In every acre of grasslands there can be up to 2 million spiders. Spiders do a service in nature by helping to control other insect populations. Worldwide there are more that 100,000 different types of spiders. This is a very disturbing thought for those of us who don’t feel comfortable in the company of Arachnids. Of all the many types of spiders in the United States, only two are considered venomous to humans, and they seldom bother humans unless they are provoked. They are the Black Widow and the Brown Recluse. The Poison Control Center receives many calls about spider bites year-round. Most victims usually ask, "How do I tell if the spider is poisonous?" and, "What kinds of symptoms can I expect?"
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Black Widow- The female Black Widow spider can inflict a toxic bite on humans. She is given her name because of her color and because she devours her male partners, making herself a "widow." This shiny, black spider is 8 to 10 millimeters long and has a distinct reddish hour-glass shaped mark on her abdomen. The Black Widow's bite feels like a pin prick. Two small red spots may appear on the skin where the bite occurred. The venom contains a toxin that affects the nervous system.
Symptoms- Occur within 30 minutes to two hours after the bite. You may notice severe back pain and muscle cramps, a rigid sensation in the abdomen, nausea, vomiting, sweating, restlessness and, in some cases, elevated blood pressure. The maximum effect usually occurs three hours after the bite, but in severe cases, pain may persist for several days. Fatalities are extremely rare. Most people recover completely as long as they get treatment.
Treatment- Includes pain relievers, fluids and tetanus shots. Anti-venom is normally used for high-risk cases and multiple bites.
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Brown Recluse Spider - This spider is more prevalent on the East Coast than the Black Widow. Its bite tends to cause serious effects. It has a brownish tint and likes to hide in dark, secluded places; hence, the name Brown Recluse. This spider is about the size of a Black Widow in body length, has a leg span of 20-30 millimeters (1 inch) and has a violin-shaped marking on its back. The venom of the Brown Recluse contains chemicals which cause severe tissue damage.
Symptoms - The bite of the Brown Recluse is initially painless. After a few hours, you may experience itching, tingling, redness, and pain at the location of the bite, where a lesion will begin to form. This lesion resembles several red rings encircling white areas, radiating from a white central blister; it is often referred to as a "bull's eye" or "target" lesion. This lesion is usually fully evident within 8 hours of the bite and is helpful in diagnosing a Brown Recluse bite. If untreated, the lesion may blister, ulcerate and eventually result in dead tissue. Skin grafting procedures may be required to repair the damage.
If left untreated, the Brown Recluse bite may eventually affect major organ systems. The symptoms will be evident within 12-24 hours and may include fever, chills, headache and gastrointestinal upset. Later, bleeding disorders or kidney failure may result.
Treatment - Brown Recluse bites require prompt medical attention. The healing of the lesion may take weeks or months, depending on the severity. Currently, there is no available antidote for Brown Recluse bites.
Be Alert - Spiders are often found in dark corners, but can be found about anywhere. Wear gloves and a tight fitting long-sleeved garment if you are going to be cleaning out dark corners basements, closets, attics, garages or sheds. And remember to stay alert when you are working in these conditions.
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