Are Brown Recluse Spiders Common in Alabama?

Short answer: Yes, brown recluse spiders live in Alabama, and they are one of the few spiders here worth being careful about. The good news is that the great majority of spiders you find around the house are harmless, and recluses prefer to stay hidden and out of the way.

Spiders make people nervous, and the brown recluse gets blamed for just about every bite and bump. It is worth knowing the facts so you are not scared of every spider in the garage, but still careful where it counts.

Yes, they are here

The brown recluse is native to the central and southern United States, and Alabama is well within its range. They are not rare, but they are also not crawling all over every house. They earn the name recluse because they avoid people and stick to quiet, undisturbed spots.

How to recognize one

• Light brown, about the size of a quarter with legs included
• A darker violin-shaped mark behind the head (this is not always easy to see)
• Smooth legs with no spines, and a uniform color (no stripes or patterns)
• Six eyes arranged in three pairs, rather than the usual eight

Plenty of harmless brown spiders get mistaken for recluses. If you are not sure, it is safer to assume nothing and just avoid handling it.

Where they like to hide

Recluses want dark, dry, quiet places that do not get bothered. The classic spots are:

• Boxes and storage in the attic, basement, or garage
• Behind and under furniture that rarely moves
• Inside shoes, gloves, and clothing left on the floor
• Cluttered closets and stacks of paper or cardboard

This is why decluttering and shaking out stored shoes and clothes goes a long way. For the harmless spiders you are far more likely to meet, read which Alabama spiders are dangerous and which are harmless.

The Alabama angle

Older homes, basements, and outbuildings around Birmingham give recluses exactly the kind of undisturbed storage they like. If you have a space that does not get touched for months, that is where to look first and clean first.

Seeing spiders you would rather not?

Our spider control treats the hiding spots and knocks down the bugs they feed on. Call or text (205) 855-7975 for a free assessment.

Get a Free Estimate

Are most spiders in my Alabama home dangerous?

No. The large majority of household spiders are harmless and actually help by eating other insects. Only a couple of species here are worth real caution.

How do I tell a brown recluse from a regular brown spider?

Look for a uniform light brown color, smooth legs with no spines, and the violin mark behind the head. Many harmless spiders get mistaken for recluses, so when in doubt, do not handle it.

Where are brown recluses most likely to hide?

Dark, dry, undisturbed places like attics, basements, garages, storage boxes, and shoes or clothing left on the floor.