Spiders & arachnids

Brown recluse spiders: identification & brown recluse control

Also known as: fiddleback spiders, violin spiders

Brown recluse populations hide in undisturbed storage and voids, so glue-board monitoring plus targeted void treatment is essential. We also help declutter high-risk storage areas.

Brown spider on a web in the corner of a room

How to identify brown recluse spiders

What it looks like
Uniform tan-brown with a dark violin shape behind the head, six eyes in three pairs, and no leg banding.
Size
1/4 to 1/2 inch body
Where you'll find it
Closets, attics, basements, cardboard boxes, behind baseboards and in stored clothing.
Commonly confused with
Cellar spiders and wolf spiders are frequently misidentified; recluses have no leg stripes and a violin marking.

Signs of brown recluse spiders in your home

  • Irregular wispy webbing in storage
  • Shed skins in boxes
  • Spiders caught on glue boards
  • Slow-healing necrotic bite

Brown recluse spiders questions homeowners ask

How do I identify a brown recluse?

Look for a violin-shaped marking pointing toward the abdomen, six eyes instead of eight, and plain, unbanded legs.

What does a brown recluse bite look like?

It often starts painless, then forms a red ring with a blistered center that can ulcerate. Seek medical care.

Brown recluse control by city

Local technicians handle brown recluse spiders in every market below — pick your city for neighborhood coverage, seasonal notes and a free quote.

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