Brown recluse spiders may seek warm spaces in Missouri homes as temps drop

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (KY3) - As temperatures drop, brown recluse spiders in Missouri are looking for warm places to hide, which can include homes.

Where brown recluses hide

Jordan Hicks, director of sales and service at Bug Zero, a Springfield pest control company, said attics are a common location for the spiders.

“The number one spot we see the majority of brown recluse activity is probably your attic space,” Hicks said.

Hicks said brown recluses like cluttered spaces, such as a box of Christmas decorations.

“A good rule of thumb before you bring them in the house, shake anything out that comes from your attic space, but also just generally in your storage areas, minimize clutter,” Hicks said. “They love cardboard boxes, anything stacked. So if you can remove some of that, that’ll remove some of the areas they like to hang out.”

How to identify a brown recluse

Hicks said you can identify the spiders by their markings.

“Most of the time they’re brown to a darkish gray in color, so that’s what you’re going to see,” Hicks said. “And then, like a dark brown violin shape right on their head that goes to their back or their abdomen area.”

When bites happen

Hicks said the spiders don’t intentionally seek out anyone to hurt, but sometimes bites happen.

“Most bites happen when someone either rolls over on them in bed or you get that winter coat out for the season, you put your arm in there, and there’s a brown recluse in there,” Hicks said.

When to seek medical help

Scott Allen of the Webster County Health Department described symptoms that call for medical attention after a bite.

“If you start developing more symptoms such as chills, itching, generally feeling ill or just kind of uncomfortable, if you start developing a fever, nausea, reddish or purplish color around the bite, sweating, or you start developing a large sore in that area, then it’s time to seek medical help,” Allen said.

Hicks said people should shake out items that come from storage and minimize clutter.

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