The Guide To Wolf Spiders In Arizona: Are They Venomous? December 22, 2022 - By: Nathan Woolf One wolf spider in Arizona is considered the largest species in North America: The Carolina wolf spider, Hogna carolinensis, which can reach up to an inch in length! These nocturnal arachnids are quite hairy and can be identified by the dark marks along their legs and body. Keep reading to discover how to identify wolf spiders in Arizona, their habitat, and if they should be feared.If you need spider control at your home, we serve the entire Phoenix area including Mesa, Surprise, and Scottsdale. We’ll give you $50 off your first service!Related: Recluse Spiders In ArizonaWhat do Wolf Spiders in Arizona Look Like? Wolf spiders are easily identified by their large size, hairy bodies, and gray to brownish color. Dark brown patterns can be found along their back accompanied by a black underside. Some people have difficulty differentiating between a wolf spider and the various recluse species. Wolf spiders roam freely while recluse species conceal themselves in voids, rarely encountering humans. Furthermore, the recluse spiders in Arizona are seldom seen indoors, preferring desert environments. Female wolf spiders are also frequently seen carrying their egg sac on the tip of their abdomen or with their little spiderlings riding on their back. If you encounter a spider and you aren’t sure about the identification, contact a pest control professional for a proper ID. Another distinguishing characteristic of the wolf spider is how its vivid green eyes are arranged in three horizontal rows. The shiny green comes from tapetum lucidum which is found in its secondary eyes. It reflects light through the retina and contributes to wolf spiders having impeccable eyesight. The most common type of wolf spider found in Arizona is the Carolina wolf spider, which can be identified by its orange coloring on the sides of its abdomen and orange-colored fangs.How Big Do Wolf Spiders in Arizona Get? Like most spiders, wolf spiders have a long torso and eight legs. On average, they grow between ¼ inch to about 1 2 inch long, making them 1/4th the size of tarantulas. What do they eat? Interestingly, wolf spiders don’t create webs, but chase down their prey. Their name comes from the misconception that they hunt in packs like wolves do. In reality, they are loners; seldom meeting or interacting with members of the same species. When they do cross paths, they try to intimidate each other until one backs down. Violence may result, sometimes ending in one spider eating the other. In addition, males have to be careful during mating as females may make them a post-mating snack. Carnivorous in nature, wolf spiders inject venom, which liquefies their prey, before sucking out the fluids. They target other invertebrates such as grasshoppers, ants, other spiders, and insect eggs. Where to find them in Arizona? Wolf spiders are nocturnal, often found outdoors hiding under rocks, piles of leaves, or in rotting trees. Although they prefer to be outside, they can find their way inside your home when hunting for food or a mate. When indoors, you typically find wolf spiders in windowsills, basements, garages, along your walls, or nestling in houseplants. Wolf spiders are poor climbers so tend to stay down low near the floor.How long do they live? Females lay eggs and carry them in a case for roughly 30 days. Then, up to 100 spiderling hatch and climb onto their mother’s back. After another 30 days, the young spiders head off on their own. In terms of longevity, female wolf spiders can live a few years, while males often live less than a year. Arizona Wolf spider bite Wolf spider bites are incredibly rare, but like any other spider bite, they can be painful. You may experience mild pain, swelling, and a good amount of itching. The pain shouldn’t last long, the swelling will quickly subside, and the itching will last a few days. Are they venomous? Wolf spiders are venomous, but they are not considered dangerous to humans. However, it is possible for humans to have an allergic reaction to their venom. If you notice any of the following symptoms, make sure they receive immediate medical attention: Cramping or tightening of muscles around the bite area Trouble breathing Fever Shaking Weakness Dizziness or headache Nausea and vomiting Rash spreading away from the bite Abnormal sweating Preventing Wolf Spiders from Entering Your Home Wolf spiders aren’t seeking out ways to get inside your home. They prefer the outdoors. But that doesn’t mean you won’t stumble across one running along your baseboards or under a pile of clothing. We recommend the following measures to prevent wolf spiders from entering your home:Clean and vacuum your home thoroughly on a routine basis.Replace incandescent light bulbs near the entrances of your home with yellow or sodium vapor lights. Night-flying insects are less attracted to these forms of light which often attract spiders.Make sure all window fittings are tightly sealed. Be