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Ehrlich Answers
"I live in Pennsylvania and heard that someone was bitten by a brown recluse. Should I be worried about finding them here?"
The brown recluse spider (Loxosceles reclusa) is one of the most talked-about spiders in the U.S. because of its venomous bite. Sightings of the brown recluse in Pennsylvania, though, are extremely rare. These spiders are native to the Midwest and South, and their natural range does not include Pennsylvania.
When people report a brown recluse in the state, it’s most likely another species, like the cellar spider or yellow sac spider. These can be mistaken for a brown recluse because of their coloring and size. True recluses are not commonly established here.
That said, spiders of all kinds can still find their way indoors, especially in basements, garages, or storage areas. Even though the risk of encountering a brown recluse in Pennsylvania is low, it’s still possible, and any spider bite that looks severe should be checked by a healthcare professional.
We can help with spiders in your home
If you’ve seen a spider you’re unsure about, or if webs and spider activity are becoming a problem, our technicians can inspect and help identify the species. Whether it’s a harmless house spider or otherwise, we can recommend spider control treatments to help protect your home.
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