During an apartment inspection in Connecticut, inspectors found Mediterranean recluse spiders, a venomous species never before recorded in the state. The Cool Down confirmed the discovery, which involved multiple spiders found in the building.
The Mediterranean recluse (Loxosceles rufescens) is a relative of the brown recluse and delivers a venom that can cause skin lesions and other symptoms in humans. Unlike brown recluses, which are established in the central and southern U.S., Mediterranean recluses have been found in only a handful of states, mostly around port cities. The Connecticut find is the first state record, and the spiders were reportedly located in basements and steam pipe tunnels, areas that stay warm and dark year-round.
What this means for Connecticut homeowners
If you live in Connecticut and find a small, brownish spider with a violin-shaped marking on its back, you should not handle it. The Mediterranean recluse looks similar to the brown recluse but can be identified by consulting a state extension service or a local entomologist. The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station is the authority to contact for a positive identification.
The spiders are shy and avoid humans, but they can bite if pressed against skin inside clothing or bedding. I recommend checking stored boxes, firewood, and seldom-used shoes if you have a basement or crawl space. Seal cracks and gaps where pipes enter walls to reduce hiding spots. If you suspect an infestation, a professional inspection is the safest approach , do not use over-the-counter foggers, which can scatter the spiders deeper into the home.
The full details of the discovery were reported by The Cool Down.
The notice is published by The Cool Down at www.thecooldown.com.
