Brown Recluse Spiders in Iowa: Where They Live, What They Eat, How to Get Rid of Them

Nestled in the heart of America, beneath the landscapes of idyllic rural life, lies a hidden creepy crawly that can send chills down the bravest person’s spine. Although they might not be the most noticeable, their mysterious behavior and powerful venom have given them a dark reputation. So, prepare yourselves for an exhilarating journey into the world of the brown recluse spider, an unsettling resident of Iowa.

What is a Brown Recluse Spider?

The brown recluse spider, scientifically identified as Loxosceles reclusa, is a type of spider commonly found in the Southern and Midwestern regions of the United States. It is recognized for its size, usually measuring between 6 to 20 millimeters in length, and displays a unique violin-shaped marking on the front section of its body. Did you know that this distinctive marking has led the brown recluse spider to be referred to as the “violin spider” or “fiddleback spider”?

Unlike some spider species, these spiders have slender legs without any noticeable patterns or bands. In addition, these brown recluse spiders may appear as ordinary eight-legged arachnids. However, as their flattened body spread out, followed by their six eyes arranged in pairs, that’s when they show off their intimidating appearance.

Are these spiders venomous?

The venom found in the brown recluse spider consists of a mixture of enzymes and toxins that can cause damage to the tissues in the area where it bites. If you happen to get bitten, its venom could lead to tissue harm and inflammation. This could result in a wound that may take some time to fully heal, often leaving behind an ulcerating sore.

Although brown recluse spider bites can cause pain and have the potential to be serious, it’s crucial to note that fatalities resulting from these bites are extremely uncommon.

What do brown recluse spiders eat?

Brown recluse spiders feed on insects and creatures such as crickets, cockroaches, moths, and ants. When an appealing insect comes near, it swiftly bites and injects venom to tenderize their meal. Additionally, these spiders can survive with minimal food sources, which is why you might encounter them in areas where nourishment is scarce.

What Parts of Iowa Do Brown Recluse Spiders Live In?

• Southeastern Iowa: In the region of Iowa, counties such as Lee, Des Moines, and Van Buren have received reports regarding the presence of brown recluse spiders.
• Central Iowa: The state’s capital of Des Moines has also noted brown recluse spider sightings.
• South-Central Iowa: Counties that include Appanoose and Lucas, located in the south-central part of Iowa, reported brown recluse spider sightings.

However, it’s worth mentioning that their presence in Iowa is quite restricted, and they are not typically widespread across the state.

Where in Homes Do Brown Recluse Spiders Like to Hide?

Brown recluse spiders are quite infamous for their tendency to favor secluded corners within households. You can discover them in places where they often gravitate towards undisturbed areas. Some common hiding spots for them include:

Basements

Brown recluse spiders like damp and messy basements. They hide in containers, piles of cluttered storage, or behind walls.

Crawl Spaces

People often overlook crawl spaces beneath houses, so these spiders choose insulation or hidden corners as their homes.

Attics

They may opt to construct their webs along the edges of the roof beneath the insulation or behind any stored items in that space.

Closets

Seldom-utilized or disorganized shelves in closets can become sanctuaries for brown recluse spiders. These spiders might hide amidst garments and inside footwear.

Garages

Garages filled with boxes, tools, and equipment can provide ample hiding places for these spiders. They often hide in dark corners and on top of high shelving.

Wall Voids

Brown recluse spiders can get into wall voids by finding cracks or gaps. Once they’re there, it can be tricky to find them.

Ceiling Corners

You might come across these arachnids lurking in the corners of ceilings, especially if there is a lot of mess or if the area is not frequently cleaned.

How to Get Rid of Brown Recluse Spiders

To effectively eliminate recluse spiders from your home, thoroughly clean your living space by paying close attention to areas like basements, attics, and closets.

Next, seal off any openings near windows, doors, and the foundation to block their entry points. Additionally, set up traps to detect any spider activity and capture them if necessary.

If infestation continues, you should reach out to a pest control service for efficient removal.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Pong Wira/Shutterstock.com