Spiders

Arizona does not have the infamous brown recluse (Loxosceles reclusa) spider but it does have many other species, including the closely related Loxosceles species collectively known as Arizona brown spiders, which are also venomous. These spiders are often found in homes, and some of their favorite hiding places are in clothes or bedding.

Arizona brown spiders have two body segments, eight legs, a distinct violin shaped marking on top of their heads, 3 sets of eyes, long thin legs, and they are light brown color.

Arizona brown spiders build irregular webs that frequently include a shelter consisting of a disorderly thread. Their webs are often found in woodpiles, sheds, closets, garages, plenum, cellars, and other places that are dry and generally undisturbed. When dwelling in human residences they seem to favor cardboard, possibly because it mimics the rotting tree bark which they inhabit naturally.

They have also been encountered in shoes, inside dressers, in bed sheets of infrequently used beds, in clothes stacked or piled or left lying on the floor, inside work gloves, behind baseboards and pictures, in toilets, and near sources of warmth when ambient temperatures are lower than usual. Human-recluse contact often occurs when such isolated spaces are disturbed and the spider feels threatened.

Unlike most web weavers, they leave their lairs at night to hunt. Males move around more when hunting than do females, which tend to remain nearer to their webs.

The bite of this spider is potentially dangerous to humans: reportedly some have suffered amputation and even death as the result of bites. Although sometimes the bite causes little harm, the most common reaction is a spreading sore at the site of the bite, which, if untreated, may result in permanent tissue damage. Those who suspect an Arizona brown spider bite should see a physician.

There are many different types of orb weaver spiders in Arizona, and they typically weave round webs in gardens or near water. They often have bright colors and markings, and are easy to see because they hang inside their webs.

Orb weaver spiders only bite when attached, and their venom is usually harmless to humans. Because it can be hard to differentiate orb weaver spiders from other spiders, though, it’s best to leave them alone if you are unsure of the species.

Even though orb weaver spiders may look threatening, there is no need to remove them unless they scare you or your visitors. If that’s the case, a pest control expert can help get rid of orb weaver spiders and recommend ways to keep the spider population under control on your property.

Wolf spiders are fast-moving hunters that chase prey instead of trapping insects in webs. Because they move about when hunting, they are often seen by people.

Wolf spiders are relatively harmless, but the mere sight of them often startles people who spot them around their homes. Wolf spiders are big and hairy, similar to tarantulas, and can stretch to more than an inch in length. They are usually brown or gray in color, enabling them to blend into their habitats, but they can be darker in color.

They typically hunt their prey at night, and take shelter under rocks, woodpiles or debris during the day. If they venture inside, they usually stay close to floor-level, sticking close to walls or hiding underneath furniture.

Wolf spiders typically don’t bite people unless they are handled or provoked, and while they do release a small amount of venom, their bites are generally harmless.

To prevent wolf spiders from entering your home, you can seal cracks and keep windows and doors closed. If you need wolf spiders removed from your home, a pest control specialist can help capture them and locate points of access that should be sealed.