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.