What Is the Brown Recluse Spider?
The brown recluse spider (Loxosceles reclusa) is a medically important spider found in parts of western North Carolina. Light to dark brown in color, it is identified by the distinctive violin-shaped marking on its cephalothorax and its six eyes arranged in three pairs—unlike most spiders which have eight eyes.
Habitat & Behavior
True to their name, brown recluse spiders are shy and reclusive. They hide in undisturbed areas such as closets, attics, basements, behind furniture, inside boxes, and within seldom-worn clothing or shoes. They are most active at night when they hunt for small insects.
Brown recluse venom contains a tissue-destroying enzyme that can cause necrotic skin lesions. While most bites heal without serious complications, some can develop into deep, slow-healing wounds that require medical treatment. Bites often occur when the spider is trapped against the body in clothing or bedding.
Prevention & Control
To reduce risk, keep storage areas tidy, seal cracks and gaps in your home’s exterior, use plastic storage bins instead of cardboard boxes, and always shake out shoes, gloves, and clothing that have been stored or left on the floor.