Inspect & Monitor
Place sticky traps and check storage, closets, and attics for activity.
Pest Education • DFW Pest Control
Brown Recluse Control in DFW
Brown recluse spiders hide in quiet, undisturbed indoor spaces. Learn how to identify them, where they live, and how to reduce them.
Family-OwnedVeteran-OwnedSince 2016
Reviewed and updated June 2026
At a Glance
The brown recluse is a venomous spider that hides in undisturbed indoor areas like closets, boxes, and storage. Decluttering and exclusion are key to control.
Quick Facts
- Look: Tan to brown with a violin-shaped mark
- Eyes: Six eyes in three pairs (not eight)
- Hides: Closets, boxes, attics, undisturbed storage
- Concern: Bite can cause a slow-healing wound
What Are Brown Recluse Spiders?
The brown recluse is a venomous spider found in parts of Texas. It is tan to brown with a darker violin-shaped marking behind the head and, unlike most spiders, has six eyes arranged in three pairs.
As the name suggests, it is reclusive. It avoids activity and hides in quiet, dark, undisturbed places, often indoors.
Where They Hide and Bite Risk
Most brown recluse bites happen when the spider is pressed against skin, such as in stored clothing, shoes, or bedding.
- Closets, attics, basements, and undisturbed storage.
- Cardboard boxes, stored clothing, shoes, and linens.
- Behind furniture and in cluttered, low-traffic areas.
- Bites are often painless at first but can develop into a slow-healing wound; seek medical care if you suspect a bite.
How to Reduce Brown Recluse
Control centers on reducing the undisturbed clutter they hide in, sealing entry points, and monitoring with traps.
- Declutter storage and switch from cardboard to sealed plastic bins.
- Shake out stored clothing, shoes, and bedding before use.
- Seal cracks, gaps, and entry points and reduce indoor insect prey.
- Use sticky monitors along walls to track activity and guide treatment.
Declutter & Seal
Reduce harborage, switch to sealed bins, and seal entry points.
Explore services →Treat Carefully
Target harborage areas and reduce prey insects to lower numbers.
Request an estimate →Treatments are selected and applied per their labels. Tell us about children, pets, edible gardens, beehives, and other sensitive areas before service, and follow all preparation and re-entry instructions. More on pet- and pollinator-conscious treatment →
Common Questions
How do I identify a brown recluse?
Look for a tan-to-brown spider with a violin-shaped mark behind the head and six eyes in three pairs. Many harmless spiders are misidentified as recluses, so identification matters.
What should I do if I think I was bitten?
Clean the area, apply a cool compress, and seek medical attention, especially if a wound develops or you feel unwell. If possible, safely save the spider for identification.
How do I keep brown recluse out?
Reduce clutter, use sealed plastic storage bins, shake out clothing and shoes, seal cracks and gaps, and monitor with sticky traps.
Sources & Further Reading
Guidance changes over time. Follow current product labels and local recommendations. This page is educational and is not medical advice.
Concerned About Brown Recluse?
Call or email for a free estimate. We’ll recommend an approach that fits your property.