Potentially Harmful Pests to Watch for in Meridian, Idaho
Meridian and the surrounding Treasure Valley are home to a wide range of insects and arachnids. Most stay outdoors and are actually helpful in the landscape—but a few uncommon “surprise visitors” can alarm homeowners when they show up in garages, sheds, patios, or along fence lines.
This guide covers three pests people occasionally report in Meridian, Boise, Nampa, Caldwell, and nearby areas: bark crab spiders, assassin bugs, and wind scorpions (solifugids). You’ll learn what they are, why you might see them, and what to do if you find one.
Quick Safety Note (Especially for Kids & Pets)
- Don’t handle unknown bugs with bare hands. Use a cup-and-card method or gloves.
- Avoid crushing pests indoors. It can create stains/odors and doesn’t solve the entry issue.
- Seek medical care right away if someone has trouble breathing, swelling of the face/lips/throat, severe dizziness, or widespread hives after a bite or sting.
1) Bark Crab Spiders (Crab Spiders)
What they are: Crab spiders are named for their wide stance and crab-like movement. They’re often found outdoors on bark, fences, shrubs, flowers, and landscape plants where they ambush other insects.
Are they dangerous? Crab spiders are not aggressive and bites are uncommon. Most encounters are simply startling because they can look “big” up close.
What to do if you find one:
- Gently capture it with a cup and slide paper/cardboard underneath.
- Release it outdoors away from doors and play areas.
- Check door thresholds and garage weatherstripping if you’re seeing them repeatedly.
Reduce repeat sightings: Trim shrubs back from siding, keep exterior lights off when not needed (lights attract insects, which attract spiders), and clear clutter near entries.
2) Assassin Bugs (Including “Wheel Bugs”)
What they are: Assassin bugs are outdoor predators that feed on other insects. They’re usually found in gardens, landscaping, and near porch lights where prey gathers.
Why they worry people: Assassin bugs can deliver a painful defensive bite if they’re grabbed, pinned, or handled. They are not looking to bite people—most bites happen when someone tries to pick one up.
What to do if you see one:
- Do not handle it. Use a container to relocate it outdoors.
- Keep kids from poking at it on patios, play sets, or near door frames.
- Reduce night insect activity (and the predators that follow) by limiting bright exterior lighting.
Important: “Assassin bug” is a broad category. If you suspect a kissing bug specifically (more common in the southern U.S. than Idaho), take a clear photo and get it identified before assuming risk.
3) Wind Scorpions (Solifugids / Sun Spiders)
What they are: Wind scorpions (also called solifugids or “sun spiders”) are fast-moving arachnids that live outdoors in dry, sheltered areas—under rocks, along foundations, in wood piles, and sometimes in garages.
Myths vs. reality: Despite the nickname, they are not true scorpions and they don’t have a scorpion tail/stinger. They can still bite if handled, so the best approach is simple: don’t pick them up.
What to do if one gets inside:
- Use a cup/container to capture it (avoid bare hands).
- Release outdoors away from the structure.
- Seal gaps under doors and along garage corners where they may slip inside.
How to Reduce Unwanted Encounters Around Your Home
- Seal entry points: door sweeps, weatherstripping, utility penetrations, and foundation cracks.
- Reduce hiding areas: move firewood away from the home, keep weeds down, and remove debris against siding.
- Manage night lighting: fewer insects around lights = fewer predators following them.
- Keep screens in good shape: repair torn window/vent screens and ensure attic vents are intact.
Related pages: Pest Resources | Meridian Service Area | Contact Us
When to Contact a Professional
It’s a good idea to schedule an inspection if:
- You’re seeing repeated activity indoors (especially in basements/garages)
- You can’t identify what you’re seeing and want peace of mind
- You have bite concerns, small children, or pets frequently in the area
- You suspect entry points or moisture issues are attracting pests
Pestcom Pest Management provides inspections and targeted treatment plans for homes across Meridian and the Treasure Valley, with an emphasis on practical prevention and long-term results.