How to Keep Brown Recluse Spiders in Captivity

Brown recluse spiders have the capacity to give you a nasty bite, but they are usually so timid and elusive that you are unlikely to have problems with them. Their indoor habitat is simple; a dry tank with plenty of hiding places to make them feel secure. Their care involves only feeding and occasional tank cleaning. With the right care, this species can live for two years and potentially as long as ten.

Things You'll Need

  • Long-sleeved shirt and work gloves
  • Fish tank with secure lid
  • Tree bark chips
  • Cardboard tubes and small boxes
  • Scissors
  • Cotton balls
  • Saucer
  • Plastic tub
  • Piece of cardboard
  • Small crickets and other insects
  • Dishwashing liquid
  • Cleaning cloths
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Instructions

    • 1

      Put on a long-sleeved shirt and work gloves before moving a brown recluse spider or putting items in its tank. Bites are highly unlikely unless you accidentally injure or corner the spider, but it is safest to avoid the possibility. The bite of this species can be painful and and can provoke serious reactions in some people.

    • 2

      Scatter a layer of a loose, dry substrate, such as bark chips, over the floor of the fish tank. Brown recluse spiders do not tolerate high humidity levels.

    • 3

      Cut holes the size of the spider in one or two small cardboard boxes.

    • 4

      Place the boxes or cardboard tubes in the tank to provide hiding places.

    • 5

      Position the tank in a dimly lit room.

    • 6

      Dampen a piece of a cotton ball lightly with water and place it on a saucer in the tank. Use a small piece of cotton so as not to raise the humidity in the tank. Replace the cotton every couple of days to ensure the spider has enough water to drink.

    • 7

      Release the spider in the tank. Move a brown recluse spider from one spot to another by catching it in a plastic tub and covering the tub with a piece of cardboard.

    • 8

      Leave the spider to settle in its new habitat for a couple of days before feeding it.

    • 9

      Feed the spider small crickets or other non-toxic insects, such as flies, once or twice a week.

    • 10

      Clean the tank about twice a year. Place the spider in a secure container. Dispose of the substrate and accessories and wash the tank with hot water and dishwashing liquid. Rinse and dry the tank thoroughly before adding fresh substrate, new accessories and the spider.