The brown recluse spider is one of the most dangerous spiders in the United States, and it is typically found in the warmer regions of the south central and Midwestern parts of the country. Bites from these spiders can cause severe skin lesions and possibly death. Identifying a brown recluse spider infestation is the first step before trying to eliminate brown recluse spiders. To determine if an area is infested you must first be able to recognize the spider. From there you can look for evidence of this spider, including webs and shed skins.
Brown recluses are smaller spiders that typically don't grow larger than three quarters of an inch (20 mm) across. As their name suggests, they are usually a uniform brown color, but some can also be off-white or gray. Unlike most spiders, which have eight eyes, this type of spider has six eyes. The woodlouse spider is sometimes falsely identified as a brown recluse spider, since it also has six eyes and is brown.
The best evidence of a brown recluse spider infestation is often the spiders themselves. Although their bites can cause some serious reactions, looking for the spiders is not considered to be dangerous. These spiders, like most other species, will typically only bite if provoked. Since they prefer not to be disturbed, they can usually be found in quiet, dark areas. Basements, attics, and closets are all good places to start your search, as well as under loose carpet and around baseboards.
When trying to determine if you have a brown recluse spider infestation, keep in mind that these creatures are nocturnal. They are almost always active at night, and tend to travel or hunt for food during this time. During the day, they will usually retreat into a dark, undisturbed area. Many will spend most of the day in their webs.
A brown recluse spider web is almost always constructed in a dark, quiet corner, or crevice. Studying a web can help you identify a brown recluse spider infestation. The webs are typically constructed from off-white or gray sticky fibers, and they are irregularly shaped. While males will usually wander further from the web, female brown recluses usually stay near them, especially when there are eggs or young spiders.
Young spiders can grow rapidly, and they may molt several times. Shed skins are referred to as moltings. The rigid discarded moltings are also good evidence that you are dealing with a brown recluse spider infestation.