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The climate and environment in Arizona are both generally favorable to spiders year-round, so spiders can often be found in yards, homes, and commercial properties. There are many types of spiders in Arizona, some of which can be poisonous, deliver a painful bite, and cause adverse reactions. Knowing the defining characteristics of common Arizona spiders can help you understand the best way to deal with them. Listed below are a few of the most common spiders found in Arizona.
If you have a spider infestation on your property, contact your local Western Exterminator office. An infestation can indicate other underlying pest issues that need to be addressed to help prevent spiders.
How do you identify spiders?
Spiders come in many shapes and sizes, but they all have eight legs and two body parts: the cephalothorax and the abdomen. Many spider species have patterns or markings that can help you tell them apart, like the red hourglass on a black widow or the violin shape seen on some recluse spiders. Some, like the orb weaver, spin large webs, while others, like the wolf spider, chase their prey. We’ll take a closer look at some of the more common Arizona species below.
Are spiders in Arizona dangerous?
While most Arizona spiders are harmless, a few types of spiders can be dangerous if disturbed. The black widow spider and the Arizona brown spider are known for their bites, which can cause symptoms ranging from mild irritation to various medical problems. Other species may bite when threatened, but usually don't pose a risk to your health. If you believe you’ve been bitten, especially by a brown recluse or black widow, speak with a healthcare provider.
If you’re dealing with an unwelcome spider infestation, contact us for residential or commercial pest control.
Common spiders in Arizona
Arizona brown spider
The Arizona brown spider (Loxosceles arizonica) is a relative of the more common brown recluse spider. This species is native to Arizona, but the symptoms from its bite are not as severe as those from the brown recluse. Brown recluse spiders are found in Arizona, but it is rare to see one. These types of spiders are known to be dangerous because of their venom. They like to hide in rocks and woodpiles, so Arizona residents should be particularly careful when doing yard work.
- Description: ⅓” in size with a leg span of one to one and a half inches. They’re brown with slightly darker brown markings on their head that resemble the shape of a violin.
- Web: Mostly found in dark, dingy areas and are loosely constructed.
- Habitat: Dry, dark, dingy areas near sheds, woodpiles, garages, and closets.
- Aggression: Not aggressive and typically only bite when provoked or disturbed.
- Bite risk: Potentially dangerous to humans; the most common reaction is a spreading sore at the site of the bite that can cause tissue damage if left untreated.
Black widow spider
Arizona provides the ideal climate for black widow spiders. Most homes in Arizona provide the food and shelter that these black spiders need and thrive on. Black widows love to hide in dark places, so they usually go unseen until a person accidentally steps on one or spots them in a nesting area.
- Description: Male black widows are about ½ inch to ¾ inch in size, with shiny black bodies; most female black widows are identifiable by the red hourglass shape on their abdomen and can grow to be 1 ½ inches in length.
- Web: They prefer hiding spots under stones and debris, and may hide under clutter in garages and other low-traffic areas.
- Habitat: Indoors, they prefer dark, dingy, and secluded areas like home foundations, plant bases, and corners. Outdoors, they are known to be terrestrial and can be found in children’s sandboxes, shrubs, and woodpiles.
- Aggression: Females can be aggressive.
- Bite risk: Females can cause illness and death to humans in extreme cases. If bitten, victims should seek medical assistance right away.
Grass spiders
Grass spiders are often confused with wolf spiders and hobo spiders, but the three lighter lines on the head of the grass spider help distinguish it from the other two species. The grass spider is shy, so if you happen to spot one, don’t expect it to stay around for long.
- Description: Light and dark brown with very thin legs and a narrow abdomen and torso; about ¾” in size.
- Web: Makes large sheet webs with a funnel for retreat. They build webs close to the ground in grass or shrubs.
- Habitat: Live in grass and low-lying bushes and are rarely found indoors.
- Aggression: Not aggressive, but may bite when cornered.
- Bite risk: Low risk to humans. They have venom, but their bites are not considered dangerous.
Tarantula
One of the most well-known Arizona spiders is the tarantula, as they favor desert environments. Tarantulas are one of the largest spiders found in Arizona, measuring anywhere from five and a half to six inches in length with a leg span of approximately six inches. There are 30 species of tarantulas in Arizona, with the desert tarantula being the most common.
- Description: Black or brown body with distinctive hairy legs. They can grow to around six inches in size.
- Web: Do not spin webs, but they have burrows that they guard and live in.
- Habitat: Grasslands, burrows, deserts, and abandoned dens.
- Aggression: Not aggressive, but will bite when provoked.
- Bite risk: If threatened, tarantulas may deliver a painful bite that is similar to a wasp sting. Tarantula venom is harmless to humans, but the venom and the urticating hairs can cause allergic reactions and irritation.
Wolf spider
Wolf spiders are commonly found in Arizona. While these hunter spiders have a terrifying appearance, they are relatively harmless to humans. Wolf spiders are famous for being able to camouflage themselves. They are nocturnal and will roam around at night in search of prey.
- Description: Black, grey, tan, and white in color, with thicker legs for walking rather than hanging in a web. Around ½” to 1” in size. They have eight eyes arranged in three rows.
- Web: Do not spin webs, but rather actively hunt prey.
- Habitat: Live in and around homes, gardens, open grass fields, and places with a lot of insects.
- Aggression: Not aggressive, but can bite if provoked.
- Bite risk: Bites can cause pain and swelling.
How to prevent and remove spiders in Arizona
Spiders may find their way indoors when they’re searching for food or shelter. Fortunately, there are a number of simple steps you can take to help discourage them. The tips below can help you limit access points, reduce hiding spots, and make your home less welcoming to common Arizona spiders and other pests.
If you’re scared of spiders or worried about spider bites, call in a professional pest control technician.
Seal openings
Inspect your home for cracks or gaps around windows, doors, and the foundation. Use weather stripping and caulk to seal off any areas that could let spiders or other pests inside.
Clean your home and remove clutter
Spiders like quiet, undisturbed places. Regularly vacuuming, wiping down corners, and organizing storage areas can help make your home less appealing to cobweb-building spiders, such as the cellar spider and house spider. This can help reduce the chance of an infestation.
Manage the vegetation around your home
Keep bushes, trees, and grass trimmed and away from the sides of your home. Overgrown landscaping creates perfect shelter and hunting zones for spiders looking for prey.
Address insect problems
Spiders follow food sources, and that means insects. Reducing other pests can help lower the chance of spiders moving in. It’s important to control insects both inside and outside your home.
Consider professional pest control
If DIY steps aren’t working or you want long-term protection, talk to us. Our team provides a full range of trusted pest control services. Western Exterminator professionals are best equipped to treat the root cause.
Book a free pest inspection with us today.
What is the most dangerous spider in Arizona?
The black widow is the most venomous spider in North America, making it the most dangerous spider in Arizona. Female black widows have a very aggressive, powerful bite, and their venom is 15 times stronger than a rattlesnake’s. Black widow spiders can be easily missed because, on average, they are only about half an inch long. If you can see the red hourglass on the back of a black widow, it probably means you are too close.
Western Exterminator can get rid of spiders
Spiders can be beneficial, but too many of them can be a problem. If you are seeing too many of the above common Arizona spiders, contact Western Exterminator today. We can help with a single pest control service, but we also offer year-round pest control plans, like PestFree365+.1
Our Arizona pest control technicians can help determine how spiders are getting into your home. We can help eliminate the spiders that are inside your home and prevent spiders from returning. Contact us now!
More about Arizona pests
1Treatments and Covered Pests defined in your Plan. Limitations apply. See Plan for details.