Spiders in Arizona: What Could Be Invading Your Residence

There are some 27 spider species in Arizona alone, and several carry a venomous bite that can harm humans. Read on to learn more about Arizona spiders, including which species pose a threat and how to prevent spiders from invading your residence.

Recognize the Threat 

Unfortunately, spiders can easily find their way into populated areas where they come into contact with humans. The best way to protect yourself from Arizona spiders is to become educated on the various species found across the state, how their behaviors differ, and which ones can pose a threat to people.

Common Spiders in Arizona 

Several different types of spiders may be found distributed all across Arizona. While these spiders vary in size and color, it can still be difficult to discern the differences between each species. Here are some of Arizona’s most commonly found spiders and the potential dangers they can present to humans.

Widow Spiders (Latrodectus)

The western black widow spider is easily recognizable by a red hourglass design on their abdomens. Widow spiders nest in dark places where the environment remains undisturbed for an extended time. While the black widow bite is venomous to humans, fatalities are not very common. 

Common House Spiders (Parasteatoda tepidariorum)

Although the common house spider resembles a dark brown widow spider, this species of arachnid is relatively harmless. The common house spider can bite if it feels threatened, but its venom isn’t strong enough to be of concern.

Tarantulas (Aphonopelma)

Unlike the common house spider or the black widow, Aphonepelma spiders prefer to live in burrows beneath the ground. The bite of a western desert tarantula is not inherently dangerous to humans but can cause allergic reactions. These hunting spiders also can point barbed hairs toward a predator that can cause skin irritation to humans.

Arizona Recluse Spiders (Loxosceles arizonica)

This type of recluse spider is brown and typically will not grow larger than 20 mm in size. While the Arizona brown spider preys on various types of insects, it will bite humans if threatened. Its venom can cause a range of symptoms, including fever, nausea, and ulceration at the site of the bite.

Wolf Spiders (Hogna carolinensis)

Although wolf spiders can appear dangerous due to their size, the wolf spider bite poses no real threat to humans. Wolf spiders will typically avoid people and usually won’t attack unless threatened. These spiders live in burrows but may enter homes in search of food. 

Cellar spiders (Pholcus phalangioides)

Also known as daddy long legs, cellar spiders are entirely harmless to humans or pets. In fact, the jaws of cellar spiders simply don’t have enough power to pierce people’s skin. More often than not, homeowners will find these spiders suspended from the ceiling in dark places like basements or garages.

Brown Recluse Spiders (Loxosceles reclusa)

Another common type of Arizona spider is the Loxoscele reclusa, which is brown and usually won’t exceed a size of 2 cm in length. Like all brown recluses, these venomous spiders carry venom that is dangerous to humans. These spiders live in protected, dark areas near wood piles or tool sheds.

How to Prevent Spider Infestation

From a yellow garden spider to an arizona blond tarantula to jumping spiders – finding spiders in your Arizona home can be a frustrating experience. Luckily, there are several effective ways to prevent these intruders from entering the premises. Follow these tips to help keep these pests away from pets and loved ones.

Keep Clean

Most of the time, spiders like the giant crab spider avoid direct contact with humans but enter homes in search of prey. The most effective way to prevent this is to keep the house clean so insects won’t be drawn into your home. Without a food source, spiders will be forced to look elsewhere for sustenance.

Seal the Residence

You can actively prevent spiders from entering your home by sealing up any cracks or holes around the house. Look for gaps under doorways or spaces around plumbing pipes where spiders can enter.

Call The Experts

Spiders can breed quickly, and if you find yourself in the middle of an infestation, it’s probably best to contact professionals. Experienced pest control technicians are familiar with various species of spiders from the jumping spider to a venomous spider and how to remove them from the home safely. In addition, they can provide helpful advice for keeping infestations from occurring in the future.

Spiders Be Gone With Budget Brothers

At Budget Brothers Termite & Pest, our team has years of combined experience tackling a variety of pests, including spiders, rodents, termites, bedbugs, and more. There’s no need to tolerate these annoying intruders in your Arizona home another day. Contact us for expert support you can rely on to restore the safety and comfort of your residence.