The Creepiest and Most Disgusting Bugs You’ll Find In Utah

Utah is full of creepy crawlies, and some are worse than others, which is why locals and visitors need to be wary of them.  

As Spring comes closer and the weather begins to heat up, bugs will start to show themselves once again. Which means that watching out for creepy insects will be paramount to having a good time outdoors.  

If you are anything like me, insects are both fascinating and to be kept far, far away. So, as a fellow Utahn, here are all the bugs I keep an eye out for in the Utah wilds.  

Black Widow 

This is one of Utah’s worst inhabitants and they pop up in the darndest places. Black widows have a bite that's venomous to humans causing muscle spasms and stomach pains, Only in Your State said. Definitely avoid this spider at all costs.  

Blister Beetle 

For those who like beetles, this is one Utah beetle you shouldn’t get too close to. It’s in the name but touching it can result in a blister from the toxin the bug produces.  

Brown Recluse 

If you somehow haven’t heard of the brown recluse well, it's a probably one of the worst spiders around. The bite causes necrosis and is super painful and gross.  

Wolf Spider 

Though they are less “dangerous��� than the brown recluse, it would not be great to be bitten by one. Though they aren’t fond of biting humans it does happen, and they are super creepy looking as well.  

Mormon Cricket 

These guys are famous from a historical perspective of Utah. Allegedly, they came in swarms and ate the pioneer’s crops but were ultimately thwarted by seagulls. Though these guys aren’t a “threat” and eating crops is their biggest problem, they look super gross.  

Grass Spiders 

What is worse than a creepy looking spider? A creepy looking spider that can run FAST. Grass spiders aren’t dangerous but having one of these guys run at you would give you a heart attack.  

Rocky Mountain Wood Tick 

For campers and hikers, ticks are a well-known bug. However, they can suck the blood of anyone. These disgusting little creatures can latch on to your pets as well and sometimes leave behind a bacteria that can cause Lyme disease.  

Tarantulas 

Utah has a tarantula mating season which...is terrifying. No, these guys don’t usually bite humans, but they are big and hairy enough to be scary. When the mating season comes, some poor Utahns have been chased around their yard by male tarantulas searching for a mate.