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

Some creepy crawlies can win you over, much like the bold jumping spider with its expressive face. Other spiders, like the brown recluse, move unnervingly fast and have venomous bites. Learn about brown recluse spiders in Missouri and discover where they live, what they eat, and most importantly: how to get rid of them!

What is a Brown Recluse?

The brown recluse is a venomous spider in the U.S. Sometimes, it goes by other names like the fiddle back spider or the violin spider. These names have come about because, on its back, the brown recluse spider has a specific marking that resembles the shape of a violin. These spiders are usually brown, sometimes a little bit lighter, and sometimes a bit darker.

They grow anywhere between 1/4 to 3/4 inches long. Their legs splay out and are thin and quite long. They have a total of six eyes and are pretty reclusive, hence their name. Despite being venomous and having a rather intimidating appearance, brown recluses don’t typically show aggression. If they spot a human, they retreat. Nevertheless, if they are feeling defensive, they may bite.

If a brown recluse spider bites, necrotic arachnidism may occur. Without immediate treatment, the brown recluse’s venom can cause tissue damage that eventually leads to necrosis, which is when your skin starts to rot. A few hours after a brown recluse bite, there is pain and redness around the area. What’s sneaky about these spiders is that you may not even notice the bite until later.

Where Are Brown Recluses in Missouri?

The brown recluse spider is found throughout the state of Missouri. It’s a rather common spider, which may inspire fear in some. However, these spiders don’t like being the center of attention, don’t seek you out, and typically retreat to wooded environments or the nooks and crannies of buildings. If there’s a lot of clutter, that means that a brown recluse has plenty of space to explore.

Eventually, it finds its own little crevice to settle into. It doesn’t like a moist environment, so it’ll gravitate toward a dry environment. These cluttered spaces are especially attractive if there is a variety of prey options for them. During the day, they rest and only emerge at night when they are looking for food. If you don’t wish to encounter a brown recluse, make sure that you don’t provide it with habitable space.

Where Brown Recluses Go Indoors

You can probably picture the type of environment that a brown recluse goes to when it finds its way inside your home. Unless you live a minimalist lifestyle, there’s likely to be a bit of clutter in your home, even tucked away in its proper place: in your storage closet. There’s no shame in having a bit of clutter around the house but it’s important you understand that this environment is ideal for a brown recluse.

If you’ve noticed a part of your home has flies, moths, cockroaches, or even crickets, these are all fantastic food sources for a brown recluse. Part of ensuring a brown recluse-free home environment means getting rid of their prey. The attic, basement, storage closet, or any other cluttered environment in your home can certainly attract a brown recluse. Sometimes, they may settle into the comfort of a folded piece of clothing on the floor, especially if it’s been left untouched for a long period.

What To Do If You Find Brown Recluses In Your Home

Although your first course of action (depending on how much of an arachnophobe you are) would be to freak out, it’s best not to. Try to keep an eye on it so that it doesn’t get away from you. The spiders are only about the size of a quarter and it’s better to know where it is than to let it get away and find a hiding spot. One of the methods people used to get rid of a brown recluse is simply to vacuum it up and dispose of it outdoors.

Another method is to use a vinegar-based spray. Not all can stand the smell of vinegar, so you may even opt to use essential oils in your sprays instead. Sticky traps are also effective at catching these spiders and probably the most effective brown recluse killer is an insecticide. You can probably deal with one spider but if you notice there is an infestation, it’s best you contact a local exterminator. These spiders are venomous and mishandling one could result in a bite. Mishandling more than one could spell disaster.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Nick626/Shutterstock.com