Imagine relaxing on your porch on a warm Arizona evening when, out of the corner of your eye, you spot a huge spider sprinting across the wall. It’s a Huntsman spider, one of Arizona’s most misunderstood creatures. Sure, they’re big…sometimes bigger than the palm of your hand…but before you panic, here’s the good news: despite their intimidating appearance, Huntsman spiders are essentially harmless roommates. They’d rather chase down cockroaches than bother you. We serve the entire Phoenix area from our offices in Gilbert and Phoenix, including Avondale, Tempe, and Mesa. Contact us for a free estimate!

Are Huntsman Spiders Dangerous?

Let’s clear this up right away: Huntsman spiders aren’t poisonous. They are venomous, but there’s a significant difference. Poisonous creatures harm you when you touch or eat them, while venomous animals, like spiders, inject venom through bites. Fortunately, the venom from Huntsman spiders is mild and typically only causes minor pain or swelling…no worse than a bee sting. They’re gentle giants that prefer fleeing to fighting.

Identifying Huntsman Spiders

You’ll easily recognize a Huntsman spider by its long, slender legs and flattened body. These spiders can stretch out to an impressive five-inch leg span! Their crab-like stance and sideways shuffle might startle you, but that’s just their way of quickly slipping away from potential threats…including curious humans.

What Color Are Huntsman Spiders?

These spiders blend perfectly into Arizona’s natural landscape. Most Huntsman spiders showcase shades of brown, gray, or tan, often accented with darker markings or subtle bands. Some even sport faint orange or creamy highlights along their legs, adding to their impressive camouflage. Their nearly transparent leg tips can give them an oddly delicate look, despite their large size.

Keeping Huntsman Spiders Outside

While Huntsman spiders don’t intentionally seek indoor accommodations, the Arizona heat occasionally pushes them indoors. Here’s how you can politely discourage their visits:

• Seal Entry Points: Walk around your home and check for gaps around windows, doors, vents, and the foundation. Use caulking, weatherstripping, or expanding foam to close off these common spider entry points. Even small cracks can be an open invitation for them.
• Install Screens: Make sure all your windows and air vents are fitted with tight, undamaged screens. A single tear in a screen can let in insects and the predators that follow them, like Huntsman spiders.
• Use Door Sweeps: Spiders can easily slip under doors if there’s a gap. Install or replace door sweeps on all exterior doors to shut off this unnoticed pathway into your home.
• Declutter Storage Areas: Garages, basements, and closets full of boxes or unused items create perfect hiding spots. Keep these areas organized and clean to give spiders fewer dark corners to settle into.
• Reduce Outdoor Lighting: Bright exterior lights attract moths and other insects, which then attract predators like the Huntsman spider. Use yellow “bug lights” or warm-toned LEDs to reduce insect activity around your home.
• Trim Vegetation: Bushes, trees, and plants that touch or hang close to your home can act as bridges for spiders. Regularly trim them back so they don’t connect to walls, windows, or the roofline.
• Apply Natural Repellents: Essential oils like peppermint, tea tree, or citrus can deter spiders. Mix a few drops with water in a spray bottle and mist around doorways, windowsills, and other potential entry points to create a natural spider barrier.

The Bottom Line on Huntsman Spiders

Despite their intimidating size and speed, Huntsman spiders in Arizona pose almost no danger to humans. In fact, they help control common household pests naturally. A few simple precautions can keep them outside where they belong.

If Huntsman spiders or other pests are making themselves too comfortable, Blue Sky Pest Control is here to help. Serving Gilbert, Phoenix, and surrounding areas, our experts create customized solutions so you can relax without unexpected, eight-legged surprises.