If you’re afraid of spiders, tarantulas probably top your list. However, in Utah, you may never see a tarantula around your home because they are reclusive and prefer to stay in their native desert habitat.
While tarantulas look scary, they are harmless to humans and (like most wild animals) won’t bite unless they feel threatened. Read on to learn more about tarantulas in Utah and what to do if you spot one.
Tarantula Habitat
Most of Utah’s tarantulas live in the southern half of the state, especially within the national parks. You might see their burrows in sheltered, brush-filled areas under rocks or tree bark.
The tarantulas that are native to Utah prefer their desert habitats and rarely move into home landscapes. If you see one near your home in the fall, it’s likely a male searching for a mate.
Tarantula Behavior and Identification
Like most desert creatures, tarantulas are nocturnal and create burrows where they spend most of their time. At night, tarantulas hide in the entrance to their burrows until they sense approaching prey and attack.
Several types of tarantulas are found in Utah. The Grand Canyon black tarantula and Western desert tarantula can grow to about 4 inches wide. The Arizona desert tarantula can grow up to 5 inches wide.
In late summer and fall, male tarantulas go searching for a mate. Males usually live for about 10 years, partly because they venture out of their burrows to mate. Females live for up to 25 years and spend most of their time in their underground burrows.
Tarantula Bites
Tarantulas are venomous, and their bites can be moderately painful—like a bee sting—but they aren’t damaging to humans. Like other bites, tarantula bites can cause allergic reactions in some people, but most people will not show any sort of reaction.
If a tarantula bites you, treat it like any other spider bite:
Clean the area with soap and water
Wipe the area with a cool cloth.
Apply ice to the area for about 10 minutes.
How to Keep Tarantulas out of Your Home and Yard
To keep spiders like tarantulas and insects out of your home, you can try the following:
Make sure your home is properly sealed, especially windows and doors.
Keep your home and yard clear of debris.
Hire a pest control company to spray around your home.
Stewart’s pest control spray can keep spiders, mice, and other pests away from your home. Call or text our office at 801-226-2261 for a free pest control quote today.