Brown recluse spiders have a limited range in the central part of the United States; they may be found as far north as Iowa (Map). It is possible they may hitchhike in materials transported outside this range, but they will not breed outside this range. An excellent source of additional information from the University of California at Riverside can be found at: Brown Recluse Spiders. Here is a link to an eXtension article from Arkansas on the brown recluse: Brown Recluse Spiders Ignore Social Status. For positive ID, take a preserved specimen in rubbing alcohol to your local county Cooperative Extension office. (You can use an empty wide-mouthed plastic container to cover it, then slip a thick piece of cardboard under the opening to get it in the container.) The agent or Master Gardener can assist in identifying what kind of spider it is and offer management options that will work in your area. Here is a link to help you find your local Cooperative Extension office by clicking the link at the top of this page ("local extension offices near you").

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