Do Brown Recluse Spiders Bite? Are They Dangerous?
Short answer: the brown recluse spider can cause medically significant bites, stings or disease. Most bites are mild, but some cause a spreading wound that needs medical care.
Risk rating: Health risk
Most bites are mild, but some cause a spreading wound that needs medical care.
Are brown recluse spiders dangerous to humans?
Most bites are mild, but some cause a spreading wound that needs medical care.
On our four-level scale, the brown recluse spider is rated health risk, meaning it can cause medically significant bites, stings or disease. Brown Recluse Spiders can bite, so it is worth handling them with care.
Are they dangerous to pets?
Brown Recluse Spiders can bite or sting curious pets that paw at them or try to eat them. Watch for swelling, drooling or limping, and call your veterinarian right away if your pet has trouble breathing or a large reaction.
Can they damage your home or garden?
Brown Recluse Spiders don't damage homes, but their presence indoors is a safety concern.
What to do if you are bitten
- Wash the area with soap and water.
- Apply a cool compress to reduce swelling.
- Use an over-the-counter antihistamine or hydrocortisone cream for itching, following the label.
- Avoid scratching, which can lead to infection.
Call 911 right away if someone has trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat, dizziness or a racing heartbeat after a bite or sting.
Most bites are mild, but some cause a spreading wound that needs medical care.
How to identify brown recluse spiders
A tan to brown spider with a dark violin-shaped mark on its back and only six eyes. It hides in boxes, closets and unused clothing in the south-central US.
- Dark violin-shaped mark pointing toward the abdomen
- Six eyes arranged in three pairs
- Uniform color with no stripes or bands on the legs
| Scientific name | Loxosceles reclusa |
|---|---|
| Group | Spiders |
| Size | 6–20 mm (up to about 0.79 in) |
| Colors | Brown and Tan |
| Legs | 8 legs |
| Wings | No (as usually seen) |
| Where found | Basement or garage and Bedroom or bed |
| Most active | Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter |
| Bites | Yes |
| Stings | No |
| Risk level | Health risk |
When you'll see brown recluse spiders
Brown Recluse Spiders are most active in spring, summer, fall and winter. In spring, overwintering adults become active and many species lay their first eggs. Summer heat speeds up development, so populations can grow quickly. In fall, many bugs look for shelter, and some move toward or into buildings. In winter, activity continues mainly indoors in heated spaces.
Typical places to check: basement or garage and bedroom or bed.
About spiders
The brown recluse spider is one of the spiders. Spiders have eight legs, two main body sections and no antennae. Almost all spiders have venom to subdue prey, but only a few have venom that matters to people. Many build webs, while others, such as wolf spiders and jumping spiders, hunt on foot.
Spiders go where their food is. A home with lots of spiders usually has plenty of other insects, so general pest control reduces spiders too.
How to avoid problems with brown recluse spiders
- Store boxes and clothing in sealed plastic containers
- Shake out shoes, gloves and bedding in infested homes
- Use glue traps along walls and reduce clutter
Frequently asked questions
Do brown recluse spiders bite?
Yes. Most bites are mild, but some cause a spreading wound that needs medical care.
Do brown recluse spiders sting?
No, brown recluse spiders do not sting.
Are brown recluse spiders poisonous?
The brown recluse spider can cause medically significant bites, stings or disease. Most bites are mild, but some cause a spreading wound that needs medical care.
Where do brown recluse spiders live?
Brown Recluse Spiders are usually found in basements and garages and in bedrooms and beds, and are most active in spring, summer, fall and winter.