I couldn’t believe my eyes when I spotted the first one — wedged between the seatbelt strap and the upholstery. Then another one near the backseat. And one more by the door hinge. These things were everywhere in my car.
At first, I thought they were just some kind of dried insect. But when I looked closer… those pincers, the long legs, the slightly terrifying face — I knew I needed answers.
So I Googled it.
Turns out, they’re Solifugae, more commonly known as camel spiders, wind scorpions, or sun spiders. And no, they’re not spiders or scorpions — but something in between. Technically, they belong to the order Solifugae, and while they don’t have venom, they can bite — and it hurts.
What Happens If They Bite You?
While Solifugae aren’t poisonous to humans, their bite can still cause real pain and damage, including:
- Intense localized pain and swelling
- Risk of infection due to bacteria from their jaws
- Rare cases of necrosis (tissue damage) if untreated
- Psychological distress (yes, they’re that creepy)
How to Keep Them Out of Your Car:
- Vacuum your car regularly, especially under seats and in tight crevices.
- Seal cracks or gaps in doors and windows.
- Park in cleaner, drier areas — these critters love warm, dry spots but also hide in shady places during the day.
- Use essential oils like peppermint or citrus — the smell may repel them.
- Don’t leave food or wrappers in the car; it may attract other bugs, which in turn attract predators like Solifugae.
- If infestation persists, consult a pest control professional.
Why It Freaked Me Out
What made this experience even worse is how well they blend in. The one in the photo? I only noticed it because I was buckling my seatbelt. Imagine if it had crawled on me while I was driving…
So yeah — check your car, especially if you park outdoors or in areas with dry brush or sand nearby.
Sometimes, nature doesn’t just knock… it crawls right in.