certain all firewood is stacked a good distance from your home. Cut back all shrubs and tree branches away from your home. Greenery can be an excellent way for spiders and other creepy crawlies to enter your home.Reduce piles of clutter such as clothing, newspapers, and boxes from areas such as attics and basements that are relatively undisturbed. Clutter piles can become the perfect hiding place for spiders and insects to reproduce and start infestations. How to get rid of wolf spiders When it comes to getting rid of wolf spiders in Phoenix, your best bet is to contact a reputable pest control company. They have the skills and tools to safely get rid of wolf spiders from your property. The steps below can help control wolf spiders: Remove all excess pools of water from your property. Standing water attracts thirsty spiders or other pests to your yard. Be sure to take care of all leaks or other moisture issues. Seal all gaps around your home’s foundation, doors, and windows to keep spiders from finding their way inside. Remove any piles of debris from your yard. This includes leaf or mulch piles, fallen tree branches, or woodpiles. These piles can become excellent hiding spots for spiders or a variety of other insects. Keep the grass in your yard well-manicured and fill in any holes on your property. Wolf Spiders in Arizona Conclusion Wolf spiders are extremely common, not only in Arizona but throughout the United States. While they are mildly venomous, they generally don’t pose any threat to humans. If you feel wolf spiders or other pests are taking over your Phoenix area home, contact Blue Sky Pest Control. Our team of professionals has years of experience dealing with all Arizona pests. We’ll customize a plan for your specific pest problem and implement it for fast and effective results.Related: What If I’m Still Seeing Bugs After Pest Control?
Are There Tarantulas in Arizona? May 26, 2022 - By: Nathan Woolf Tarantulas across the globe thrive in hot climates from deserts to tropical jungles. We often get asked if tarantulas can be found in Arizona? Absolutely! In fact, there are 30 different species of tarantulas that make their home in Arizona. And they happen to be the largest spiders in the state. If you live in Arizona, chances are you have had a tarantula encounter. Unfortunately, tarantulas have had a bad reputation over the years. Despite the scary depiction in Hollywood films, you don’t have to be intimidated by these large spiders. In reality, they are relatively harmless and shouldn’t be a major concern. However, no one wants to share their home and personal space with large spiders. In this article, we’re going to cover fascinating facts about these amazing creatures and how to keep tarantulas from finding their way into your Arizona home. If you live in the Phoenix area, including Gilbert, Surprise, and Mesa, and need spider control, we’ll give you a free quote!Related: What If I’m Still Seeing Bugs After Spraying?What Do Tarantulas in Arizona Look Like?Adult tarantulas can range in size from half an inch up to 5 inches. The largest tarantulas can weigh up to 1.1 ounces. Depending on the species, their color and markings may vary. Generally, they are light to dark brown in color, with males tending to be darker. Their legs and abdomens are densely covered in hair. Most Common Types of Tarantulas in ArizonaTarantulas are generally found living in well-drained and dry soil. Their preferred habitat is areas of either grassland or desert. These arachnids are excellent at hiding under old logs or inside a burrow. Tarantulas feed on grasshoppers, cockroaches, crickets, other insects, and even small mice! Tarantulas are prey to a variety of predators. Some of these may include snakes, frogs, birds, lizards, toads, and javelina.If you spot a tarantula, it’s helpful to know what type you are dealing with. Fortunately, many have unique physical characteristics to tell them apart. Western Desert Tarantula (Aphonopelma Chalcodes) – This spider, also known as the Arizona Blond or Mexican Blond tarantula, is seldom seen. It has light-colored hairs that give it a blond appearance. Its color and docile nature make it a popular pet. In the wild, they live in trees and underground burrows. In addition to its unique coloring, the Western Desert Tarantula is the largest of the Arizona species with a body measuring 3 to 4 inches and a leg span of about 6 inches. Grand Canyon Black Tarantula (Aphonopelma Marxi) – This spider is commonly found in Arizona, Utah, Colorado, and New Mexico. They are black or dark brown in color and are very hairy. They often have distinctive red or orange hairs on their bellies. The female of this species is much larger than the male. Females can reach up to 1.4 inches in body length while the males are under an inch. The Grand Canyon Black Tarantula can be found in a wide range of environments from forests to sagebrush plains. Carlsbad Green Tarantula (Aphonopelma Gabeli) – This tarantula is different from the ones mentioned above