While most spiders are harmless, there are a few that will especially leave you running from a room. The brown recluse is one of the scarier spiders in our area, sending people to the hospital after bites. But there’s a lot more to these spiders than just their bite. Here are five things you probably didn’t know about this eight-legged pest:

1. Where It Got Its Name.

“Brown Recluse” isn’t as creative as you might first think. It identifies the color, and recluse refers to how it likes to live reclusively (alone). Simple!

2. You Might Be Able to Identify Its Age.

Look at the violin marking. Older Brown Recluses tend to have darker violin shapes.

3. Count Those Eyes Again.

One of the first thing kids learn about spiders in school is that they have eight eyes. Not the brown recluse…it only has six.

4. She’s a Single Lady…Most of Her Life.

Sorry gentlemen. The female brown recluse only needs to mate with a man once in her life in order to produce eggs for offspring. And she can lay 150 more spiderlings a year, meaning an infestation isn’t out of the question.

5. They Like to Hitchhike.

They like to get around by catching a ride on furniture boxes and other items from infested structures. That’s why you’ll occasionally find a brown recluse out of their normal living zone.

Are You Dealing with a Pest Problem?

Your local pest pros at ExtermPRO are here to help. Our experts have decades of experience serving the Virginia area, so we know the solutions to all your pest problems. Call us today at 571-620-1168.