How to Get Rid of 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. If you are seeing them in basements and garages and in bedrooms and beds, the steps below will help you clear them out and keep them from coming back.
Quick answer
- 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
Most bites are mild, but some cause a spreading wound that needs medical care.
Confirm you have brown recluse spiders
Before you treat anything, make sure you are really dealing with brown recluse spiders. Adults measure 6–20 mm (up to about 0.79 in) and are usually brown and tan. Look for these features:
- Dark violin-shaped mark pointing toward the abdomen
- Six eyes arranged in three pairs
- Uniform color with no stripes or bands on the legs
They are most often confused with hobo spider, southern house spider and cellar spider. See the full brown recluse spider profile for side-by-side details.
Why you have brown recluse spiders
Brown Recluse Spiders hide in dark, undisturbed spots such as closets, garages, woodpiles and boxes. Other insects in the home give them a steady food supply. Clutter provides endless hiding places. They are most active in spring, summer, fall and winter, so expect to see more of them then.
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.
Step-by-step: getting rid of brown recluse spiders
Step 1: Store boxes
Store boxes and clothing in sealed plastic containers. This is the step most people skip, and it is the one that makes the biggest difference.
Step 2: Shake out shoes
Shake out shoes, gloves and bedding in infested homes. This is the step most people skip, and it is the one that makes the biggest difference.
Step 3: Use glue traps along walls
Use glue traps along walls and reduce clutter. This is the step most people skip, and it is the one that makes the biggest difference.
Natural and low-toxicity options
These methods work well alongside the steps above and keep chemical use to a minimum:
- Reduce clutter and store items in sealed plastic bins.
- Wear gloves and shake out shoes and clothing.
- Use sticky traps along walls to catch and monitor them.
- Vacuum webs and egg sacs regularly.
If you do use a pesticide, choose one labeled for this pest and the place you're treating, and follow the label exactly. The label is the law.
When to call a professional
Because brown recluse spiders can be medically significant, call a licensed pest professional if you find them regularly indoors, especially in bedrooms or where children play.
How to keep brown recluse spiders from coming back
- Seal gaps around doors, windows and utility lines.
- Move beds away from walls and keep bedding off the floor.
- Store firewood away from the house.
- Control the insects they feed on.
Safety notes
Most bites are mild, but some cause a spreading wound that needs medical care.
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.
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.
Frequently asked questions
What is the fastest way to get rid of brown recluse spiders?
Store boxes and clothing in sealed plastic containers. Most people see a clear drop in activity within one to three weeks when they combine this with sealing entry points and removing whatever attracts them.
Are brown recluse spiders dangerous?
Most bites are mild, but some cause a spreading wound that needs medical care.
When are brown recluse spiders most active?
Brown Recluse Spiders are most active in spring, summer, fall and winter.
What do brown recluse spiders look like?
Dark violin-shaped mark pointing toward the abdomen. Adults measure 6–20 mm (up to about 0.79 in).