Black Widow and Brown Recluse: Bites to Avoid
Of all the spiders in the United States, there two are not only the most known, but also the most feared and with good reason. Their bites produce significant wounds that are different.
- The brown recluse bite is necrotic – its venom kills cells around the bite site and the wounds are often pitting and large. They usually leave scars and can affect bone, tendons, and even nerves.
- The black widow’s venom is a neurotoxin and can affect the nerve function throughout the body.
Two of the most feared and famous spiders in Texas are the black widow and the brown recluse species. There are many things that bite us and much of the time people relate those bites to either of these spiders. This blog discusses how you can help yourself and your family prevent bites from both the black widow and the brown recluse.
The Severity of Spider Bites
Most spiders bite us and little happens. The bite and the site following might be painful and may even swell, but the black widow’s bite is very dangerous. So dangerous that most Emergency Rooms carry antivenom to help counter the effects. A key to treatment is to bring the spider to the ER with you so that they can positively identify it. These two spiders are given credit for many bites and the antivenom should only be administered as needed.
What Can You Do?
The best thing to do is to avoid being bitten and in that department there is a lot you can do. The biggest goal is to just be aware that these spiders can be around your home, yard, garage, and sheds. They are also found in refuse piles.
A good habit to form is to check your shoes and gloves before putting them on your feet and hands. These types of clothing are perfect places for nest building by both types of spiders. Brown recluse are fond of clothing that is laying on the floor and then when you put it on, the spider bites you.
Learn about these spiders – Knowledge is power. These are not spiders that hunt us or feed on us; they bite us out of defense and that is a situation we can avoid if we are careful.
To learn more about spider control around your home and yard, give us a call. We provide complete pest control services throughout the Bryan and College Station area.
