Bugs and spiders in Hawaii

What to watch for in Hawaii

The brown widow is established in Hawaii. Its bites are usually much milder than black widow bites, but it is a true widow and easy to confuse with a young black widow, so get medical advice after a bite. Western black widow records exist, though it is not known to live here, and sightings are often misidentifications or hitchhikers. Call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222 for a worrying bite.

The brown dog tick is established. It mainly feeds on dogs and can breed indoors, and it bites people less often. The house mosquito and yellow fever mosquito are both established and rated Be careful. The cockroaches people see most, American, German and brown-banded, are rated Be careful as well.

Through the year

Spring

Most bugs on Hawaii's list can turn up in any month. Rough sowbugs and pill bugs come inside most after long rainy spells, and woodlouse spiders wander in with them.

Summer

American cockroaches are most noticeable in warm weather, and mosquitoes breed in any standing water left after rain.

Fall

Greenhouse millipedes come out after heavy rain, and spotted orbweavers build large webs near porch lights and doorways.

Winter

German and brown-banded cockroaches live indoors and stay active all year, and so can brown dog ticks in homes with dogs.