Luckily, even the most dangerous of spiders are not likely to bite unless they feel threatened or provoked.
If you are outside of this region, you likely are seeing a different brown spider.
What Do Brown Recluse Spiders Look Like?
The Spruce / Ellen Lindner
Expect the following characteristics from sicariid spiders:
Since spiders aren’t likely to bite unless provoked.
Many spiders can have similar markings, including the common cellar spider.
Schiz-Art
Threats to Humans and Animals
Brown recluse spiders are not aggressive towards humans or animals.
A spider with a distinct ‘violin’ shape on its back, starting just behind the eyes and ending before the abdomen.Schiz-Art
They will bite but only if they are provoked or feel trapped.
There is no reason to believe that a brown recluse will attack unprompted.
However, these spiders are indeed venomous.
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Take brown recluse spider bites seriously.
Pets may provoke brown recluse spiders, resulting in dangerous bites.
It’s easy for spider control to be effective and all-natural.
It is a very common belief that effective spider control means spraying the home for spiders.
When lights are left on at night, they attract flying insects.
After all, wet wood is an attractant for other pests like ants and dampwood termites.
Also, give a shot to clear out cluttered spaces inside.
While spiders prefer the great outdoors, they’re happy to move inside if there are adequate hiding spots.
Inside or outside, it is always best to wear work gloves when removing clutter.
Start by focusing on areas that are dark, damp, and provide harborage.
As creepy as spiders are, they are incredibly beneficial and keep nuisance insect populations in balance.
If an occasional spider invader pops up inside, there is no need to panic!
Just grab the vacuum and suck it up!
The nice thing about using a vacuum for interior pest control?
Spiders like to hide in quiet, well-hidden areas that aren’t often disturbed.
What Causes Brown Recluse Spiders?
The same things that attract other spiders attract brown recluse spiders, too.
Brown recluse spiders are established in eleven states throughout the United States.
In states that are not as warm, they hide inside structures.
These spiders can live with little food or water in hard-to-reach places.
If you want to permanently remove them from your home, seek professional removal services.
There is no antidote for brown recluse spider venom.
Seek medical attention if the bite does not heal or if you experience extreme pain or secondary symptoms.
Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation.
Brown Recluse and Black Widow Spiders.
Illinois Department of Public Health.
