|  | Bites Stings | Spider Bites

Facts About the Black Widow & the Brown Recluse

For many people, the mention of spiders sends chills down the back of the spine. What makes matters even worse is the reputation of the brown recluse or black widow. These two species of spider are poisonous to humans, and therefore thought of as a fearsome threat. It is important to understand about these spiders, so as to be able to distinguish truth from myth, and to stay safe.

  1. Brown Recluse

    • The brown recluse spider lives up to its name with its reclusive nature. These spiders like to hide in barns, sheds, wood piles and quiet, dark places of the home where they will be undisturbed. These spiders average about five-eighths of an inch in size, are tan to brown, and have a distinct violin-shaped pattern on their back. They also have six eyes as compared to the standard eight with spiders. The brown recluse is not aggressive by nature, and only bites to protect itself.

    Black Widow

    • The black widow spider earned its name from its deadly mating ritual, where it is know to kill and eat its mate. These spiders are the most venomous spider in North America, but only the female bites. Females have the characteristic red hourglass shape on their backs. These spiders are also found in cellars, wood piles and indoors, but are only about the size of a paperclip.

    Bites

    • A bite from either of these spiders is unpleasant, but is rarely deadly to humans. Small children, the elderly or sick people are those most at risk of complications from such bites. Basic symptoms for either bite begin with a pale, pimple-like center, surrounded by redness. Red rings, itching and or a rash may appear in the first 24 to 48 hour, followed by fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, muscle aches, difficulty breathing and increased blood pressure. After the first day or two, brown recluse bites begin to open, forming an ulcerated lesion. It is necessary in either case to get medical treatment as soon as possible.

    Preventing Bites

    • Spiders are excellent at hiding, making it necessary to always check items that have been stored before use. It is best to wear gloves when handling stored items and working around wood piles, in sheds or outside. This will minimize risk. Clothing should be kept off of the floor, and as a precaution, clothes or shoes should be shaken out before wearing them. Also, check beds thoroughly before crawling under the covers, so as not to wind up with unwanted bunk mates.

    Myths

    • Many untruths exist about these venomous spiders, and they do not live up to their bad reputation, according to scientific researcher Rick Vetter from the University of California. Vetter claims that most bites are misdiagnosed, that no human has ever died from a brown recluse bite, and only eight people have ever died from a black widow bite.

      Another myth about using pesticides to get rid of these spiders could actually pose a greater risk than co-existing with them. There is no proven, long-lasting way to get rid of these spiders. Many pesticides can be toxic to humans and animals, and repeated use can actually create chemical-resistant spiders.

Spider Bites - Related Articles