Few creatures rouse more fear and disgust in many people than arachnids. Spiders, scorpions, and other eight-legged arthropods can look frightening, and a few can deliver a painful and even dangerous bite. While most of these animals are nocturnal, shy, and rarely come into contact with people, they may occasionally wander into your home looking for prey or shelter. Knowing how to identify them and whether they are venomous may help you feel less threatened when you encounter one in your house.
1. Cellar Spider
There are two arachnids that are commonly called daddy longlegs, but while they might look similar, their behavior and environment are quite different. True daddy long leg spiders spin webs and are most commonly found in basements, sheds, and attics. Huntsman spiders, which look much like their relatives, do not spin webs and are mostly found outdoors under rocks and rotted logs. True daddy longlegs, which are also called cellar spiders, have small, non-segmented main bodies and long, thin legs. They are harmless and do not need to be disturbed.
2. Wind Scorpion
These arachnids are neither scorpions or spiders, although they have physical traits of each. Because of this, they are also known as camel spiders or sun spiders. However, unlike true scorpions, these creatures do not have a stinger on the end of the tail.
You might find a wind scorpion in your kitchen sink or bathtub in the morning, as they commonly find their way into houses via the plumbing. They move rapidly and may use their strong pincers to defend themselves if you pick them up. If you have a garden, you may want to release any wind scorpions you find there, as they feed on aphids and other garden pests.
3. Wolf Spider
The wolf spider gets its name from its large size and excellent hunting ability. These arachnids can grow as large as the span of an adult human hand, legs included. They are also swift and aggressive when annoyed, rearing up on their back legs and presenting their considerable fangs. While wolf spiders are not venomous, they can deliver a painful bite.
Encounters with this spider are rare; however, they might wander into your home when temperatures drop. They are typically varying shades of brown with lighter markings on their backs. While you will likely want to get one out of the house if you find it, use a broom or other tool to sweep it out to avoid being bitten.
4. Bark Scorpion
If you live in the desert southwest of North America, then you might be familiar with this small yet mighty arachnid. They might enter your home during heavy rains when their shelters get flooded out but typically avoid humans otherwise. They are about two or three inches long and range in color from brown to tan. You are most likely to see them during the summer, which is scorpion season. They are venomous and can cause serious injury to babies and the elderly, so it is best to call an exterminator to handle them rather than chance being stung.
Arachnids can look frightening, especially some of the larger spider species. However, the more you know about these creatures, the more you might come to understand their benefits and role in the local ecosystem.