If there’s one pest no Missouri homeowner wants to hear about, it’s the brown recluse. Unfortunately, August is the peak of their mating season—making this the time of year when these elusive spiders become more active, more visible, and more likely to show up in homes and businesses.

Here at Vogelsang Pest Management, we’ve been seeing an uptick in brown recluse activity around the O’Fallon area, and we want our community to stay informed and protected. As a local, family-owned business, your safety is our top priority.

Why August Is a Hotspot for Brown Recluse Activity

Brown recluses are more than just a creepy nuisance—they’re survivors. And Missouri, unfortunately, is prime real estate for them. These spiders are native to the Midwest and South and are especially common in our state, where conditions are just right for them to thrive.

As summer heat peaks in August, so does insect activity. That means more food for spiders—and with abundant prey, the brown recluse becomes more active. During this time, male spiders start roaming in search of mates, which increases your chances of spotting one indoors.

Where Brown Recluses Like to Hide

These spiders are masters at staying hidden. They prefer dark, quiet spaces where they won’t be disturbed. In homes and businesses, this means:

Attics
Closets
Basements
Cardboard boxes
Behind furniture
Inside shoes, towels, and storage bins

It’s not unusual to find them trapped in sinks or bathtubs, either—they struggle to climb smooth surfaces, so once they fall in, they can’t get out.

Signs You Might Have a Brown Recluse Infestation

It can be hard to tell if you’re dealing with just one spider or something more serious. Here are four signs that could point to a brown recluse infestation:

Frequent Sightings: Seeing one spider might be random. Seeing several over a short period? That’s a red flag.
Fewer Other Insects: A noticeable drop in other bugs could mean something is hunting them—like a brown recluse.
Egg Sacs: Their egg sacs look like loose, messy cotton balls. Finding even one should prompt a call to pest control.
Webs in Odd Places: While brown recluses don’t rely on webs to catch prey, they do spin them to hide. Look for disorganized, grayish-white webs in tucked-away areas.

Brown Recluse Bites: What You Should Know

While their bite is rarely life-threatening, it can cause severe discomfort, ranging from red, itchy skin to deep wounds that take months to heal. The real danger lies in not knowing a recluse is nearby. People often get bitten by slipping on shoes or clothes where a spider was hiding.

What You Can Do (and When to Call the Pros)

Here are a few tips to keep brown recluses at bay:

Keep storage areas clean and clutter-free
Shake out shoes, clothing, and towels before use
Seal cracks and gaps around windows, doors, and foundations
Reduce outdoor lighting that attracts insects (spider food!)

But here’s the thing: brown recluses are tough. They can survive for months without food or water and reproduce quickly if left unchecked. DIY solutions may help temporarily, but full-blown infestations need a professional approach.

Vogelsang Pest Management Is Here to Help

If you think you’ve spotted a brown recluse—or worse, several—it’s time to schedule an inspection. At Vogelsang Pest Management, we know exactly what to look for and how to eliminate these pests safely. Our custom pest control programs are designed for Missouri homes and businesses, and we always treat your property like it’s our own.

Don’t wait for a bite to confirm what you already suspect. Contact us today for a thorough inspection and get peace of mind through expert pest control. We’re here to help you reclaim your home from unwanted eight-legged guests.

Brown Recluse Alert: Why August Is Prime Time for Spider Sightings