How to Prevent Encounters

While brown recluse spiders are mostly found in the south-central and Midwestern United States , they can occasionally be found in other regions, often transported unknowingly in boxes or furniture.

To reduce the risk of a bite:

• Keep storage areas clean and clutter-free.
• Avoid leaving clothes or shoes on the floor , especially in basements or garages.
• Shake out clothing or shoes before wearing them, particularly if they’ve been stored for a while.
• Seal cracks and gaps in walls and baseboards to prevent entry.
• Use gloves when cleaning dark or dusty areas.

Respect the Recluse

Despite its small size, the brown recluse spider is a powerful reminder that nature’s dangers don’t always come with warning signs. It may be shy and reclusive, but when disturbed, it can deliver a bite with serious consequences.

The key to staying safe is awareness. Learn to recognize the signs of its habitat, take precautions in your home, and never ignore a suspicious bite. Because with the brown recluse, prevention is always better than cure .

Stay alert, stay informed — and give this quiet spider the space it deserves.