Spiders

Arizona is home to many spider species, and some commonly find their way into homes. While most spiders are harmless and help control other pests, a few can pose risks. Here’s a list of the most common spiders found in Arizona homes:

1. American House Spider (Parasteatoda tepidariorum)

• Characteristics:
  • Small, brown, and often mistaken for a “typical” spider.
  • Spins messy, tangled webs in corners or undisturbed areas.
• Behavior:
  • Non-aggressive and harmless to humans.
• Common Locations:
  • Corners of rooms, basements, closets, and garages.

2. Black Widow Spider (Latrodectus hesperus)

• Characteristics:
  • Glossy black body with a red hourglass marking on the abdomen (females).
  • Males are smaller and less distinctive.
• Behavior:
  • Venomous and can deliver a painful bite, but bites are rarely fatal.
  • Shy and bite only when disturbed.
• Common Locations:
  • Dark, secluded areas like basements, sheds, garages, and under outdoor furniture.

3. Arizona Brown Spider (Loxosceles arizonica)

• Characteristics:
  • Light brown with a violin-shaped marking on its back.
  • Similar to the brown recluse but specific to the Southwest.
• Behavior:
  • Venomous; bites can cause necrotic skin lesions in rare cases.
  • Reclusive and prefers to avoid humans.
• Common Locations:
  • Closets, storage boxes, attics, and behind furniture.

4. Wolf Spiders (Lycosidae spp.)

• Characteristics:
  • Large, hairy spiders that are gray, brown, or black with distinctive markings.
  • Quick runners and do not spin webs.
• Behavior:
  • Non-aggressive; bites are rare and mild.
  • Active hunters that roam at night.
• Common Locations:
  • Basements, garages, and ground-level rooms.

5. Cellar Spiders (Pholcus phalangioides)

• Characteristics:
  • Also known as “daddy long-legs” spiders.
  • Long, thin legs with small, light-colored bodies.
• Behavior:
  • Harmless and often predate other spiders.
  • Spin loose, messy webs in corners.
• Common Locations:
  • Basements, crawl spaces, and damp, dark areas.

6. Tarantulas (Aphonopelma spp.)

• Characteristics:
  • Large, hairy spiders; brown, black, or reddish in color.
• Behavior:
  • Non-aggressive; bites are rare and comparable to a bee sting.
  • Generally outdoor spiders but may wander indoors, especially during mating season (fall).
• Common Locations:
  • Rarely inside homes but may appear in garages or near doorways.

7. Orb-Weaver Spiders (Araneidae spp.)

• Characteristics:
  • Medium to large spiders with colorful markings and a round abdomen.
  • Known for their intricate, circular webs.
• Behavior:
  • Non-aggressive and rarely bite humans.
• Common Locations:
  • Outdoors near lights or gardens but may build webs near windows or doorways.

Preventing Spiders in Your Home

1. Eliminate Entry Points:

   • Seal cracks, gaps, and holes around doors, windows, and walls.

2. Reduce Clutter:

   • Keep basements, attics, and storage areas tidy to eliminate hiding spots.

3. Remove Webs:

   • Regularly vacuum or sweep spider webs to discourage them from staying.

4. Control Insects:

   • Spiders follow their food source, so minimizing other pests will reduce spider activity.

5. Outdoor Maintenance:

   • Trim vegetation and remove debris close to your home’s foundation.

What to Do If You Find a Spider

• Relocation: If the spider is non-venomous, consider catching it in a jar and releasing it outdoors.
• Pest Control: For venomous species or infestations, consult a professional exterminator.
• Safety Precaution: Wear gloves when handling boxes, furniture, or items that haven’t been used in a while, especially in storage areas.

Interesting Facts

• Spiders are beneficial in controlling pest populations, including flies, mosquitoes, and cockroaches.
• Most spider bites are harmless and happen when spiders feel threatened, like being trapped in clothing or bedding.

With a little prevention and awareness, you can coexist safely with Arizona’s arachnid inhabitants!