The brown recluse spider is nocturnal and prefers food such as firebrats, crickets, cockroaches and other soft bodied creatures. Earning their name well, the brown recluse spider ceases its wanderings at first light. People are most commonly bitten in bed, while changing clothes, or cleaning storage areas. Not only will this spider hide in cracks and crevices of the home, they will often climb into clothing or shoes that someone has laid out to wear the following day. Spiderlings emerge in 24-36 days and abandon the egg case.
Development is slow, influenced by weather conditions and food availability.
They reach maturity in 10 to 12 months and can survive long periods of time without food or water. Immature spiderlings resemble adult brown recluse spiders but have lighter coloration. Adult males and females will vary from light tan to dark brown. Trim weeds around the building foundation and remove debris to discourage insects and spiders from living next to a structure. Seal openings and install screens and door sweeps to prevent spiders from moving indoors.