Brown Recluse Spider
Reclusive venomous brown spider with a violin mark behind the head.
Brown Recluse Spider (Loxosceles reclusa) is a dangerous-concern pest in Florida homes and yards. For spider control in Florida's Treasure & Space Coast, Rhino Pest Management sends licensed (#JB242881) and insured technicians and backs the work with a free re-service guarantee; 5.0★ from 16 Google reviews. Free estimate: (772) 589-6842.
Photo: Chrissy McClarren and Andy Reago (CC0) · Wikimedia Commons
Light to medium brown, about 6–11 mm, with a dark violin-shaped marking behind the head and six eyes arranged in pairs (most spiders have eight).
Dry, undisturbed places — storage boxes, closets, attics, behind furniture and in rarely worn shoes and clothing.
- Spiders in undisturbed storage — boxes, closets, attics
- Irregular off-white webbing in hidden corners
- A bite that develops into a slow-healing ulcer
Recluse venom can cause a necrotic wound that's slow to heal, plus fever and nausea. Bites are uncommon and happen when the spider is pressed against skin. Seek medical care for a suspected bite.
Should I call today?
Yes — treat this as a priority. Brown Recluse Spider poses a real risk to people or pets, so don't try to handle it yourself: disturbing it is how most people get hurt. Keep everyone clear of the area and get a professional out to identify and remove it.
Rhino treats harborage, reduces clutter-driven hiding spots with guidance, and maintains an interior and perimeter barrier. Covered under our general pest plans.
Our Spider Control serviceMore spiders & scorpions
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ViewSlender dark scorpions that climb walls and hide in bark, wood and shoes.
ViewAn invasive widow spider that has largely displaced the black widow across coastal Florida.
ViewScientific source
For the biology behind this page, the University of Florida's IFAS Extension publishes a detailed Featured Creatures profile of this species — free to read, and written by entomologists in this state:
Brown Recluse Spider, Loxosceles reclusa Gertsch & Mulaik — UF/IFAS Extension