Which Arizona Spiders Are Dangerous?

Spiders are a common sight in Arizona, as the state’s climate and environment are conducive to year-round habitation for arachnids. Though homes throughout the state may play host to many different types of spiders, most are more of a nuisance than a safety concern. While almost all spiders produce venom to some degree, very few are seen to cause significant harm to humans.

However, there are a few different types of spiders that can be dangerous to pets or humans, and by knowing what types to avoid, you can keep your loved ones safe. If you have noticed spiders in or around your home and worry about their potential to cause harm, a professional consultation is often a great investment to identify and eliminate these pests. At 520 Termite & Pest Solutions, we have decades of experience providing homeowners with top-quality service. If you have begun to notice evidence of spider activity and are unsure if they are dangerous, here are some common types to watch out for.

Black Widows

Black widows are some of the most well-known and dangerous types of spiders, and the bite of a female black widow is one of the most poisonous of all spiders, being 15 times deadlier than the bite of a rattlesnake. These spiders are popularly known for their trademark red hourglass marking that while distinctive, can be difficult to spot, especially as black widows are often only half-an-inch long. This marking is also only seen on female members of the species, and while males typically have much smaller venom glands than females, they can still be very dangerous to unwitting humans or pets.

A good rule of thumb is to avoid any jet-black spider you encounter, as it can be hard to differentiate between black widows and other black spiders from a distance and getting close enough to verify its markings can cause it to attack. Their black coloration often stands out in desert environments, making it easy to spot and keep away from them. While their deadly notoriety is often overstated, and fatalities from black widow bites are incredibly rare, their venom can still cause a host of issues and accounts for thousands of poison control visits every year.

Black widows prefer dry and dark locations to make their homes and are often found in seldom-used places like attics, garages and crawl spaces. Though they tend to avoid interactions with humans, if they feel threatened, they can be dangerous. If bitten by a black widow, prompt medical attention should be sought to ensure complete recovery. 

Arizona Brown Spiders

 

While brown recluse spiders are found infrequently outside of the Midwest, the Arizona Brown spider is a species of brown recluse spider commonly seen in Arizona. These spiders can be more challenging to identify than black widows, and noticing their distinct features like markings in the shape of a violin or that they have six eyes instead of eight can often require getting too close for comfort.

Like black widows, Arizona brown spiders and brown recluse spiders in general tend to avoid humans and seek warm and dry environments away from activity and comings-and-goings. Arizona brown spiders are considered less dangerous than brown recluse spiders, though their bite can still be lethal and cause permanent damage if not treated.

Unfortunately, the bite of an Arizona brown spider can often be difficult to notice, and symptoms can take hours to appear necessitating immediate medical attention when a bite is suspected. What can initially seem no more problematic than a bee sting can quickly cause necrosis or other serious complications, making these spiders dangerous even to otherwise healthy individuals.

Wolf Spiders, Tarantulas and Crab Spiders

Though black widows and brown recluse spiders are often considered the most dangerous that Arizona residents face, a number of other spiders can still cause trouble for you and your family. Tarantulas are some of the most distinctive spiders, and while many are kept as exotic pets, they can still pack a nasty punch. While they are venomous, their bite is painful but not overly harmful, comparable to a bee or wasp sting. However, allergies to their venom have been noted, which can be deadly depending on the individual.

Wolf and crab spiders are two other common spiders Arizona residents might encounter, and while they are large and often look intimidating, they are typically considered less dangerous than other spiders. Crab spiders can be easily identified by their unique ability to rapidly move sideways, which gives them their name, and are often seen high on walls or on ceilings they have climbed to. Wolf spiders are sometimes considered beneficial as they feed on insects and other household pests, but while not exceedingly dangerous, their bite can be especially painful as their large mandibles allow them to tear the skin of the victim.

In the case of these spiders, those with allergies or compromised immune systems can suffer more serious side effects, and it is important to monitor the location of a wound believed to be due to a spider bite. For most, however, the bite of a tarantula, wolf or crab spider can be unpleasant but not dangerous.

Why choose us?

At 520 Termite and Pest Solutions, we have decades of experience servicing the pest control needs of residential and commercial customers. As a family-owned company, we offer services without contracts, sign-up fees or long-term obligations because we are committed to providing exceptional, risk-free inspections and treatments.

Our expertly trained technicians receive ongoing training to ensure they stay up to date with the newest methods and technology, giving you the peace of mind that whenever you work with us you have access to the best and most advanced treatment options.

We service Tucson, Phoenix and many other parts of Southern Arizona, so if your property is experiencing issues with termites, rodents or other pests, don’t delay in seeking a solution. Contact us today for a free estimate!