These Spiders Look Like Brown Recluse—But Aren't!

IPM Pest & Termite • August 9, 2024

If you're like most people, seeing a spider that looks like Brown Recluse makes you panic, which is understandable. Brown Recluse spiders are among the most common venomous spiders in Kentucky. Their bite is painless, but the venom wreaks havoc, causing infections, lesions, nausea, and fever. The Brown Recluse likes to live indoors and outdoors and prefers quiet, dimly lit areas.

The silhouettes of different types of spiders near Lexington, Kentucky (KY)

Contact IPM Pest and Termite for spider extermination near Lexington, KY. We'll identify your spiders and devise a plan to manage the problem. Here are four spiders that look like the Brown Recluse—but aren't!

#1: Furrow Orb Weavers

Furrow orb weavers range in color from black to gray to reddish brown. Although they share a size and some color with the brown recluse, the distinctive arrow pattern on their backs and legs is a giveaway that they're not. These look scary, and they like moist places, but they rarely bite.

#2: Tiger Wolf Spiders

Wolf spiders don't spin webs but wait for their prey to come to them. These brown spiders are easily discernible from the brown recluse because of their furry little bodies. They have black and yellow patterns on their backs and are slightly larger than the Brown Recluse. They look creepy, and they will bite if disturbed. The bite causes itching, swelling, and minor pain.

#3: Yellow Sac Spiders

Yellow Sac spiders don't build webs but small sacks, usually in the corners of a room or between the wall joint and the ceiling. They like basements and other moist or cool areas, like crawl spaces. They're commonly associated with spider bites, and the bite can be painful, but it's not dangerous in most cases. Yellow sac spiders are a pale yellow, but they have a similar shape to the Brown Recluse and can resemble it in a glance.

#4: Tan Jumping Spiders

Tan Jumping Spiders are brown like the Brown Recluse, but they're hairy like the wolf spider instead of smooth and brown. They also have a design on their backs that's a paler white or brown that looks like a head of wheat. Unlike the Brown Recluse, they don't create webs but hunt their prey. These spiders are prevalent and prefer the outdoors. You'll often find them on trees, fence posts, and walls.

Contact Us for Spider Extermination Near Lexington, KY

If your inclination when you see a spider on it is to step on it, scream, or run away, you're not alone. Don't let spider sightings concern you; get rid of them with the help of IPM Pest and Termite. We'll come, assess the situation, and figure out and offer some spider control options. We'll tell you the types of spiders you're dealing with and recommend ways to keep them out. We also manage other seasonal pests, like ants and mosquitoes.

Call us at (859) 340-1403 or fill out our contact form to get a free quote or to learn more.

We serve the greater Lexington, KY area, including Nicholasville, Versailles, Georgetown, Richmond, and Winchester, KY; and the following Lexington neighborhoods: Pinnacle, Waterford, Cumberland Hills, Copperfield, Palomar, Masterson Station, Equestrian Woods, and Firebrook. Contact us today!

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