I thought it was just some fuzz stuck to my seatbelt, but then it moved.
What happened next made me tremble and look at every part of my car more closely than I ever had before. These bugs were not like the others. They went quickly, concealed in the tiniest spaces, and somehow stayed entirely out of sight—
Until they stopped. They had already taken over by the time I figured out what was going on. Do you think your car is free of bugs? Try again. These things don’t knock; they just creep in without making a sound.
The first one showed up in the most unexpected place, just between the seatbelt and the upholstery. Then I saw another one at the door hinge and another one in the rear. Out of nowhere, my car seemed like a place where something scary was hiding.
At first, I thought they were just dead bugs, but when I looked closer, I noticed that they had pincers, long legs, and a creepy face that belonged to Solifugae, also known as camel spiders, sun spiders, or wind scorpions. They look like aliens, which is enough to scare anyone, but they aren’t real spiders or scorpions. The good news is? They don’t have poison in them. The bad news? You will wish you had never let them in since their bite is so awful.
What to Expect If You Get Bitten:
A lot of pain at the site of the bite.
Swelling and redness that can happen rapidly
There is a chance of infection because there are bacteria on their jaws.
In rare circumstances, bites that aren’t handled can damage tissue.
And of course, just knowing that these horrible bugs bit you makes you feel a lot of stress.
How to Keep These Unwanted Passengers from Getting on Your Ride:
Clean your house using a vacuum often and well, especially in tight spaces and beneath seats.
Fill up any minor gaps around the windows and doors.
Don’t park near dry brush, sandy regions, or shady areas where they like to hide.
Spray peppermint or citrus oils about your automobile to keep pests away.
Avoid leaving food or trash in the car, as these items attract bugs, which in turn attract predators.
If the problem gets worse, don’t be afraid to call a pest control company.
Why This Made Me So Scared:
What bothered me the most wasn’t just how fast or terrifying they seemed; it was how easily they merged into the background. I just saw the first one because I was putting on my seatbelt. What if one had climbed on me while I was driving? Just thinking about that made me shiver.
If you park outside or live in a dry, dusty environment, examine your car carefully before getting in. Nature doesn’t always declare itself; sometimes it sneaks in and waits quietly for the next trip.
Last Thoughts:
Finding a solifugae in my car was more than simply an unpleasant surprise; it was a clear reminder of how quickly nature can get into our lives.
These creepy, fast-moving bugs might not be poisonous, but their bites can nevertheless hurt a lot and make you worry. More significantly, their presence means that the area is good for pests, and pests bring predators.
Monitoring cleanliness, sealing off entry points, and using natural repellents can help you prevent an unwanted infestation. Before you put on your seatbelt, make sure there isn’t anything scary already there.