advertisement
1 September 2025
Living in Arizona means accepting a fundamental truth: as one desert dweller puts it, “everything in the desert hates you.” The Sonoran Desert’s plant life seems designed to leave its mark on anyone who dares to venture too close. But what happens when these prickly cactus encounters become unavoidable, and how do you deal with the aftermath?
advertisement
Despite its name, jumping cholla doesn’t actually jump. However, its segments are so loosely attached and the barbed spines so effective at grabbing onto anything that brushes against them, it certainly seems like an aggressive plant. The spines are long, substantial, and designed by nature to be nearly impossible to remove once embedded. The barbed structure of cholla spines means they’re not coming out easily; they’re designed to hold their ground.
While cholla gets the bad reputation, many Arizona residents find themselves battling the tiny, nearly invisible glochids from prickly pear and bunny ears cacti. These microscopic barbs are translucent and embed themselves in skin so thoroughly that they’ve driven people to near “insanity” trying to remove them all.
Desert veterans swear by carrying a fine-toothed metal comb when venturing into cactus territory. The technique involves sliding the comb’s tines between the cactus segment and your skin, then flicking the entire piece away. This works particularly well for larger cholla segments that haven’t fully embedded.
While hot glue might seem appealing for its quick-setting properties, Arizona natives have been using safer glue methods for generations:
Elmer’s White Glue: The process is simple: apply a generous layer of white glue over the affected area, wait for it to dry completely (often 3-4 hours), then peel it off like a bandage. The dried glue captures the embedded spines and pulls them out en masse.
Why Not Hot Glue?: Hot glue is… hot. You’re already dealing with painful embedded spines; adding burns to the equation isn’t ideal. Even low-temperature glue guns can cause burns on sensitive, already-injured skin.
The Duct Tape Method
Many Arizonans carry duct tape specifically for cactus encounters. The strong adhesive can pull out many spines in one go, though it’s not as gentle as the glue method.
Some hikers recommend leg waxing strips as a more comfortable alternative, noting that “hospitals use wax” for this type of spine removal.
Some cactus encounters require more dramatic intervention.
Desert veterans emphasize that avoiding cactus encounters entirely is far better than dealing with removal:
advertisement
When in doubt, seek medical attention. Some spine removal is best left to professionals, especially when dealing with deep embedment or large areas of contact. Your local urgent care has likely seen it all when it comes to Arizona’s botanical hazards.
advertisement
When it comes to historical facts, Arizona is known for its Wild West days. However, Arizona holds a treasure trove of fascinating stories. Let’s dive into some of the coolest historical facts about Arizona that you may not know. advertisement 1. Phoenix Was Almost Named “Pumpkinville.” (Sort of) In the mid-1800s, when settlers first arrived in Phoenix, they found fields of pumpkins growing where the Hohokam Native tribes had once established an intricate system of canals. These canals had been built to irrigate crops, and when settlers came across them, they were impressed by the thriving agriculture in the region.
The “Wild West” period, often romanticized in literature and films, spanned only around 30 years, from roughly 1865 to 1895. This era is usually portrayed as chaotic, lawless, and filled with gunfights, cattle rustlers, and prospectors. But what made this period so unique and distinct from earlier years of westward expansion? Was it truly more wild than the decades that preceded it? And why does the end of the Civil War in 1865 seem to mark a significant turning point in this legendary chapter of American history? advertisement The Pre-Wild West: Westward Expansion Before 1865 Before the Civil War, the
Arizona is more than just desert landscapes and the Grand Canyon; it’s a state that stands out for a variety of reasons that set it apart from many other states in the U.S. Arizona has developed a reputation for embracing individuality and, in some cases, doing things better than some states. Let’s explore some of the things that make Arizona unique that you may not have known. advertisement 1. No Daylight Saving Time One of the most unique aspects of Arizona is that the state does not observe Daylight Saving Time (DST). While the rest of the country shifts its
Arizona is currently experiencing a period of remarkable growth. From adding jobs and increasing its population to welcoming more businesses, the state is solidifying its place as one of the fastest-growing regions in the country. Arizona’s transformation is not just a short-term trend; it’s a testament to strategic planning, smart policy-making, and an influx of motivated individuals looking to make Arizona their home. Here’s a closer look at why Arizona is on the rise. advertisement Booming Job Growth in Arizona In the last 10 years, Arizona added more than 380,000 new jobs, with the state’s job growth ranking fifth in
