Female brown recluse spiders deposit 40-50 eggs into off-white silken egg sacs. The eggs hatch in 25-39 days and the spiderlings undergo at least one molt within the sac before emerging. The development period (egg to adult) averages 336 days.

They are active from spring through the fall outside but can be active year-round in climate-controlled spaces like homes. However, they may become inactive in winter as they respond to lower light cycles even in a heated home.

Brown recluse spiders build their irregular, flat webs from protein-based silks that are released from their spinnerets. It's important to note that these arachnids do not actually use their nests to capture prey. Instead they use their nests to form egg sacs.

Outdoors, brown recluse spiders are often found around rocks, woodpiles, logs, leaf litter, and tree bark.

Indoors, brown widow spiders are typically found in undisturbed areas such as closets, attics, wall voids, under furniture, near furnaces and water heaters, and places that tend to be cluttered.

Brown recluse spiders eat live and dead insects. They have remarkable survival skills and can go for up to 12 months without food or water and may live for up to 2 years.

Brown recluse spiders are venomous spiders capable of biting. Their bites can cause tissue loss, scarring, and infection if left untreated. If you have been bitten by a brown recluse, you should consult a medical professional right away.

Brown recluse spiders infestations are quite common in Kansas City and are especially active during the summer months. You might find your home dealing with this type of infestation if there are gaps, cracks, and openings on the exterior of your home, plenty of insects inside, and secluded places for them to hunt and lay eggs.

If you're concerned that brown recluse spiders have infested your home, reach out to a licensed pest control for proper identification and treatment.