Tarantula hawks in Arizona are undeniably intimidating with their large size, shiny blue-black bodies, and vivid orange wings. But should you be concerned? Long story short, while their sting is famously painful, these wasps aren’t aggressive, and they are unlikely to bother you unless provoked. Let’s learn a little more about the Tarantula Hawk. If you need pest control in the Phoenix area, we can help you. From our offices in Gilbert and Phoenix, we serve the entire metro area including Tempe, Mesa, Queen Creek, and Peoria. Contact us to get your free quote!

Tarantula Wasps in Arizona 

Tarantula hawks, also known as tarantula hawk wasps, get their name from their unique and fearsome behavior. These wasps are famous for their interaction with tarantulas, which is how they earned their name. Female tarantula hawks hunt tarantulas, not to eat them but to use them as a living host for their larvae. After paralyzing the tarantula with a powerful sting, the wasp drags it to a burrow, where she lays a single egg on the spider’s body. When the egg hatches, the larva feeds on the still-living, paralyzed tarantula, eventually emerging as a fully developed wasp. This behavior is what gives them their name—the “hawk” part comes from their predatory nature, much like a bird of prey, while “tarantula” obviously refers to their preferred host. The name perfectly captures both the wasp’s role as a formidable hunter and its unique relationship with tarantulas. 

What They Look Like 

Tarantula hawk wasps are hard to overlook. They can grow up to 2 inches long, making them one of the largest wasp species out there. Their bodies have a deep, metallic blue-black sheen that almost glows in the sunlight, giving them a somewhat formidable look. But the real showstopper is their wings, which are typically a bright, rusty orange or amber. The contrast between their dark bodies and vivid wings makes them definitely stand out. In addition to their bold colors, tarantula hawk wasps have long, slender legs equipped with hooked claws that help them grip their prey. Their straight, black antennae complement their streamlined, almost armored appearance. Their striking look is nature’s way of signaling to potential threats that they mean business and to get out of the way. 

Are They Dangerous? 

As mentioned earlier, tarantula hawks aren’t typically dangerous to humans. While their size and bold appearance might seem intimidating, these wasps are generally far more interested in hunting tarantulas than interacting with humans. And while there’s no denying their sting is excruciatingly painful, they aren’t aggressive and usually only sting when provoked. So as long as you leave them alone, they’ll leave you alone as well. 

When Are Tarantula Hawks the Most Active in Arizona? 

Tarantula hawk wasps are most active during the summer months in Arizona, particularly in July, August, and September. They generally avoid the hottest periods of the day but are otherwise active during the day. This is generally when they hunt for tarantulas and search for nectar to keep their energy up. 

How To Get Rid of Tarantula Hawks in Arizona 

Unlike the more common yellow jackets and paper wasps, the tarantula hawk lives alone. There is no nest to treat where adult wasps live. Therefore, treating these wasps is difficult and usually unnecessary. Burrows containing larva are sealed and hidden until the adult emerges so treating burrows that you see is typically too late as the wasp has already left. Some things that can help:

• Remove Attractants: Keep your yard free of flowering plants that attract wasps for nectar. Consider removing or relocating flowers that are in bloom, especially during their active months. 
• Eliminate Tarantulas: Since tarantula hawks hunt tarantulas, reducing the population of tarantulas in your yard can make the area less attractive to these wasps. Fill in burrows and remove tarantula habitats. 
• Apply Insecticides: Insecticides specifically designed for wasps can be effective in some circumstances such as when the number of wasps are high. Spray wasps directly. This is usually only practical if small children are using the area or pets are present. Otherwise, treatment is unnecessary 
• Call The Pros: If you have a problematic infestation, it may be best to contact a local professional pest control service. They can safely and effectively treat areas that tarantula hawks use and prevent future issues. 
• Seal Entry Points: Make sure your home is sealed up tightly to prevent wasps from getting inside. Check for gaps around windows, doors, and any other openings. Although these wasps have no interest in living in your home, they may enter openings while looking for tarantulas and become lost inside.
• Regular Maintenance: Keep your yard well-maintained by trimming bushes, mowing the lawn, and removing debris where wasps might hide or nest. 

The Arizona Tarantula Hawk Guide Conclusion

Tarantula hawk wasps in Arizona might look intimidating, but with the right approach, you can keep them under control and keep your home free from these large pests. Whether it’s removing attractants or calling in the pros, there are plenty of ways to deal with these wasps effectively. And remember, no matter what Arizona pest you’re dealing with, at Blue Sky Pest Control, we have the experience and know-how to keep your home safe and secure.