Brown Recluse Spiders in Virginia
The brown recluse, also known as the ‘violin’ or ‘fiddleback’ spider due to its distinctive violin-shaped marking, is the most common recluse spider in North America. Found throughout City Name, these spiders are more common in their native range, though they are often over-reported. They are typically nocturnal and avoid human contact, which makes encounters less frequent. While brown recluse spiders are venomous, bites usually do not cause severe tissue damage and often result in only minor swelling.
Brown Recluse Spider Habitat
True to their name, brown recluse spiders are shy and secretive. In the wild, they prefer hiding in cracks and crevices under rocks or the loose bark of dead trees. They favor tight, concealed spaces and are often found on rough surfaces like paper, wood, and cardboard, rather than smooth ones like ceramic or metal. Their tendency to stay out of sight makes them difficult to detect. These spiders thrive in human-modified environments, where they commonly inhabit areas like trash cans, plywood, tarps, rubber tires, and storage boxes.
Brown Recluse Spider Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers
The venom of all recluse spiders has the potential to cause necrotic skin damage. However, bites from the brown recluse are uncommon and typically occur only when the spider feels threatened. Brown recluse spiders often hide in shoes, clothing left on the floor, gardening attire, or gloves in the garage, which can lead to accidental bites. While bites are rare, the venom can cause significant wounds, making it important to treat any infestation seriously. If you suspect a brown recluse bite, seek medical attention immediately.
If brown recluse spiders are a concern on your Virginia property, reach out to a local spider control expert for help.
