Brown recluse spiders have an air of mystery about them that starts with their name and extends to their habits, characteristics, and reputation. You may have never seen one in Central TN, or even seen one and thought nothing of it, but an unfortunate few of us have been bitten by brown recluses. This is certainly an experience that you won’t forget!

To learn more about brown recluse spiders, their bites, and what you can do if you find one in your home, read on for advice from The Bug Man’s team!

What Do Brown Recluse Spiders Look Like?

It can be easy to mistake any brown house spider in your home for a brown recluse if you don’t know what you’re looking for. Here are some features that will help you tell apart brown recluse spiders from other spider species in Central TN:

• They have monochromatic bodies ranging from light to dark brown
• They are around ½” in length with long legs and a particularly bulbous abdomen
• They have a unique, violin-shaped marking on their back

When brown recluse spiders work their way inside, they will look for crawl spaces, storage areas, or other dark, cluttered, and unoccupied places to take shelter.

Are Brown Recluse Spiders Dangerous?

Black widows and brown recluses are often grouped together as deadly spiders that won’t hesitate to bite. In truth, the brown recluse is a timid creature that will only bite when under serious duress. The venom of the brown recluse is less powerful than that of the black widow, but when a brown recluse bites, it does not hold back. The amount of venom that they inject can cause open, ulcerating sores in humans, and the scars they leave can last for years.

If you are experiencing lots of pain or an open sore after a brown recluse bite, consult a medical professional immediately.

Spiders in Eastern & Central Virginia

If you believe that you’ve found a brown recluse in your home in Central TN, leave it alone. It’s best to have a professional spider control expert remove any venomous spiders for you. The Bug Man’s technicians are trained to safely and quickly control spider populations and teach customers the best ways to prevent spider infestations going forward. To learn more about our services and receive a free quote, contact our team today!