June 17th, 2020
Nobody likes spiders. Not really. They look scary, and if you’ve ever been touched by a spider, you likely made a lot of noise before you peeled yourself off the ceiling. Spiders bite, too. The majority of house spiders in Arizona have no venom. They tend to avoid humans just as we avoid them. But for most of us, sharing a home with spiders is something we can’t live with.
There are numerous species of spiders in Arizona and the USA, but in the Phoenix area, these are the creepy-crawlies most likely to share your space:
These hairy-legged spiders can get as large as 5″ and their bites are very painful. Tarantulas have tiny bristles on their abdomens which they can eject toward attackers. These bristle-bullets are irritating to humans and animals.
Even though they look scary, they don’t bite unless cornered. Tarantula bites are poisonous but won’t kill you, even if you’re allergic to the venom.
Yes, we have black widow spiders in Arizona. They can grow up to 3/4″ and are recognized for their shiny, black bodies. Females have the famous red hourglass symbol on their abdomens. You’re more likely to see black widows in your garage or under rocks, but they can wander or be carried indoors.
Black widow bites can cause serious illness and death to humans and pets. Seek medical attention immediately if you suspect a black widow bite.
Brown recluse spiders in Arizona can do a lot of damage. They range from 1/4-3/4″ and sometimes have a dark brown violin-shape on their upper backs (Not all do.). They like rock or tree piles but can easily be transported into your house. If you see one, walk away. If you suspect you’ve been bitten by a brown recluse. Seek medical attention immediately.
They can grow up to 2″ and they aren’t poisonous. But their bites can be painful. They have mottled brown/grey colors that camouflage them outdoors. Wolf spiders are “hunters,” not web-builders and only wander indoors by accident.
As their name implies, grass spiders are usually found outside. They like living in earthy places close to the ground. Grassy areas, shrubbery, and low-lying vegetation attract them. Grass spiders in Arizona are yellowish-brown with 2 stripes; their abdomens are a darker brown. When provoked, they will bite.
If you have a spider infestation, it’s most likely house spiders. They spin webs and leave behind light-brown egg sacs. They bite, but their bites are not dangerous.
An old wives’ tale says sprinkling chestnuts throughout your home will prevent spider infestations. It might, but gathering nuts could jam or even break your robotic vacuum cleaner. Cats love chasing spiders but aren’t guaranteed spider-eliminators, especially if you have an unambitious cat.
Spiders in Arizona are a serious problem. Families with small children or pets shouldn’t risk a potentially fatal spider bite and an emergency trip to a clinic.
Let Budget Brothers Termite & Pest Elimination eradicate all spiders with one treatment. We include spider elimination along with their regular pest control maintenance plans. Contact us today for all your pest control treatments.
Wednesday, March 27th, 2024
Wednesday, July 19th, 2023
Thursday, November 4th, 2021
"5 Things Termites Don't Want You To Know"Keep your home termite free!