Automaker Mazda is recalling more than 65,000 cars in the United States, Canada and Mexico.  A small spider has decided to make certain Mazda 6S cars its new home.  This has to be the strangest reason for a recall ever.

The yellow sac spider has been nesting in the fuel hoses of some Mazdas, weaving small sacs in rubber hoses attached to the cars’ fuel tank system, blocking ventilation and causing pressure that could lead to cracks, gas leaks and in the worst-case scenario a fire.  The Japanese automaker reports there have been no serious incidents related to the bizarre spider infestations.

The spider is common to households but it is unknown what is causing the insects to choose a particular car brand for their new residence.  “We really don’t know how they’re getting in,” said Mazda spokesman Jeremy Barnes. “This is a really strange case.”

Some are speculating that the spiders are attracted to the smell of gasoline, however bug experts say there is not much science behind it.  “I think gas would kill them if they came in contact with it, and if they were attracted to it we would have found out years ago,” said Rick Vetter, a Long Island native and University of California, Riverside researcher who is one of the nation’s most prominent entomologists.  “I do a lot of myth busting regarding spiders, and it’s really amazing the amount of insanity that gets generated about these things,” he said.

University of Nebraska-Lincoln entomologist Barb Ogg agrees. “It doesn’t make any sense to me. They like to spend their time in little tight spaces, so I think it’s more likely related to how [the fuel system] constructed,” she said.

The company said it will notify owners of affected cars this month.  Dealers will inspect and clean out the fuel lines if necessary.

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About the author

Erin Chavez
Erin Whitney-Chavez has been writing professionally since 2009. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts from St. Bonaventure University and received a Master of Arts in mental-health counseling from Argosy University. Erin Whitney-Chavez is a licensed mental health counselor and has worked in the mental-health field for more than 10 years.

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