Spiders in Arizona: Identification, Risks, and Prevention
Most Arizona spiders are harmless, but a few are medically significant. Learn to identify them and keep them out.
Common Arizona Spiders
Most Arizona spiders are beneficial, but a few warrant caution. Here's what you're likely to find around your home.
Black Widow
Latrodectus hesperus
Appearance: Shiny black body, round abdomen with a red hourglass marking on the underside. Females are 1-1.5 inches including legs
Where found: Dark, undisturbed areas -- garages, sheds, under patio furniture, in block wall crevices, meter boxes, sprinkler valve boxes
Danger level: High
Arizona Brown Spider
Loxosceles arizonica
Appearance: Light to medium brown, 1 inch including legs, violin-shaped marking on the head (faint). Often confused with the brown recluse
Where found: Closets, storage boxes, attics, under furniture, in seldom-disturbed areas
Danger level: Moderate to high
Wolf Spider
Hogna spp.
Appearance: Large (1-2 inches body), brown to gray with darker markings, hairy, fast-moving
Where found: Ground level -- in garages, along baseboards, under rocks, in landscaping
Danger level: Low
Common House Spider
Parasteatoda tepidariorum
Appearance: Small (1/4 inch body), yellowish-brown with mottled markings
Where found: Corners, window frames, eaves, garage ceilings
Danger level: None
Sun Spider / Wind Scorpion
Solifugae
Appearance: Tan, 1-3 inches, looks like a cross between a spider and scorpion. Large jaws. Not actually a spider or scorpion
Where found: Desert edges, garages, patios
Danger level: None
Spider Activity in the Phoenix Valley
Spiders are active year-round in Arizona, with peak visibility during warmer months when insect prey is abundant.
Spring (March-May)
Activity increases with warming temperatures and mating season begins.
Summer (June-September)
Peak activity. Monsoon moisture drives insects and spiders toward structures.
Fall (October-November)
Males wander searching for mates. Tarantula migration visible in desert areas.
Winter (December-February)
Reduced activity but spiders remain. Black widows stay in sheltered harborage year-round.
Spiders follow their food. Reducing prey insect populations through regular pest control is the most effective way to reduce indoor spider activity.
How Dangerous Are Arizona Spiders?
Spider Prevention Tips for Arizona Homeowners
- Use yellow "bug lights" outdoors to reduce insects that attract spiders.
- Clear web buildup regularly on eaves, windows, and doorways.
- Seal gaps around doors, windows, and utility penetrations. Install door sweeps.
- Declutter garages, closets, and attics -- spiders prefer undisturbed spaces.
- Shake out clothing and shoes stored in garages or closets.
- Stack firewood at least 20 feet from the house.
- Address the food chain: regular pest control reduces the prey insects that sustain spiders.
When to Call for Professional Spider Control
- You're finding black widows on your property (especially near where children play)
- You're seeing spiders inside your home regularly
- Web buildup returns within days of removal
- You have a prey insect problem (crickets, roaches, ants) that's attracting spiders
- You want ongoing prevention as part of a regular pest control plan
Spider Questions
Related Services
Professional treatment options for this pest