behind, as they are active hunters rather than web trappers

Why They are a Problem

Brown recluse spider bites can be dangerous because their venom is cytotoxic, meaning it destroys skin tissue. Symptoms may include redness, swelling, blistering, and in severe cases, open sores that take weeks to heal. While fatalities are rare, medical treatment is often required. Beyond health concerns, their presence can create fear and discomfort for homeowners and employees, especially in storage-heavy environments like warehouses, garages, or basements.

Where Do They Come From?

Brown recluse spiders prefer warm, dry, and secluded areas. They are often introduced into homes or businesses through boxes, firewood, or stored items. Common hiding spots include:

• Closets, attics, basements, and crawl spaces
• Piles of clothing, shoes, or bedding left undisturbed
• Storage boxes, cardboard, and paper stacks
• Behind furniture, appliances, or wall voids
• Outdoor woodpiles, sheds, and garages

How to Get Rid of Brown Recluse Spiders at Home

If you are searching for how to get rid of brown recluse spiders, here are some effective steps:

• Reduce clutter in closets, basements, and storage areas to limit hiding places
• Shake out shoes, clothing, and bedding before use, especially if stored away
• Seal cracks and gaps around foundations, windows, and doors
• Use sticky traps in corners, basements, and crawl spaces to monitor activity
• Vacuum regularly to remove webs, egg sacs, and stray spiders
• Store clothing and linens in sealed containers when not in use

These steps can reduce encounters, but professional treatment is strongly advised if brown recluse spiders are found indoors.

Brown Recluse Spiders vs Black Widow Spiders

Brown recluse spiders are often confused with black widows, but they are quite different:

• Brown recluses are light to dark brown with a violin-shaped marking, while black widows are shiny black with a red hourglass on the abdomen
• Brown recluse venom causes tissue damage, while black widow venom affects the nervous system
• Brown recluses hide in clothing, bedding, and boxes, while black widows prefer dark corners, garages, and outdoor structures

How We Can Help

At Go Away Pest & Wildlife Control, we provide safe and effective treatments for brown recluse spider infestations. Our trained technicians inspect your property to identify hiding spots, apply targeted treatments, and implement long-term prevention strategies to reduce risks. We also educate homeowners and business owners on practical steps to minimize encounters. With our professional services, you can protect your family, employees, and customers from the dangers of brown recluse spiders and enjoy a safer, pest-free environment.