What do brown recluse spiders look like?
- Size: 1/4 inch, not counting legs; approximately 1 inch including legs
- Color: Generally brown in color with a dark violin shape on the front part of its body
- Body Structure: Round shape bodies, six eyes arranged in three groups of two in a semicircle, and long, thin legs.
Characteristics of brown recluse spiders
Female brown recluse spiders deposit 40-50 eggs into off-white silken egg sacs. The eggs hatch in 25-39 days and the spiderlings undergo at least one molt within the sac before emerging. The development period (egg to adult) averages 336 days.
When are brown recluse spiders most active?
How are brown recluse spider webs formed?
Brown recluse spiders build their irregular, flat webs from protein-based silks that are released from their spinnerets. It's important to note that these arachnids do not actually use their nests to capture prey. Instead they use their nests to form egg sacs.
Where do brown recluse spiders build webs and hunt?
Outdoors, brown recluse spiders are often found around rocks, woodpiles, logs, leaf litter, and tree bark.
Indoors, brown widow spiders are typically found in undisturbed areas such as closets, attics, wall voids, under furniture, near furnaces and water heaters, and places that tend to be cluttered.
What do brown recluse spiders eat?
Black widow spiders prefer to feed on small, live insects but they will eat larger, dead insects as well.
Are brown recluse spiders dangerous?
Brown recluse spiders are venomous spiders capable of biting. Their bites can cause tissue loss, scarring, and infection if left untreated. If you have been bitten by a brown recluse, you should consult a medical professional right away.
Why do I have a brown recluse spider infestation?
Brown recluse spiders infestations are quite common in Kansas City and are especially active during the summer months. You might find your home dealing with this type of infestation if there are gaps, cracks, and openings on the exterior of your home, plenty of insects inside, and secluded places for them to hunt and lay eggs.
How do I get rid of brown recluse spiders?
If you're concerned that brown recluse spiders have infested your home, reach out to a licensed pest control for proper identification and treatment. Using foggers or store-bought chemicals to eliminate these venomous spiders is not recommended. Apart from being ineffective, the toxins in these products may harm the health of people and pets if administered incorrectly.
At Miller Pest & Termite, we offer pest control services for brown recluse spiders and other insects that infest Kansas City homes. Contact us today to learn more about our spider control services.
How can I prevent a brown recluse spider problem?
The best way to keep brown recluse spiders out is to pest-proof your home. Also called exclusion, it consists of sealing every crack and crevice in the structure that spiders and other insects could use as an entry point. Pay close attention to door thresholds, windowsills, gaps around utility entrances and vents. You should also remove clutter from closets and haul of leaves and other debris in the yard.
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