because of its color. The Carlsbad Green has a gray body and is covered with hair. These large spiders are quite reserved but can appear intimidating. They are known for moving into or taking over the burrows left by other animals in areas with well-drained soil. Tucson Bronze Tarantula (Aphonopelma Vorhiesi) – These tarantulas are black to brown in color and can be identified by the short, black, bristly hairs that cover their legs. These spiders are larger in size but are very timid. They prefer to remain hidden unless they are being threatened. Are Arizona Tarantulas Venomous?Tarantulas do have venom and fangs, but they don’t bite unless they are seriously provoked. When harassed, tarantulas have two main defensive strategies. First, they will try to intimidate their opponent by elevating their cephalothorax and exposing their fangs. If this doesn’t work, they will attempt to bite. In addition, tarantulas have specialized hairs (called urticating hairs) on the top of their abdomen that contain venom. When under attack, the spider will elevate its abdomen while using its hind legs to brush these hairs into a small cloud. This cloud of hair can cause severe irritation to the mucous membranes of humans or other mammals, especially the eyes and nasal passages. While this can cause inflammation, a rash, or itching, these reactions are not typically dangerous to people. Caution is advised, nonetheless. It’s a common misconception that tarantulas are aggressive, but it’s just the opposite. In most situations, tarantulas will only attack or bite when they feel threatened. Generally, they give plenty of warning and will bite only if there is no way to escape or avoid conflict. The bottom line is that other smaller pests in Arizona are known to be far more dangerous than tarantulas. Does a Tarantula Bite Hurt?Surprisingly enough, tarantula bites aren’t known to be particularly painful. If you do get bitten, the area around the bite may become warm and red with pain similar to that of a bee sting. The good news is that the venom of a tarantula is relatively weak. It’s very unusual for any serious complications to arise from a tarantula bite, however, an infection could occur and require medical attention if not cared for properly. Can Arizona Tarantulas Kill You?There is no doubt that spiders are creepy to most people. That doesn’t mean they are all dangerous or deadly. Don’t let the size of a tarantula fool you. There have been no recorded deaths or severe harm inflicted on humans in Arizona from tarantula bites. This unfortunate myth needs to be laid to rest. While their bites can leave an impressive mark, lasting injuries are practically unheard of. Related: Recluse Spiders In ArizonaHow to Keep Tarantulas Out of Your Phoenix HomeTarantulas in the Southwest United States spend most of their lives in burrows or under objects on the ground. They establish these burrows when they are young as their permanent dwellings. As they grow, they enlarge their burrows and hunt only within close proximity to them. Since tarantulas are nocturnal, you will rarely see them during the day. Since these arachnids live in burrows, they aren’t typically home invaders. Female tarantulas rarely venture away from their nests which means you won’t usually find one in your living room. However, tarantulas can find their way into your home, more than likely in search of food or a mate. Males tend to wander during mating season. The nice thing is that they don’t reproduce quickly so you won’t have to worry about an infestation happening. Here are some simple ways to keep tarantulas out of your home: Seal Up Entrances – Even though tarantulas are large spiders, they can still maneuver their way through small cracks and openings. Be sure to seal up any cracks in your foundation, plumbing, siding, windows, and other entrances. Declutter Your Home – Tarantulas love to stay hidden. Places such as old furniture, piles of clothing, and stacks of old magazines create the perfect places for a tarantula to hide. Decluttering your home can help deter tarantulas from sticking around. Clean Regularly – A clean home is less likely to attract insects that tarantulas like to eat. By keeping your house clean and tidy, you not only eliminate places to hide but also their potential food source. Keeping Arizona Properties Pest-FreeIf you live in the Greater Phoenix metro area, you probably won’t run into many tarantulas, but you will absolutely have to deal with other pests. Call Blue Sky and let our highly trained technicians apply our scientific approach to pest control. Keep your home or business worry-free because it is pest free.Related: Common Spiders in Arizona
