Are Brown Recluse Spiders A Common Problem In New Mexico

Your home is your castle, and your castle is no place for spiders—even though actual castles have lots of spiders. But that is a topic for another time. In this article, we will focus on one particular spider that can make an appearance in New Mexico homes - the brown recluse. We will discuss how common they are and when they are most active in our region. We'll also share tips on how to prevent these spiders and other pests from infesting your home. If you’re currently dealing with a spider problem in Albuquerque or elsewhere in Greenway Pest Solutions’ service area, please reach out. You don't have to battle spiders alone!

What is a brown recluse spider?

The brown recluse spider is typically brown in color and has a distinctive dark violin marking on its back. The marking is rounded on the head, and the neck of the violin points to the spider's abdomen. It has the usual eight legs of a spider, and its overall size is about 1 ½ inches. You can place this spider on a fifty-cent coin and it will fit. However, keep in mind that most of the spider's size is due to its legs, so the dark violin marking may not be easily visible, especially if you only catch a glimpse of it before running away in fear.

These venomous spiders have fangs and venom, but they rarely bite. Wounds attributed to them are often caused by something else.

How common are brown recluse spiders?

We are happy to say that brown recluse infestations are about as common as their bites. We don't see them often. But, when we do see them, there is cause for some concern. These spiders do well inside man-made structures. While they aren't a significant bite hazard at first, the more brown recluses you have, the greater the risk will become. If you’re concerned about brown recluse spiders in Albuquerque, Santa Fe, or elsewhere in New Mexico, keep reading for more information!

What months are brown recluses most active?

Warmth is a crucial factor that motivates spiders and other living things to move. That's why they tend to be most active during the months of August and September. Additionally, summer brings a wealth of food sources, such as insects, making it easier for these spiders to hunt. Unlike other spiders, recluse spiders don't construct webs to catch prey. Instead, they search for it. This implies that they won't leave spider webs hanging from the walls of your home. However, you might find webbing near the floor in your attic or a secluded storage room. To protect itself while retreating or to have a safe place to lay eggs, a recluse spider will spin a web in its hiding spot.

What attracts brown recluse spiders?

A brown recluse will establish itself where it can find food and shelter. Water is also a factor, but it can get the moisture it needs from its food source—the bugs it eats. Management of pests on your property can reduce the greatest attractant that lures brown recluse spiders to the exterior of your home.

When these spiders explore your exterior, you may invite them indoors. A recluse spider can't help but check out a crack in a foundation slab or a gap in structural material. Patching these potential entry points can help keep spiders outdoors.

Managing brown recluse in New Mexico

To prevent spiders from entering your home, you can start by eliminating factors that attract them. This may require some effort, but it can help you reduce the likelihood of a spider invasion. However, if you want a hassle-free and reliable solution, you can contact Greenway Pest Solutions and learn more about our home pest control services. Here are a few ways our services can assist you:

We spot treat in your yard. By reducing pest populations, we reduce spiders as well.
We go around your home and remove spider webs and remove spider egg sacs, which can have hundreds of eggs inside. Brown recluse spiders eat other spiders. By reducing spider populations, we reduce recluse spiders.
We apply a conventional product to your exterior to prevent pests from entering your home. These treatments also deter insect activity next to your home.
We apply a dust product in voids to further inhibit pest infiltration.
We apply targeted control solutions when warning signs of brown recluse spiders are seen.

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