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Black Widow
Black widow spiders are one of the most recognizable spiders found in Surprise. They are typically glossy black with a red or orange hourglass marking on the underside of their large abdomen but can also be found in different colors with different markings as juveniles. Black widows prefer dark, protected areas where their webs will remain undisturbed, such as block walls, irrigation boxes, wood piles, patio furniture and storage areas around the home. Unlike many spiders, black widow webs can be identified by their irregular, tangled webs close to the ground.
Although their appearance can be alarming, black widows are generally shy and non-aggressive, and retreat when they feel they are in danger. Bites are uncommon and typically occur when the spider is accidentally pressed against the skin and feels threatened, such as reaching into stored items or putting on clothing that has been left outside. Their bites are medically significant since they produce neurotoxic venom, however only 5-10% of bites require hospitalization, with children and seniors being at the highest risk. Hospital stays are typically brief, often less than 24 hours, and modern data suggests fewer than 1 death every several years. Most people who are bitten by a black widow can expect to temporarily experience intense muscle cramps, abdominal pain, sweating and nausea.
BLACK WIDOW
Wolf Spider
WOLF SPIDER
Wolf spiders are large, fast moving siders that are commonly seen around homes, especially in garages, patios and along exterior walls, and are commonly mistaken for brown recluses. Unlike many other spiders, wolf spiders do not build webs to catch prey. Instead, they actively hunt insects on the ground, which is why they are often seen moving quickly across floors or outdoor surfaces at night. Their size and speed can make them intimidating, and although they can bite, they are generally harmless to people and beneficial since they eat other bugs.
Wolf spiders are unique because they show strong maternal care for their babies. After the eggs hatch, the baby spiders climb onto the mothers back and remain there for several days as they develop. It's not uncommon for a female wolf spider to be seen carrying dozens of tiny spiders on her back at once. If disturbed or threatened, the spiderlings will quickly disperse of the mothers back until it's safe to climb back on. These spiders often wander indoors accidentally while searching for food or shelter. Because they hunt insects, their presence can sometimes indicate other pest activity around the home. Wolf spiders typically prefer dark sheltered areas such as landscaping, rock beds, wood piles and gaps around the foundation.
Huntsman Spider
HUNTSMAN SPIDER
Huntsman spiders are large, fast moving spiders that are occasionally found around homes in Surprise and surround communities. They are known for their wide, flattened bodies that long legs that extend outward to the sides, giving them a crab like appearance. Huntsman spiders can grow 2-4 inches across when their legs are fully extended, making them appear larger and more intimidating. Despite their size, they are generally harmless to humans and rarely bite. In the rare case a Huntman feels threatened, their bite is medically insignificant and comparable to a bee sting. Like wolf spiders, huntsman spiders do not builds webs to capture prey. Instead, they actively hunt insects at night and spend the day hiding in protected areas such as garages, sheds and under outdoor furniture.Huntsman spiders are capable of moving extremely quick, and can run sideways as well as forward, which sometimes surprises homeowners who encounter them indoors. They may occasionally wander inside while searching for food or shelter, especially during warmer months. Because of their size, huntsman spiders are frequently mistaken for wolf spiders, but huntsman spiders typically have a flatter body and legs that extend outward and to the sides rather than downward.webs after spider diesharder to kill
Arizona Brown Spider
ARIZONA BROWN SPIDER
Brown recluse spiders are often discussed when people are concerned about their spider bites, but true brown recluse spiders are extremely rare in Surprise and the surrounding areas. The species that does occur out here is the Arizona brown spider, which belongs to the same family as the brown recluse, but is still encountered far less often than many people believe. These spiders prefer dark, undisturbed areas such as storage boxes, attics, closets and wall voids, where they remain hidden for long periods of time.
Like brown recluses, the Arizona brown spider has a necrotic venom, meaning it can cause localized tissue damage around the bite area. Children, seniors, and those with weakened immune systems are more likely to have stronger reactions, however most bites are mild to moderate. A very small percentage of bites may develop into a localized necrotic lesion, where the skin tissue begins to break down. Most bites cause mild irritation, though some may develop into a small ulcer that can take some time to heal
Despite the noise, brown recluses and Arizona brown spiders are non aggressive and rarely bite. Like other spiders listed, bites typically only occur when the spider feels threatened, such as putting on a shirt with a spider inside or reaching into areas where one is hiding. Because these spiders prefer secluded environments and avoid human activity, confirmed bites are extremely uncommon. Many skin irritations that are blamed on brown recluse spiders are often caused by other insects, infections or unrelated skin conditions.
Cellar Spider
CELLAR SPIDER
Cellar spiders, also known as daddy long legs, are very common spiders found in and around homes. They are easilty recognized by their extremely long, thin legs and small oval shaped bodies. Cellar spiders prefer dark, quiet areas and are commonly found in places such as basements, crawl spaces, storage rooms, sheds and the upper corners of ceilings where they build loose, irregular webs.
A common myth claims cellar spiders have extremely strong venom but cannot bite deep enough into humans, however this is not true. Their venom is mild and they rarely bite humans. They are often beneficial because they feed on a variety of household pests, including flies, mosquitoes and even other spiders. When disturbed, cellar spiders will often vibrate rapidly in their web, which can make them appear blurry and helps them avoid predators. While they are harmless, large numbers of webs can become a nuisance indoors
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