Are there black widow spiders in Arizona? October 9, 2017 - By: Nathan Woolf Yes. Unfortunately, there are a lot of black widows in Arizona and Phoenix. Twenty-two different types of black widow spiders live in all corners of Phoenix and the Sonoran desert.Arizona is in fact home to many insects that can wreak havoc on your home or business (and leave you with some annoying, itchy bites), and the prevalent black widow warrants caution as one which is more venomous than the rest.Black widow spiders are nocturnal and typically keep to themselves unless they’re bothered — but watch out when that happens, because they can lash out with a painful bite.“You don’t have to live in fear of black widow spiders — and you don’t ever have to experience one of their bites”That all sounds pretty scary, but with some helpful tips you don’t have to live in fear of black widow spiders — and you don’t ever have to experience one of their bites. How can you can protect yourself from Black Widows in AZ? By knowing what to expect, including how to identify them, where they live and the best ways to keep them from invading your home.Now that you know that there are black widows in Arizona, let’s start with some of the most common questions that Phoenix homeowners should know when living and dealing with them. If you need Phoenix spider control we can help! We have offices in Gilbert and Phoenix and serve the entire area including Mesa, Peoria, Avondale, and Scottsdale.Related: Recluse Spiders In ArizonaWhat do the black widow spiders look like?Female black widow spiders are striking with their shiny black bodies and distinctive red “hourglass” or dual triangle shape located on the underside of the abdomen. The shape makes them easy to spot since they hang upside down in their webs. They’re also big: A female is about 1.5 inches long, while a male is half the size and completely harmless.Black Widow webs are asymmetrical (no distinguishable pattern) and are most often found close to the ground. They can be found under the lip of the stucco and in corners and other undisturbed places. Other common areas where they are commonly found include the garage, under patio furniture, on toys including plastic cozy coupes that have hollow areas where black widows can nest and hide, around BBQs, sheds, and around clutter and debris. Keeping debris and clutter in the yard and garage picked up and keeping toys picked up will reduce these common harborage areas around your home. $50 Off Your Initial Service CALL NOW GET QUOTEOffer valid when you start any Blue Sky 365 programAre male and female black widow spiders poisonous?The black widow spider is the most venomous spider in the United States, but the females are the only ones with the poisonous bite. Males are usually pretty harmless because they have less venom than female spiders. Black widow bites are characterized by two small red spots surrounded by redness and some slight swelling. Pain can spread up or down the arms or legs, eventually settling in the midsection or back. Chest and muscle pain are the two most common symptoms, but black widow spider bites can also lead to nausea, vomiting, convulsions, or unconsciousness. Consult competent medical professionals for guidance on what to do if you receive a black widow bite.Related: Are There Tarantulas In Arizona?How do I get rid of black widows?They like to spin their webs in dark areas near the ground, like your garage, shed, yard or scrap pilesBe sure to check those areas often for new webs — and keep your hands away from dark places while you do it so you won’t get bitten.Keeping debris and clutter in the yard and garage picked up and keeping toys picked up will reduce the number of black widows around your home, too.In addition, a regular inspection and targeted treatment of infested areas are generally required for black widow control.You can learn how to identify black widow spiders — and how to keep them from becoming a nuisance in your home — with this helpful guide created by our resident spider expert and entomologist, Matthew D. Terry Ph.D.If you have concerns with spiders in and around your home and want to rest easy knowing that they are kept at bay, contact our trained pest specialists today. Blue Sky technicians take multiple steps in our general treatment approach to rid your home of unwanted spiders, including effective black widow control and extermination. We serve the entire Phoenix metro area includingRelated: Arizona’s Most Common Spiders
7 Spider Myths Debunked October 30, 2013 - By: Nathan Woolf Ask people what their biggest fears are, and chances are many of the answers will be spiders. But why are people so afraid of these eight-legged arachnids? Spiders are actually quite beneficial in many instances, and can even help you control your household pests.While people aren’t born afraid of spiders, the fear does develop early. The Association for Psychological Science suggests that inherent fears of spiders or snakes is due in part to our evolutionary development – since so many spiders are poisonous, we are hard-wired to avoid them. Children also tend to learn that spiders are to be feared by observing their parents, who often react to spiders in a fearful or negative way.Some scientists and psychologist also attribute people’s fear of spiders to the way spiders look – we are very visual creatures, and