Development from egg to mature adult requires about 1 year, with total lifespan years. Though its natural home is in sheltered places outdoors, it is commonly attracted to buildings of all types, especially those that are dry, littered, and contain many insects for prey. Their web is irregular, and it is used as a resting place rather than a snare. The Brown Recluse is a hunter, leaving the web and actively searching for prey. Egg sacs are hung in the web and are guarded by the female.
Bites usually occur when a person puts on shoes or clothing in which the spider is hiding.
Because of its habits, it is often inadvertently transported by man. The amount of venom injected and the sensitivity of the victim are both factors determining the seriousness of the bits. The venom is cytotoxic, damaging the flesh of the victim. There may be no initial pain felt, or a stinging sensation may appear immediately. Intense pain follows, lasting 2-8 hours.