I thought a bit of fuzz was stuck in my seatbelt—until it twitched. That movement revealed a nightmare: my car was invaded by Solifugae, also called camel spiders, sun spiders, or wind scorpions.

Not venomous, but still unsettling, these fast, eerie-looking creatures can deliver a painful bite. The first one hid between my seatbelt and the upholstery. Soon, I saw more near the backseat and door hinges, blending perfectly with the car’s interior.

Their bites bring sharp pain, swelling, redness, and possible infection if untreated.

To protect your car, vacuum it thoroughly and seal cracks where pests could enter. Avoid parking in dry, brushy areas where they thrive. Natural repellents like peppermint or citrus oil can help, and keeping food out of the car removes a key attraction for other pests that might lure them inside.

This unsettling encounter was a chilling reminder: nature doesn’t always announce its presence. Sometimes, it slips in quietly, waiting for its next ride.