If you’ve ever stumbled upon a small brown spider when clearing a pile of rocks or grabbing a box from the attic, you probably encountered an Arizona brown spider.
These spiders belong to the Loxosceles arachnid family, which is a group of recluse spiders. The recluse family also includes the well-known brown recluse spider, a venomous species commonly found throughout the Midwest region.
Here are some facts you need to know about the Arizona brown spider.
Identification
Arizona brown spiders come in shades of tan and brown, and they bear a distinctive set of markings on the cephalothorax portion of their body. These markings take the approximate shape of a violin, giving the spider its alternate names of “violin spider” or “fiddle spider.”
Most Arizona brown spiders measure about 1/3 inch long from head to abdomen, and the total leg span is typically between 1 to 1.5 inches.
Habitat
Arizona brown spiders prefer the warm climate of the southwestern United States, Mexico and parts of Central America. As natives of desert conditions, these spiders make their homes among naturally occurring rock crevices or debris heaps.
However, Arizona brown spiders have learned that human houses and yards provide a superior habitat, and they are often attracted to attics, crawl spaces, rock landscaping and rubbish piles.
Once an Arizona brown spider finds a suitable area, they tend to stay and reproduce in large numbers. This can lead to certain regions having very high spider populations.
Behaviors
The Arizona brown spider spins dense webs with sticky threads to capture their prey, usually under the cover of rocks, leaves or trash cans. Spiders can make their way into your home by stowing away on outdoor items brought into the house. Also, spiders in search of prey may enter through unsealed doors, windows or attic vents.
As members of the recluse family, these spiders prefer to stay hidden. They are generally not aggressive toward people, but they will bite if they feel the need to defend themselves.
Potential Issues
Most spiders in Arizona are harmless to humans. However, the Arizona brown spider has a venomous bite that can cause symptoms ranging from mild skin irritation to dangerous reactions, including death.
Redness and a spreading sore at the bite area are the most common symptoms. The venom can also cause tissue necrosis, which is tissue death. Necrotic tissue can develop into a serious infection that could be fatal if not treated promptly and appropriately. If you think you may have been bitten by an Arizona brown spider, seek medical care right away.*
A bite from an Arizona brown spider can be serious, and keeping these pests out of your home in the first place is typically the best strategy.
Our friendly and experienced technicians are ready to develop a plan to secure your home against Arizona brown spiders. Call Bill’s Home Service today to schedule your free service quote.
*Disclaimer: The content about Arizona brown spider bite treatments is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of a medical professional with questions you have regarding pest stings/bites and/or allergic reactions.