“Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water…,” said Chief Brody in Jaws. But here in Arizona, amidst the desert sands, it’s not the water you need to worry about. It’s the big, eight-legged critters that might be lurking in your own backyard – or even inside your home.
If you’re a homeowner in Scottsdale or anywhere else in the Valley, encountering these giant spiders can be quite an ordeal.
But don’t panic. While nobody wants to deal with spiders in their homes, it’s fairly easy to keep these pests out (or get rid of them if they decide to come inside). It all starts with a bit of education on the most common arachnids you might find here.
Spiders in Arizona aren’t just your average garden variety. We’re talking about big spiders – some of the largest in North America.
From tarantulas to wolf spiders, these arachnids can grow to impressive sizes and may sometimes find their way into homes. Nobody wants to think about it, but understanding these different spiders can help you manage them better and keep your home spider-free.
Let’s talk about what you should be on the lookout for.
The Tarantula – Gentle Giant of the Desert
Tarantulas are perhaps the most well-known of Arizona’s big spiders. These gentle giants can have a leg span of up to 10 inches. They’re covered in hair, which can exist in a variety of different colors, depending on the species.
The good news? Despite their intimidating size, tarantulas are generally harmless to humans.
Tarantulas are nocturnal and tend to stay in burrows during the day. However, males often roam in search of a mate, especially during late summer and fall. This is when you’re most likely to encounter one in your yard or even inside your home.
During their mating season, male tarantulas can accidentally wander into homes. While they’re not aggressive, their presence can be startling. If you find one in your home, it’s best to gently guide it outside.
Wolf Spiders – Fast and Furry
Wolf spiders are another large spider species found in Arizona. They can reach up to four inches in leg span and are known for their speed and agility. These spiders are usually brown or gray with distinctive markings on their backs.
Wolf spiders are ground dwellers and do not spin webs. Instead, they hunt their prey by chasing it down. They’re commonly found in gardens, under rocks, and in leaf litter.
Wolf spiders may enter homes in search of food or shelter, particularly during colder months. They’re more likely to be found in basements, garages, and other ground-level spaces. While their venom is not dangerous to humans, their bite can be painful.
Black Widow – The Iconic Danger
Black widow spiders are smaller than tarantulas and wolf spiders but are perhaps the most feared. Female black widows can be identified by their shiny black bodies and distinctive red hourglass markings on the abdomen. They can grow to about 1.5 inches in leg span.
Black widows prefer dark, secluded areas like garages, sheds, and woodpiles. They spin irregular webs where they wait for prey to become entangled.
Black widow bites can be dangerous, especially to children and the elderly. The most common symptoms include muscle pain, cramps, and spasms. It’s crucial to seek medical attention if bitten. Keeping your home and yard free of clutter can help prevent black widow infestations.
Brown Recluse – The Elusive Threat
The brown recluse is another spider to be wary of. These spiders are medium-sized, with a body length of about half an inch and a leg span of one to two inches. Brown recluses are light to dark brown with a characteristic violin-shaped marking on their back.
True to their name, brown recluses are reclusive and prefer undisturbed areas. They can be found in attics, closets, and seldom-used storage areas.
A brown recluse bite can cause severe skin damage and other systemic symptoms. Immediate medical treatment is necessary. Regularly inspecting and decluttering storage spaces can help prevent encounters with this elusive spider.
The Giant Crab Spider – A Speedy Intruder
Giant crab spiders are aptly named due to their large size and crab-like appearance. They can have a leg span of up to six inches. They’re often tan or light brown and are known for their speed – perhaps the most disturbing feature of these pests.
These spiders are commonly found in the desert and around homes. They often enter houses in search of food or to escape extreme weather.
While giant crab spiders are not dangerous to humans, their size and speed can be alarming. They’re best captured and released outside.
Arizona Blond Tarantula – The Showstopper
The Arizona blond tarantula is a striking spider with a blond-colored carapace and black legs. They can grow to about six inches in leg span.
These tarantulas are commonly found in the desert and are known for their docile nature. They live in burrows and come out at night to hunt.
Arizona blond tarantulas are not typically aggressive, but if you find one in your home, it’s best to guide it outside.
Orb-Weaver Spiders – Nature’s Architects
Orb-weaver spiders are known for their intricate webs. They can grow up to 1.5 inches in body length, with long legs extending further.
These spiders build large, circular webs in gardens, near lights, and around windows. They’re beneficial for controlling insect populations.
Orb-weavers are not a threat to humans, but their webs can be a nuisance indoors. Regular cleaning can help keep them at bay.
Preventing and Dealing with Spiders in Your Home
Make sure your home is kept clean and clutter-free. Spiders are less likely to settle in spotless environments. Regularly vacuuming corners, ceilings, and other common hideouts will help disrupt their habitats. Decluttering your home minimizes the number of hiding spots available to spiders.
Also, take time to seal any cracks or openings in windows, doors, and walls to prevent spiders from entering. Make sure all windows are fitted with screens, and inspect them periodically for any tears or holes. It’s also useful to keep outdoor lights off or use yellow sodium vapor lights that attract fewer insects, subsequently deterring spiders from setting up webs near your home.
In the unfortunate event of a spider infestation, you need to act quickly.
Spiders are generally more beneficial than harmful, so relocating them rather than exterminating them is preferable. To do this, carefully trap it under a glass or jar and gently slide a piece of paper under it to cover the opening. Carry it outside and release it into a grassy or garden area away from the home.
For severe infestations – or infestations of any of the dangerous spiders we mentioned above – consider consulting a pest control professional, like our team at Green Magic. We’ll provide a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your home’s specific needs.
Final Thoughts
Living in Arizona means sharing your environment with some of the largest spiders in North America. While many of these spiders are beneficial and non-aggressive, their presence inside your home can be unsettling.
If you find yourself dealing with a spider problem, Green Magic Pest Control serves Scottsdale, Chandler, Mesa, Phoenix, and the entire Valley. We’ll help you keep your home spider-free – and your peace of mind intact.
Ready to reclaim your space from eight-legged invaders? Give us a call today.
