The Homeowner’s Guide to
Spiders in Arizona
While Arizona may not have as many spider species as some other regions, our unique desert landscapes and arid climate still provide a home to a variety of spiders. And although it’s true that some spiders in Arizona can play a beneficial role in controlling insect populations, others can be unwelcome guests—and dangerous.
This guide will help you identify the most common spiders in the state and get helpful tips on keeping them out of your home.
Get help with your spider problems by calling the spider control pros at Hawx Pest Control! Call (888) 372-9514 today.
Common Spiders in Arizona
Arizona Wolf Spider
The Arizona wolf spider is an agile hunter that hunts its prey instead of using webs. While they might wander indoors occasionally, they are generally not aggressive toward humans but can bite if threatened. Their bites aren’t dangerous to humans but may cause some light swelling and irritation.
Ranging from 1/2 inch to 2 inches in size, these spiders have a hairy appearance with colors varying from brown to gray, often with distinct markings or stripes down the center. They have excellent night vision and prefer to live outdoors under rocks or debris.
Cellar Spider
Sometimes referred to as Daddy Long Legs spiders, the cellar spider in Arizona is known for their extremely long, thin legs and small bodies. Often found in dark, damp places like basements or crawl spaces, they measure about 1/4 inch in body length, but their legs can make them appear much larger. They create irregular, tangled webs and are harmless to humans. In fact, they help control other insect populations within the home.
Arizona Jumping Spider
The Arizona jumping spider is a small, black arachnid with white or brightly colored markings. It has a stout body and short legs, measuring between 1/8 and 3/4 of an inch. The spider is known for its excellent vision and quick jumping, which allow it to hunt down prey. Curious by nature, it may explore homes but poses no threat to humans.
Crab Spider
The crab spider in Arizona gets its name from its crab-like appearance, with two front pairs of legs that are longer and held out to the sides. They are small, often less than 1/2 inch, and can be found on flowers or plants, waiting to ambush unsuspecting insects. Their color can vary, often matching their surroundings for camouflage. These spiders are harmless to humans and typically beneficial for gardens.
Venomous Spiders in Arizona
While most spiders are harmless to people and pets, Arizona is home to venomous species that should be approached with plenty of caution.
Arizona Black Widow Spider
The Arizona black widow spider is perhaps the most well-known venomous spider in the state. The female black widow is shiny black with a distinctive red hourglass marking on the underside of its abdomen. Most black widows prefer dark, secluded areas like woodpiles, garages, and sheds. While they are not aggressive, they will bite when threatened or surprised. Their venom is highly potent and can cause severe symptoms in humans.
Arizona Brown Recluse Spider
Also known as the Arizona brown spider, the Arizona brown recluse spider is light to dark brown with a dark, violin-shaped marking on its back. As their name implies, these spiders are reclusive and prefer undisturbed areas such as attics, closets, or under furniture. You may also sometimes find them under piles of clothes. Bites can result in serious wounds due to tissue damage and should be treated promptly by a medical professional.
Other Notable Spiders in Arizona
Huntsman Spider
The huntsman spider in Arizona is known for its large size and speed. With leg spans up to 5 inches, these spiders have flattened bodies that enable them to hide under bark and crevices. They are usually brown or gray and prefer outdoor habitats but may enter homes in search of prey. They are not aggressive and bites are rare.
Sun Spider
The sun spider, also called the wind scorpion, is another arachnid commonly found in Arizona’s desert regions. Although not a true spider, it resembles one and can grow up to 2 inches long. Sun spiders are tan or reddish-brown, fast-moving, and pose no threat to humans.
Camel Spider
Despite its name, the camel spider in Arizona is not a true spider but it does share some characteristics with spiders. (Camel spiders are part of a different group of arachnids that lack venom and silk glands, which spiders use for hunting and web-making, and instead rely on their powerful jaws to capture and eat prey.)
Camel “spiders” can grow up to 3 inches long and are tan to brown in color. They’re fast-running, mostly nocturnal, and, although they can appear a bit intimidating, they are not venomous and pose little threat to humans.
Spider Prevention Tips for Arizona Homeowners
As with other pests and insects, prevention is always the best approach to keep spiders from becoming a problem on your property. Keeping spiders out of your home involves several proactive steps:
- Seal Off Entry Points: Regularly inspect your home for cracks or gaps around windows, doors, and the foundation. Use caulk or weather stripping to seal any openings, preventing spiders and other pests from entering.
- Reduce Clutter: Spiders are attracted to cluttered areas where they can hide. Keep storage areas organized, and avoid piling up things like newspapers, boxes, or firewood indoors.
- Maintain Your Yard: Trim vegetation away from the exterior of your home. Remove debris, woodpiles, and rocks where spiders like to nest.
- Outdoor Lighting: Use yellow or sodium vapor light bulbs for outdoor lighting, as they are less attractive to insects, which then reduces the number of spiders.
- Regular Cleaning: Vacuum and dust regularly to remove spiders, webs, and egg sacs. Pay special attention to corners, under furniture, and other secluded spots.
How to Get Rid of Spiders in Arizona
If you find spiders in your home, try these steps:
- Manual Removal: Use a vacuum cleaner to remove spiders and their webs. Dispose of the vacuum bag or empty the canister outside immediately.
- Limit Insect Populations: Reducing the number of other insects in your home will make it less attractive to spiders. Use screens on windows and doors and keep your home clean to discourage other pests that spiders would prey upon.
- Professional Pest Control: For spider prevention, major infestations, or cases of venomous species like the Arizona black widow or Arizona brown recluse spider, it’s always best to hire a professional service that can properly address the issue.
While DIY methods can help manage minor issues, professional pest control services offer more thorough and effective solutions. At Hawx Pest Control, we specialize in Arizona spider identification and provide tailored treatments to remove spiders from your home. From Phoenix to El Mirage to Rio Verde and more, our experienced technicians understand the habits of spiders indigenous to Arizona and always use safe, environmentally friendly methods to protect your family.
Don’t let spiders disrupt your home and property. Find details about our Phoenix-area Pest Control Services or contact Hawx Pest Control for a free estimate so our team can ensure your home is safe and spider-free.
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