I thought there was just some fluff on my seatbelt—until it moved. That’s when I realized my car was full of Solifugae, also known as camel spiders, sun spiders, or wind scorpions.
They aren’t poisonous, but their speed, scary appearance, and painful bite can still frighten anyone.
The first spider was hiding between my seatbelt and the seat. Soon, I found more in the backseat and around the door hinges. They blended in so well, they were hard to notice.
Their bites can cause sharp pain, swelling, redness, and may lead to infection if not treated.
To keep them out, clean your car well with a vacuum and seal any gaps. Avoid parking in dry, bushy places where they live. You can also use natural repellents like peppermint or citrus oil.
And don’t leave food in your car—other pests might come for it and bring these spiders with them.
This was a scary reminder that nature can slip in quietly, ready to hitch a ride.