Brown Recluse Spiders

Less than 3% of the people bitten by these spiders develop the open ulcerous wound attributed to the brown recluse spider.

Identification

• Brown recluse spiders are quarter-sized with a fiddle-shaped marking on the cephalothorax

• Six eyes that are arranged in 3 pairs, which is distinctive because most spiders have eight eyes arranged in two rows

Environment

• Can exist in high numbers, but are rarely seen

• Only 13 counties in GA have confirmed infestations

Threats

• Brown recluse spiders inhabit dark areas, under furniture, in wall voids, in closets

• Move around at night

Treatment

• Controlling brown recluse spiders is difficult

• Glueboards are the best tool for sampling and monitoring populations

• Dusting all voids, attics, and crawl spaces