Common Spiders Of Arizona

You would think that the arid climate of Arizona would make it impossible for spiders to live here but this is definitely not the case. Not only do we have spiders; we have the worst spiders. And, when spiders come onto our property and get into our homes, they create many problems. Not only can they cause painful bites, they spread diseases and aggravate allergies. It is also important to understand that spiders eat bugs and bugs can contain many dangerous pathogens. If a spider leaves its waste in food or on food prep surfaces, it can lead to illness in a home. Let’s take a look at the common spiders of Arizona and see what we can learn that will help us avoid the problems spiders present.

Wolf Spiders

This is a moisture-loving spider. If you find it in your yard, it is likely to be near a water source such as a pool, pond, lake, or canal. It will also hide in shaded areas that have moisture, like the damp soil of a flower bed. These spiders don’t make webs to catch prey, so don’t expect to see any hanging webs if this is the spider you’re dealing with.

Garden Spiders

When you find webs in your garden or around ornamental plants, it is likely that you have a black and yellow garden spider living on your property. You don’t have much to worry about with this spider, it isn’t likely to bite you. If you do get bitten, it won’t leave more than an irritating red welt on your skin.

Black Widow Spiders

While not as deadly as many give it credit for, the black widow is a poisonous spider that should be avoided. You’re likely to find it hanging upside down in a tangled web. Webs created by this spider are usually going to be low to the ground because it has a preference for crawling bugs and small animals.

Brown Recluse Spiders

Of all the spiders on our list, this is the most worrisome because it can establish itself inside a home and it has a venom that can produce a wound with necrotic properties. It isn’t all doom and gloom, however. The brown recluse, as its name suggests, is a reclusive spider. It will usually be found in the locations of a home that are still and quiet. Bites often occur when humans bring themselves into contact with a brown recluse, such as sliding a foot into a shoe or sliding into bed, or when opening up a box that has come out of storage.

Spiders As A Warning Sign

We touch on many of the problems that spiders present but there is another important thing to consider where you see spiders inside your home during the warmer months. Spiders go where the food is. If you have spiders in your home, it is likely that their food source is inside your home as well. Therefore, the appearance of spiders is often a warning sign of conditions that are promoting a pest infestation.

• When pests get inside, it is often because they found an entry point. Do a detailed inspection of your exterior walls and seal any gaps, cracks, or holes you find, especially around wire conduit, pipes, and other objects that pass through your walls.
• When pests get inside, sometimes it is because you have water damage. Many pests come in close to a home because the foundation perimeter is moist. When they find wet, rotting wood, they chew on it to get inside.
• When pests get inside, it is sometimes due to the fact that you have a wood-destroying pest such as termites, carpenter ants, wood-boring beetles, etc.

Spider Prevention Strategies

• When you reduce food sources in your yard, you’ll give spiders less of a reason to come onto your property. This is best accomplished with ongoing pest service from a pest management professional. You can, however, have an impact on the bugs in your yard by keeping lights off at night, reducing moisture and shade around your perimeter, and keeping trash in sealed receptacles.
• Some spiders, like the black widow, like to hide in brush piles and other organic clutter. Reducing harborage options in your yard can reduce these spiders.
• Some spiders live in holes. Reducing dark cavities both in the ground and in lawn clutter can reduce these spiders.

Spiders are no fun to have around. For extermination or exclusion of spiders in Arizona, reach out to Schendel Pest Services for immediate assistance.