Life in Texas can be full of surprises. Wild weather, bigger-than-life personalities, and apparently, guests who can’t handle eight-legged visitors. One Texas Airbnb host recently learned that “hosting” sometimes means answering emergency texts. Some that have absolutely nothing to do with plumbing or check-in times. What started as a normal night soon turned into a hilarious and oddly heartwarming rescue mission.
Airbnb host and TikTok user, @Mordecai, who rents out his Texas property, thought his evening would be peaceful. That illusion shattered around 11:08 p.m. when he received a desperate message from his long-term guest, Luciana. Her plea for help sounded serious. Until he read the rest. The emergency? A spider.
Image Source: @Mordecai/TikTok
Luciana explained she had arachnophobia and couldn’t bring herself to go near the uninvited eight-legged intruder. Rather than laugh it off, Mordecai jumped into action. Or, more accurately, called in reinforcements.
Because he was too far away from the Texas property at the time, he sent his parents to handle the spider crisis. They arrived, eliminated the problem. And saved the day. All while Mordecai jokingly declared that it was “just another night earning that Superhost badge.”
While it’s easy to chuckle at the thought of calling in backup over a spider, arachnophobia is no joke. It’s one of the most common phobias in the world. And yes, many Texans deal with it, too. For someone like Luciana, facing a spider can trigger real panic. Rapid heartbeat, sweating, shaking, and a genuine sense of terror.
When Fear of Spiders Is No Laughing Matter
This fear isn’t just “grossed out” energy. It’s a full-blown physical response that can leave a person frozen in place. So, while the idea of summoning your Airbnb host’s parents might sound funny. It’s actually a very real reaction for someone who feels cornered by their fear. In short, that spider wasn’t just an unwelcome guest. It was a nightmare come to life.
“Please help me” you know that sentenced was typed out with weight,” one commenter claims.
“As someone with arachnophobia… I would’ve done the same exact thing,” another adds.
When all was said and done, Luciana left a glowing review for her Texas Airbnb host, praising both Mordecai and his parents for being kind, patient, and incredibly helpful. She noted how safe and cared for she felt throughout her month-long stay. Something that clearly stood out to travelers online.
The video Mordecai shared of the exchange quickly went viral, racking up hundreds of thousands of views. Commenters applauded him for going above and beyond. Some joke that single female travelers everywhere would be booking his place next.
For those who don’t know, Airbnb’s Superhost status is a badge of honor for top-tier hosts. It rewards consistent five-star reviews, quick responses, and a high level of reliability. While “spider-killing” doesn’t technically appear on Airbnb’s checklist. It’s safe to say Mordecai went above and beyond the call of duty.
Being a Superhost in Texas apparently means more than clean sheets and local restaurant tips. Sometimes, it means protecting your guests from the tiniest threats with a big dose of southern kindness. In the end, this Texas Airbnb story isn’t just about one spider or one scared guest. It’s about empathy, humor, and the unexpected moments that remind us there’s still plenty of good out there.
Emma Taylor 
Sofia Bassett 
