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
Among its many natural wonders, Arizona’s National Parks stand out as some of the most iconic and awe-inspiring places in the United States. These parks not only showcase the state’s geological and biological diversity but are also icons of the beauty of America’s natural heritage. Here’s a look at Arizona’s National Parks and what makes each one unique. advertisement 1. Grand Canyon National Park Best For: Iconic Views, Hiking, and Photography Arguably the most famous park in Arizona (and in the world), Grand Canyon National Park is an absolute must-see. The Grand Canyon spans 277 miles and is over a
Arizona is commonly known as the “Valley of the Sun” with over 300 days of sunshine a year. There are so many sunny days in Arizona that Phoenix has more sunshine days per year than any other metropolitan area in the country. In other words, if you suffer from Seasonal affective disorder, Arizona might be the state for you. The seasons are shorter and milder in Arizona (except perhaps for summer) — Arizona has an early spring with flowers blooming as early as January. Even the slightly chillier winter months won’t last long. Let’s find out what it’s like to
Arizona is famous for its desert landscapes, dramatic sunsets, and historic landmarks. But across the state, another form of art is quietly transforming walls, alleyways, and entire neighborhoods. Street art has become one of the most vibrant and accessible forms of creative expression in Arizona, turning ordinary buildings into outdoor galleries. From massive murals in downtown Phoenix to colorful installations in Tucson and unexpected pieces tucked into smaller towns, Arizona’s street art scene reflects the culture, history, and creativity of the communities that create it. advertisement Phoenix: A Growing Urban Canvas Phoenix has become the center of Arizona’s street art
Long before astronauts set foot on the lunar surface, scientists in Arizona were already studying it in remarkable detail. By the time President John F. Kennedy announced in 1961 that the United States would land a man on the moon before the end of the decade, researchers at the University of Arizona had already begun mapping the moon’s surface. Their work would prove critical to the success of NASA’s robotic missions and the historic Apollo landings. At the center of this effort was Gerard P. Kuiper, widely known as the father of modern planetary science. advertisement The Birth of Lunar