their dark colors and angular legs can strike a fearful chord in the brain. We also tend to dislike things that move in a fast or unpredictable manner.Add to that the cultural depiction of spiders, and it’s no wonder why humans tend to avoid them. Greek mythology tells the story of Arachne, a prideful weaver who angered Athena and later hanged herself. Athena brought her back as a spider that retained Arachne’s weaving abilities. In African and Native American folklore, spiders are often depicted as malicious tricksters. In the Dark Ages, spiders were considered a source of poison in food or water. Spiders have also been a staple in literature, and have often been included in horror movies since the early days of the genre.Because of our natural tendency to fear spiders, pop culture is overrun with spider myths and hoaxes, from giant spiders who eat cats to spiders who climb inside your mouth while you’re sleeping. We tackle some of the most popular ones below.Myth No. 1: The daddy longlegs is the world’s most poisonous creature – but its mouth is too small to bite us.Verdict: FalseThere is no evidence that daddy longlegs spiders, also known as “long-legged cellar spiders,” pose any danger to humans. According to the University of California, no studies have been done to test the toxic effect of their venom, so this claim is unfounded.Source: University of California, Riverside Spiders WebsiteMyth No. 2: A woman got bitten by a spider bite while on vacation, and when she scratched the boil, hundreds of baby spiders came out.Verdict: FalseThis tale has been around since the mid-1960’s, but similar folklore tales have surfaced in the 1800s. The victim is nearly always female. The truth is that spiders would never lay their eggs in a human host, though some other insects do.Source: Snopes.comMyth No. 3: Someone took a cactus home from Arizona. After they planted it, the cactus exploded, spewing tarantulas everywhere.Verdict: FalseWho knew we had such a threat right here in Arizona? In most of these tales, the transplanted cactus moves or shakes on its own, and moments later, it bursts open when hundreds of tarantulas escape. While tarantulas may lay eggs or build webs on cacti, they would never lay their eggs inside. Even if a misguided tarantula laid eggs in a hole in a cactus, it would never explode when they hatched, for it takes several years for tarantulas to reach their full size.Source: Snopes.comMyth No. 4: A woman died of a mysterious disease – which was later discovered to have been bites from the nest of spiders living in her hair.Verdict: FalseThis myth became popular in the 1950s when big bouffant hairstyles were popular. As the tale goes, a woman who had a huge and hairsprayed bouffant and never washed it was inadvertently playing host to a nest of black widows. Since bouffants have gone out of style, the victim of this story is now often portrayed as a man with dreadlocks. Spiders would almost certainly not take up residence in a hairdo – it’s simply not a safe place for them to live, and there isn’t a food source!Source: Snopes.comMyth No. 5: The average person swallows eight spiders per year, usually while sleeping.Verdict: FalseNormal, neatly made beds rarely have spiders in them, because people tend to move in their sleep. Spiders don’t enjoy being around large, living, moving objects, so they tend to avoid our sleeping areas. You’d also have to sleep with your mouth open, and a spider would have to crawl directly over your face and decide to investigate your mouth – very unlikely, since spiders don’t even like it when you blow on them from a distance. You’d also have to swallow it down automatically while still asleep – a very unlikely circumstance.Source: MentalFloss.comMyth No. 6: You should always check under the toilet seat for spiders – a poisonous spider may bite your buttocks.Verdict: FalseThis hoax got started in 1999, and included a very humorous species of spider: the Arachnius gluteus. Not only does this spider not exist, it’s highly unlikely that a spider would come out from under a toilet seat to bite you unprovoked. The spread of this myth was probably related to people’s fears of brown recluse spiders.Source: University of California, Riverside Spiders WebsiteMyth No. 7: The Angolan Witch Spider will eat your pets.Verdict: FalseA giant spider from South America, about as big as a picture window, that eats cats and dogs and can only be killed by multiple gunshots? Not on our watch. This widely-circulated image is just some clever Photoshop magic done on an ordinary wolf spider, and the Angolan Witch Spider does not exist. One of the largest recorded spider species, the Goliath spider, can have a leg span of about 12 inches – not nearly the size of half a house.Source: LiveScience.com
