Brown Recluse Spider

Natural Habitat

Typically found in dark, sheltered areas such as basements, attics, crawl spaces, woodpiles, and inside cardboard boxes or clothing that hasn't been moved for a while.

Diet & Feeding

They are carnivorous predators that feed primarily on insects such as crickets, cockroaches, and silverfish, as well as other spiders.

Behavior Patterns

True to their name, they are reclusive and shy, preferring to hide during the day and hunt at night. They are not aggressive and usually only bite when pressed against the skin (e.g., rolling over in bed or putting on clothes).

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Their venom contains a necrotic toxin (sphingomyelinase D) that can cause significant skin lesions, ulceration, and in rare cases, systemic reactions. Benefits: They help control populations of other household pests.

Identified on: 2/10/2026