The brown recluse spider is infamous for good reason. While not aggressive, its bite can cause serious health issues. These spiders thrive in quiet, undisturbed areas and are native to Tennessee, making them a real concern for local homeowners.

Active Seasons
Brown recluse spiders are most active from March through October, but they live indoors year-round. They tend to be more active at night when they hunt for small insects.

Lifespan
Brown recluse spiders can live up to 2 to 4 years, especially in the stable, climate-controlled environments of a home.

Reproduction Rate
A single female can produce up to 5 egg sacs per year, with each sac containing 40–50 spiderlings. Infestations can escalate quickly if left untreated.

How to Identify

• Color: Light to dark brown with a distinctive violin-shaped mark on the back.
• Size: Body about 1/4 to 1/2 inch long, with legs extending further.
• Behavior: Hides in dark, undisturbed places — closets, attics, basements, behind furniture, inside shoes, and boxes.
• Webs: Irregular, messy webs usually found in hidden areas, used more for shelter than catching prey.

Pro tip: Just because you see a spider doesn’t mean it’s a brown recluse — but if you’re seeing multiple in a short time, it’s worth calling a professional.

Health Concerns

• Venomous bite: While bites are rare and usually not life-threatening, they can lead to necrotic skin lesions, infections, and long-term scarring.
• Symptoms include redness, blistering, swelling, and in rare cases, fever and nausea.
• Children and individuals with weakened immune systems are especially vulnerable.

Property Concerns
Brown recluse spiders won’t damage your home structurally, but their presence can make living spaces feel unsafe. And because they hide so well, infestations can grow large before they’re noticed.

Why You Need Perimeter Pest
You don’t want to gamble with brown recluse spiders. DIY sprays may kill a few, but they don’t address hidden nests or breeding grounds. At Perimeter Pest, we use targeted, professional-grade treatments that reach deep into their hiding spots — from attics to crawlspaces.
Our trained technicians know what to look for, how to treat it safely, and how to prevent re-infestation with our comprehensive pest control programs.

Peace of mind starts with knowing your home is safe. Call Perimeter Pest — your Nashville-area spider control experts.