Recluse Spiders in Arizona October 2, 2013 - By: Nathan Woolf Chances are you’ve heard some horror stories about recluse spiders, particularly the brown recluse spider. People typically think that brown recluse bites can lead to terrible infection and disfigurement and that they are a common and dangerous pest in the United States.While recluse spiders (which belong to the genus Loxosceles) are widespread across the country, there are only 11 native species, and only two are likely to be encountered in Arizona – the Arizona recluse and the desert recluse. We do not have established colonies of brown recluse spiders in Arizona, and they are not native to our environment, according to the Arizona Cooperative Extension.While the chance of encountering true brown recluse spiders in Arizona is rare, you may see Arizona recluse or desert recluse spiders in or near your home. We wanted to give you the tools you need to identify them, keep them out of your home, and prevent recluse spider bites.If you live in the Phoenix area and need spider control or extermination, we can help! Give us a call for your free estimate.Related: What If I’m Still Seeing Bugs After Spraying?IdentificationRecluse spiders are often referred to as “fiddleback” or “violin” spiders because they have a violin shape on their cephalothorax. However, the desert recluse is nearly always a uniform brown color, and the violin marking can be difficult to see. Striped wolf spiders and other spiders with dark markings are often misidentified as recluse spiders.Full-grown recluse spiders can be up to 1” in diameter, including their leg span. One feature that sets recluse spiders apart from other spiders is that they have six rather than eight pairs of eyes.Recluse webs are irregular, mostly flat, and sticky. They are easy to overlook and are not often seen by humans.The best way to identify a recluse spider is to ask a professional. We would be happy to take a look at a specimen you’ve caught, or photos you’ve taken, to help you identify them.HabitatTrue brown recluse spiders usually live near humans in urban areas, and depend on man-made structures for shelter. Desert recluse and Arizona recluse spiders are typically less reliant on humans, and are most often found living well away from them. They prefer dry, dark places, and can be found in dead cacti, wood piles, cinder block wall crevices, storage areas, attics and piles of debris that go undisturbed.They spend their days sitting on their webs and go on foraging missions well away from their webs at night. Recluse infestations are rare in Arizona, and when they do occur, there usually aren’t as many gathered in one place as in brown recluse infestations. $50 Off Your Initial Service CALL NOW GET QUOTEOffer valid when you start any Blue Sky 365 programPreventionSince recluse spiders take shelter in piles of debris and clothes, storage areas, and woodpiles, it is important to keep those areas of your home clean and tidy. Recluse spiders can hitchhike into your home on firewood or other items you might bring in from the desert.To prevent recluse spider infestations, keep wood debris stacked well away from your home. Keep firewood stacked off the ground, and don’t store it indoors. Pick clothing up and don’t leave it in piles on the floor. If you store wearable items like boots or gloves, keep them in airtight storage containers, or in plastic bags that are sealed.Recluse Spider BitesRecluse bites initially produce a red, swollen area that may develop into a blister. If they go untreated, recluse bites can develop into open, weeping sores. If you think you have been bitten by a recluse spider, seek medical attention immediately because individual reactions to their bites can vary.Recluse spider bites, while they can be painful, are rarely fatal. Other infections and skin conditions are often misdiagnosed as recluse spider bites. Unless you see characteristic puncture marks on your skin, or witness the spider biting you, you may be reacting to something else. When in doubt, seek medical attention.To prevent recluse spider bites, always wear cloves when cleaning out little-used storage areas or attics, and when handling yard waste and wood debris. If you are picking up clothing items off the floor, shake them you before putting them on. Always check stored clothing items and shoes before wearing them.Related: Common Spiders In ArizonaBrown Recluse Spiders in Arizona ConclusionIf you suspect a recluse spider infestation in your home, be sure to give us a call. We will implement targeted treatments that will disrupt spider nesting areas and prevent them from returning to your house. We will also inspect around your home to find and knockdown active spider webs. This is not only a benefit aesthetically, but also aids in the control of all types of spiders.We serve the entire Phoenix area including Gilbert, Peoria, and Mesa. If you live in the area, click here to get your free quote.Photo credit: Tony P Iwane via photopin cc
