Venomous Spiders in Arizona - Bites, Symptoms and Treatment

Venomous Spiders Found in Arizona

Arizona's warm climate makes it home to several types of venomous spiders. While the majority of spider bites cause little harm, some Arizona spiders can transmit medically significant venom through their bites. Learn how to identify and avoid potentially dangerous spiders that live in the state.

Arizona Black Widow Spiders

The most venomous spider in North America, the black widow, can be found throughout Arizona. About 1-2 inches long, the black widow spider has a shiny black body with a distinctive red hourglass shape on its underside. Female widows tend to stay close to their webs, while males roam around more freely.

Areas where black widows thrive in Arizona include wood piles, rubble piles, rodent burrows, sheds, garages, and crawl spaces. Their neurotoxic venom can cause muscle cramps, nausea, and increased blood pressure in humans. But fatalities are extremely rare since an effective antivenom exists.

Brown Recluse Spiders in Arizona

Though not native to Arizona, brown recluse spiders have spread to the state through transported goods. Ranging from 0.5-1 inch long, brown recluses have a distinctive violin shape on their heads and six equal-sized eyes. They tend to hide in dark enclosed spaces like attics, closets, and piled clothes.

The hemotoxic venom of a brown recluse destroy's the victim's red blood cells, potentially causing a painful wound at the bite site called a necrotic lesion. Seek medical care immediately if bitten, as scarring can result without treatment. But most brown recluse bites heal without severe effects.

Arizona Bark Scorpions

An Arizona native, the Arizona bark scorpion is found throughout the state, especially in arid desert habitats. Around 2-3 inches long, these scorpions are pale yellow with slender pincers. They climb trees and hide under bushes, vegetation, rocks, and debris.

Arizona bark scorpions have a venomous sting that can cause severe pain, numbness, and tingling. Seek emergency care for young children or older adults stung, as they face greater risks of life-threatening complications like respiratory distress.

Hobo Spiders in Arizona

Originally from Europe, hobo spiders have spread to Arizona and surrounding states. They have a round, flattened abdomen with long legs and measure around 0.5 inches long. Hobo spiders frequently enter homes and hide in dark corners of basements, sheds, and garages.

The venom from a hobo spider bite may cause temporary mild pain, redness, and itchiness. Rarely, more severe skin lesions or systematic reactions have been reported. See a doctor if you experience spreading skin lesions, nausea, or muscle cramps.

How to Avoid Spider Bites in Arizona

Follow these tips to reduce your risk of being bitten by a venomous spider in Arizona:

• Clear clutter like stacks of wood, debris, and rock piles where spiders nest.
• Wear gloves and protective clothing if clearing spider habitats.
• Shake out clothing, shoes, towels, and bedding before use.
• Install lighting in darkened storage areas and check areas before reaching in blindly.
• Use insecticides or essential oils cautiously to repel spiders from your home.
• Have a professional pest control expert treat your home if infestations persist.

Signs of a Spider Bite in Arizona

Many spider bites are harmless and may go unnoticed. But some venomous spiders in Arizona can cause more noticeable symptoms. Be alert for the following signs after a potential spider bite:

Two Small Puncture Wounds

Venomous spiders leave behind two small puncture marks from their fangs injecting venom. The wound may ooze or spot blood but usually isn't gaping. Watch for two tiny bite marks clustered together if you suspect a spider bite.

Redness and Swelling

Your skin around the bite site typically becomes reddened, swollen, and painful within 2-8 hours after being bitten. A raised itchy bump filled with fluid often forms. The swelling may spread a few inches or more around the bite over the next few days.

Muscle Cramps and Stiffness

Certain spider venoms, like that of the black widow, attack your nervous system. This can cause moderate to severe muscle cramping, stiffness, and spasms spreading from the bite location. Other symptoms include nausea, vomiting, headache, anxiety, and increased blood pressure.

Skin Lesions

Brown recluse spider bites may cause a painful lesion to form at the bite site as the venom kills your red blood cells. The area reddens and blisters within 1-4 hours, later forming an open ulcer as the tissue dies. Seek emergency care to prevent severe scarring.

Itching or Burning Sensation

Many spider bites cause mild, temporary irritation. You may feel a stinging or itching sensation for a few hours, along with slight swelling and redness. Painful burning at the bite can also result from venom irritation. The discomfort typically fades within a day or two.

Treating Spider Bites in Arizona

Most spider bites should heal on their own with little intervention. Follow these tips to ease symptoms and promote healing:

Clean the Bite

Use soap and water to gently cleanse the bite area and your hands after touching it. This removes any potentially infectious spider venom and bacteria from your skin. Apply an antiseptic cream to reduce risk of infection.

Apply Ice

Wrapping ice or a cold compress in a towel and applying it to the bite reduces inflammation, swelling, and discomfort. Do this for 10-15 minutes every few hours as needed during the first 24-48 hours.

Elevate the Area

If the bite is on a limb, keep it elevated above the level of your heart. This uses gravity to reduce swelling around the bite. Try propping your arm or leg up on pillows as you rest.

Take OTC Pain Relievers

Over-the-counter analgesics like acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen can effectively relieve pain from a spider bite. Use as directed on the label for 1-2 days until swelling and discomfort improve.

Avoid Infection

Keep the bite clean and don't scratch or rub it to prevent infection. Watch for worsening redness, swelling, heat, oozing, or streaking redness and see a doctor for antibiotics if infection develops.

When to Seek Medical Care

Most spider bites require no specific treatment beyond first aid. But seek prompt medical evaluation for:

• Severe pain or swelling at the bite site
• Muscle spasms, cramping, or paralysis-like symptoms
• Nausea, vomiting, fever, or headache after a bite
• Blistering, lesions, or dead skin tissue around the bite
• Allergic reaction signs like hives, trouble breathing
• Young children or older adults with concerning symptoms

Black widow and brown recluse spider bites, in particular, need evaluation and possible antivenom treatment. See a doctor immediately if you suspect being bitten by one of these spiders.

Preventing Spider Bites

You can reduce your chances of being bitten by a spider in Arizona through simple preventative steps:

Remove Spider Habitats

Eliminate wood and rock piles, debris, dense ivy, and overgrown vegetation around your home. Clear clutter from sheds, basements, attics, and garages. This removes attractive hiding spots for spiders.

Seal Cracks and Crevices

Use caulk

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.