Brown Recluse Spider

Natural Habitat

Brown recluse spiders are typically found in warm, dry, and undisturbed environments, both indoors and outdoors. Indoors, they may inhabit closets, attics, basements, wall voids, and behind furniture. Outdoors, they can be found under rocks, logs, bark, and in woodpiles. They thrive in areas with low foot traffic.

Diet & Feeding

The brown recluse primarily preys on small insects and other arthropods, such as crickets, cockroaches, and silverfish. They are active hunters rather than relying solely on their webs to catch food.

Behavior Patterns

The brown recluse spider is primarily nocturnal, hunting for prey at night. It is a reclusive spider, preferring undisturbed areas. They are not aggressive and typically bite only when trapped, threatened, or pressed against the skin. They are known for building irregular webs, often in out-of-the-way places, which are not used for trapping prey but rather as a retreat. Lifespan can be 1-3 years.

Risks & Benefits

Potential Risks: The bite of a brown recluse spider can cause a necrotic lesion, meaning it can destroy skin tissue. While most bites heal without serious complications, some can lead to large, slow-healing ulcers, and in rare cases, systemic reactions. Medical attention is often recommended for suspected bites. Potential Benefits: They help control populations of some indoor insect pests.

Identified on: 8/22/2025