Common Spiders in Arizona – Black Widow, Brown Recluse, & More March 20, 2013 - By: Nathan Woolf What are some of the most common spiders in Arizona, and what are their levels of danger to humans? This guide can help you identify the spiders in your home and determine if treatment, and what type of treatment, is needed.Arizona’s dry climate and high temperatures make it a desirable home for many different types of spider species. The most common spiders of concern in Arizona are:Black WidowsDesert RecluseTarantulasWolf SpidersRelated: Black Widow Spiders in ArizonaBlack WidowsThe Arizona climate is an ideal climate for black widow spiders. Also, homes within the Phoenix area provide shelter and food that black widows thrive on, making them a prevalent and dangerous pest in our area. Black Widows are commonly found in low to the ground places, including home foundations, corners, plant bases, and perimeter block walls. Black Widows are also sometimes found in children’s sandboxes and play equipment, or woodpiles and shrubs. A Black Widow reproduces in the summer months, producing up to 9 egg sacks each containing up to 400 spiderlings.Black Widows are not inherently aggressive spiders. However, because they actively hide in dark, low to the ground places, Black Widows are frequently undetected until a bite occurs, usually by an unaware person who steps into a nesting area. Female Black Widows are the spiders with the venomous bite. The initial bite may be painful, but as the venom spreads through the human body, it can cause extreme pain. Generally, the Black Widow’s venom is not fatal for most people, thought the very young, elderly, or those with compromised immune systems may be at serious risk. It is important for anyone that suspects they’ve been bitten by a black widow to seek immediate medical attention, regardless of age or medical history.Because they can be very dangerous, if you discover or suspect that Black Widows are nesting in or around your home, it is important to call a reputable exterminator right away.Desert Recluse SpidersDesert Recluse Spiders are another common Arizona spider species. Desert Recluses are generally smaller than an inch and light to medium brown in color. Desert recluse spiders lay several egg sacs every summer and produce up to 50 eggs per sac. Desert Recluse Spiders are extremely resilient and suited to desert living as they can tolerate up to six months of drought. Like the Black Widow, the Desert Recluse tries to avoid conflict and usually flees.Desert Recluse Spiders favor dry and undisturbed spaces to build their webs, including woodpiles, closets and garages. They can sometimes be found in cardboard and other dark, warm spaces inside homes. $50 Off Your Initial Service CALL NOW GET QUOTEOffer valid when you start any Blue Sky 365 programThough there bites are venomous, Desert Recluse Spider bites are rare, and are generally reported from events such as putting on clothing that hasn’t been worn recently. However, the bite of a recluse spider is dangerous and potentially tissue-destroying. If you suspect you have been bitten by a Desert Recluse, it is important to seek immediate medical attention.Because of their dangerous bite, spider control is important if you suspect you have Desert Recluse Spiders in or around your home. A reputable exterminator can treat your home and advise you on the best preventative measures.Related: 7 Spider MythsTarantulasTarantulas are large, hairy spiders that favor desert environments and can be found in Arizona. Though they do bite when provoked, their venom is virtually harmless to humans. In fact, the bite of a Tarantula is often compared to a bee or wasp sting.Wolf SpidersWolf Spiders are common in Arizona and are threatening in appearance, but are harmless to people. They may bite when disturbed, but their bite is not venomous. Wolf Spiders feed on other invertebrates and unlike many other spiders, they hunt their prey rather than building webs.Wolf Spiders look alarming, but are actually beneficial spiders in Arizona for pest control. Wolf Spiders feed off of insects and pests, including cockroaches.Related: Phoenix Spider ControlArizona Spider ControlIf you’re concerned about spider populations around your home, call a reputable Arizona exterminator to help you determine the best treatment from your home. While many spiders are harmless, Arizona is home to some potentially deadly spiders. At Blue Sky Pest Control, our regular treatments target spiders where they hide and nest to effectively eliminate spiders at their source in and around your home. A Blue Sky service technician also inspects your home during regular spider control treatment, knocking down spider webs to aid in the control of spiders around your home.At Blue Sky, our goal is to keep unwanted pests out of your home. If you are seeing more than an occasional spider within your home between regular service visits, we will provide additional exterior or interior treatments or will re-service your home free of charge. Learn more about our pest control services here. We serve homes and businesses throughout the metro area from our offices in Phoenix and Gilbert. From our offices we can easily serve Glendale, Scottsdale, Mesa, and more! We even go all the way out to Surprise.