Updated: Mar 20
Arachnophobia is real. For people all over the world, the sight of a spider often causes fear and disgust.
There’s just something creepy about these eight-legged bugs. While most spiders are harmless, there
are a few spiders in Buckeye that pose a threat to humans. Spiders aren’t intentionally aggressive
and won’t deliberately hurt humans, but if you find yourself eye to eight-eyes with an arachnid, here’s
how to identify them.
Types Of Spiders In Buckeye Arizona
Southern House Spider
The southern house spider is fairly harmless and will bite only as a last resort, preferring to flee
if confronted by humans. Southern house spiders average body length of about half an inch (2
inches if you include their legs) and bear a strong resemblance to the dangerous brown recluse
spider. Southern house spiders can be distinguished by their narrow “violin” pattern and eight
eyes (versus six in brown recluse spiders).
Wolf Spider
It’s easy to see why they’re called wolf spiders. Hairy and grayish in coloration, they are expert
hunters who prefer to attack prey head-on rather than spinning webs. Wolf spiders can be
aggressive if confronted but are not deadly (most people compare their bite to a bee sting). Their
body can grow from anywhere between ½ inch to 2 inches in diameter, and their size combined
with their exceptional speed can make them highly intimidating pests.
Black Widow Spider
There is probably no spider more infamous than the black widow. A bite from a black widow
isn’t a death sentence, as it’s sometimes made out to be in movies, but their venomous bite can
cause extreme pain, nausea, and muscle cramps. Black widows can be easily identified by their
black bodies with telltale red hourglass markings. They prefer to build webs in low-traffic,
inactive areas and will usually stay away from humans, but will become especially aggressive if
protecting newly laid eggs.
Brown Recluse Spider
As their name suggests, the brown recluse spider likes to be left alone. Commonly found in out
of reach areas in attics, basements, and sheds, these spiders can be identified by their light brown
coloration, long, hairy legs, and “violin” pattern on their backs. The venom from brown recluse
spiders cause tissue death at the site of injection which can spread into a festering necrotic
wound if left untreated.
How To Keep Spiders Out
Spiders are pests that prey on other pests. Unlike other household bugs interested in human food,
spiders go after prey like flies, cockroaches, and moths. So, to control the spider population in
your home, you need to try and control the pest population, too.
- Keep small pests at bay by regularly cleaning surfaces in the kitchen or where food is
eaten.
- Make sure that food is properly stored in pest-proof containers.
- Some spiders are attracted to moisture, so be sure to keep areas like bathrooms and
basements as dry as possible.
- Check your gutters and drains for any blockage that might cause dampness on floors and
walls.