Spiders in Alabama
Most Alabama spiders are harmless, but the brown recluse is a real concern in older homes. Here’s how to tell the difference and reduce spider activity indoors.
How to identify spiders
House and wolf spiders are common and harmless, if startling. The brown recluse is light brown, about the size of a quarter with legs, with a darker violin-shaped mark behind the head and only six eyes. It hides in undisturbed, dark places — closets, garages, boxes, and crawlspaces.
Behavior in Alabama
Spiders follow their food — other insects. Where there are flies, moths, and ants, spiders settle in. Brown recluses prefer quiet storage areas in older Alabama housing stock and are most often encountered when reaching into boxes or pulling on stored clothing.
Why spiders are a problem
Signs of spiders activity
- Webs in corners, eaves, garages & basements
- Spiders in undisturbed storage areas
- Egg sacs (round, silk-wrapped) in quiet spots
- A high count often follows another pest issue
When they’re active
Most visible late summer into fall as spiders mature and seek shelter indoors ahead of cooler weather.
How EnviroCare controls spiders
EnviroCare’s recurring program reduces the insects spiders feed on, treats harborage in eaves, garages, and storage areas with EPA-registered products per label, and includes web knock-down. For brown recluse concerns we focus on the undisturbed interior zones where they actually hide.
See our Pest Control service →Common questions
How do I know if it’s a brown recluse?
Look for a violin-shaped mark behind the head, uniform light-brown coloring, and six eyes (not eight). They’re found in quiet, undisturbed areas. If you’re unsure, capture it safely for our technician to identify.
Why are there suddenly so many spiders?
Spiders follow prey. A jump in spiders usually means there’s another insect population nearby. Controlling that food source is the most effective way to reduce spiders.
Dealing with spiders? Let’s handle it.
Family-owned in Alabama since 1958. Licensed technicians, EPA-registered products, no long-term pest control contract.