Don’t Like Brown Recluses? We Don’t Either.

The brown recluse spider is a somewhat dangerous pest that is pretty common all over Middle Tennessee.

They are not aggressive, and usually only bite people when they’re touched or otherwise disturbed.  However, it is possible for the brown recluse bite to be painful and to cause long-lasting problems for the person bitten.  Because of this, it’s important to pay close attention to this spider in your home.

Also named the “fiddleback spider” or “violin spider,” the brown recluse is distinct looking because of the fiddle shape on its head and neck.  Sometimes the fiddle is faint, but if you see one, it looks like the fiddle neck is pointing away from the spider’s head towards its abdomen (stomach).

The brown recluse is light brown and has long, thin legs.  Adult spiders have a leg span about the size of a quarter.  They’re covered with fine hair, but they’re so small you can’t usually see the hair unless you’re too close!  Something else you could see on a brown recluse if you were using a microscope – they only have six eyes instead of the usual spider’s eight eyes.

Brown recluse spiders spin a loose, irregular off-white or gray web – and it’s very sticky!  They are named “recluse” for a reason – they really prefer to stay undisturbed in corners and boxes and other quiet places.  They are nocturnal and roam around mostly at night, looking for insect prey.

However, the brown recluse is mostly a scavenger and would rather find and eat already dead insects.  The adult brown recluse can live for six months without food or water!