Spider webs are a typical image when we think about horror and terrifying things in nature. Here in Tucson, some spiders can cause horrifying damage to you and your loved ones. Extending to the Phoenix area and country land in between, everyone should learn major identifying key points and why these arachnids are so dangerous. We will talk about how to identify them to avoid interaction with them and make sure to get rid of them before they cause any harm. If you are ever unsure, it is best to call our team to investigate and come to a solution if you need pest control in and around your home.
1 – The Black Widow
While black widows are stereotyped to be easy to identify based on the red hourglass on the body, many people don’t know that this tell-tale sign can only be seen on females. Keeping in mind that black widows will only be half an inch long, this red marking is even smaller and that much more difficult to see with the naked eye. If you can see a tiny, shiny, black spider, it is safest to assume it is the deadly black widow and stay far away. Proximity poses a risk as they are venomous, and if bitten, people can experience nausea, vomiting, respiratory distress, and fatal muscle failure. If the black widow spider bites a child or elderly family member, they are endangered more from the venom.
The black widow will often spin webs in dark corners of your home and garage, so be wary of stored boxes as they can keep unwelcome residents along with other bugs. Also known as Latrodectus mactans, this arachnid enjoys staying in dark closets and crawl spaces. These common spiders favor desert environments and are common to see for those who choose to reside in Southern Arizona. Some black spiders are virtually harmless, but it is best to assume the worst since not all of them are.
2 – Wolf Spider
Second on our list is the wolf spider (Hogna carolinensis). This hunter spider is like tarantulas in that they explore during the night in search of prey. One way to quickly identify these wolf spiders is to glow light in your yard or home and look for green eyes shining back at you. These bigger spiders have bodies that can measure almost 1.5 inches alone! Their color can vary from dark brown to gray with occasional peach or orange on the back. If bitten, you would feel severe pain as their mandibles tear the skin. What is most concerning are the risks for swelling of the lymph nodes and secondary infections from the bite site.
3 – Arizona Brown Spider
Lastly, we will explore the Arizona brown spider (Loxoceles arizonicus). These spiders are related to the brown recluse spider and are funnel-web spiders that burrow into the ground and hide beneath objects. These desert recluse spiders like to hide beneath woodpiles, in corners, and outdoors in debris. They measure at 1.5 inches with their legs included, but parts of them can only be distinguished with magnification. If you are close enough and can look at them with a magnified view, you would be able to see the “fiddle” marking that is iconic for them. Their bite contains venom with the intent to liquefy the prey and will worsen with time after being bitten. Starting as something similar to a bee or wasp sting, some won’t seek medical attention for some time. If care is delayed, complications such as tissue necrosis may require surgery up to and including amputation due to the secondary infections caused. Even healthy humans should avoid these venomous spiders at all costs.
There are many more spiders in Arizona, but these common kinds are keen to causing damage to the humans you care about. To learn more about the spiders that bite or schedule service for your home, contact the experts at Horn Pest Management today!