You switch on the garage light and something big, pale and fast shoots across the floor. Your first thought: camel spider. Your second: how do I get out of here?
Take a breath. Camel spiders are probably the most misunderstood creature in the Gulf. Stories about them screaming, chasing people and eating camels have been passed around for decades, and almost none of it is true. In this guide, we’ll separate fact from fiction, explain whether camel spiders in the UAE are dangerous, and tell you what to do if one turns up at home.
What Is a Camel Spider? (Hint: It’s Not Actually a Spider)
Here’s the surprise. A camel spider is not a true spider. It belongs to a separate group of arachnids called Solifugae, and it goes by many names: sun spider, wind scorpion and solifuge.
The key differences from real spiders:
- No silk. Camel spiders can’t spin webs.
- No venom. True spiders inject venom. Camel spiders don’t have venom glands.
- Huge jaws. They have large, pincer-like mouthparts (chelicerae) used to grab and cut up prey.
They’re also not scorpions, even though people call them wind scorpions. They have no stinger and no tail. If you’re also seeing scorpions, our scorpion control page explains how to tell them apart.
What Do Camel Spiders Look Like? Size, Legs and Jaws
Camel spiders are usually pale tan to sandy brown, which helps them blend into desert ground. They look hairy and have a distinct head section with those oversized jaws.
- Size: most are only a few centimetres long. The photos you see online with huge legs are usually tricks of angle and hands.
- “Ten legs” look: they have eight walking legs plus two leg-like pedipalps at the front that they use to feel and grab. That’s why they look like they have extra limbs.
- Speed: they’re very fast over short distances, but nowhere near the speeds claimed in myths.
Most of the ones found in homes are small to medium, and they’re often active at night because they’re hunting insects.
Are Camel Spiders Dangerous? Venom, Bites and Facts
Short answer: no, camel spiders are not dangerous to healthy adults. They have no venom and they aren’t aggressive towards people.
That said, they can bite if you pick them up or trap them. Their jaws are strong, so a bite can be painful and can break the skin. The main risk is a wound that gets infected, the same as any cut.
So while a camel spider bite isn’t poisonous or venomous, it’s still sensible to leave them alone, especially around children and pets. For a look at truly venomous species, see our guide to venomous spiders.
Camel Spider Myths vs Facts
| Myth | Fact |
|---|---|
| They scream when they run | No. Camel spiders can’t scream. They may make a hissing sound by rubbing their jaws. |
| They chase people | They run toward shade, and sometimes your shadow offers it. They aren’t hunting you. |
| They eat the stomachs of camels and sleeping people | This is a long-running legend. Camel spiders eat insects, termites and small lizards or rodents. |
| Their venom is deadly | They have no venom. |
| They’re enormous, with legs as long as a dinner plate | Most are only a few centimetres in body length. |
| They’re a sign of a serious infestation | Not necessarily. They usually follow insects, so the real issue is whatever they are eating. |
Where Are Camel Spiders Found in the UAE?
Camel spiders live in dry and desert areas across the Middle East, including the UAE. They’re most often reported:
- In villas, farms and compounds close to desert edges
- In warehouses, labour camps and construction sites
- In gardens, car parks and garages with bright lights
They’re attracted to lights because lights attract insects, and insects are their food. If you want the bigger picture of what lives around Dubai homes, read our Dubai insects guide and our guide to spiders found in Dubai.
Camel spiders are often mixed up with other Dubai residents. A huntsman spider is a true spider that is big, flat and fast, while a jumping spider is tiny and hops. Neither is a camel spider, and neither is a serious danger to people.
Why Do Camel Spiders Come Into Homes? (And How to Keep Them Out)
There are three usual reasons: food, shelter and shade. Here’s how to cut all three:
- Reduce insects. Fewer insects means fewer visitors. Look at ants, cockroaches and crickets first.
- Switch outdoor lights to warm bulbs and keep them away from doors. Bright white lights draw insects in.
- Seal gaps under doors, around pipes and AC ducts. Install door sweeps.
- Clear clutter in garages, storerooms and gardens, where they hide during the day.
- Check screens and vents on ground-floor windows.
What to Do If You Find a Camel Spider at Home
Safe removal:
- Don’t grab it with your hands.
- Place a container over it, slide a stiff card underneath, and release it outside, away from the house.
- Keep children and pets away while you do it.
If you’re bitten:
- Wash the wound with soap and water and apply antiseptic.
- Cover it with a clean dressing.
- See a doctor if the wound is deep, keeps bleeding, or shows signs of infection like swelling, warmth, pus or fever. In the UAE, call 998 (ambulance) or 999 for emergencies.
When to Call Professional Pest Control in Dubai
One camel spider is usually not a reason to panic. But if you see them repeatedly, find them in bedrooms or children’s areas, or notice lots of insects around your property, it’s time to act. Spraying the visible spider won’t solve the real problem, which is the food supply.
Our technicians [confirm: add experience, licensing and DM approval details] inspect your property, find out what’s drawing the insects in, and treat entry points and harbourage areas. Take a look at our spider pest control service or request a quote by calling +971 56 968 6078 or messaging us on WhatsApp +971 56 968 6078. For year-round protection, ask about an annual pest control contract. Looking for dependable pest control in Dubai? We’re ready to help.
Frequently Asked Questions About Camel Spiders
Are camel spiders poisonous or venomous?
Neither. Camel spiders have no venom glands. Their bite is mechanical, from strong jaws, and can be painful.
Are camel spiders dangerous to humans?
Not to healthy adults. They avoid people and only bite when handled or cornered. Clean any bite and watch for infection.
Are camel spiders real spiders?
No. They are arachnids from the order Solifugae, related to spiders and scorpions but a separate group.
Do camel spiders live in Dubai and the UAE?
Yes, camel spiders are found in desert and semi-desert areas of the UAE, and sometimes enter homes near those areas.
Why do camel spiders run at people?
They’re usually running toward your shadow for shade, or chasing insects around your feet. They aren’t attacking.
Can camel spiders climb walls?
They can climb rough surfaces and are surprisingly agile, but they mostly stay on the ground.
How do I get rid of camel spiders?
Remove their food (insects), turn off bright lights near doors, seal gaps and clear clutter. For repeat visits, book a professional inspection.
