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Blogs from May, 2020

spider bites on skin
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What do you know about spider bites? At Accurate Pest Control, we prefer answering this with another question. What should you know about spider bites? Firstly most spiders do not have mouthparts that are strong enough to puncture human skin. Out of the 40,000 different spider species found around the world, only a dozen can harm humans. The ones that are a potential harm to us are unlikely to bite unless their lives are in danger.

It is not possible to identify a spider bite. This is because common spider bites look just like other insect bites. It may be visible as a small, red, itchy spot on your skin. In a matter of days, it will be gone. The pain is usually no more than a bee sting and lasts for an hour or more. Most of the spiders found in the US and San Antonio are harmless. Having said that, the Black Widow spider bites and Brown Recluse spider bites are dangerous and could cause life-threatening situations to humans and animals alike. Bites of the Brown Recluse and Black Widow spiders require immediate medical attention.

THE BLACK WIDOW: The name itself sends bone-chilling shivers through your spine. The black Widow is one of the most hazardous spiders to human beings. The bite is painful and excruciating, causing chest and abdominal pain. The symptoms of envenomation are headaches, anxiety, numbness, muscle cramps, body pain, salivation, excessive sweating, and light sensitivity. A combination of most of these symptoms is known as Latrodectism. This is an illness caused by Black Widow and other related spider venom bites.

THE BROWN RECLUSE: This is the other spider found in San Antonio that can cause potential danger to humans. Currently, there is a high chance that you are living side-to-side with many of these spiders. The chances double if you live in the Midwest. You should not worry much because the chances of you being bitten by one are very rare. Even though the chances of being bitten are rare, these spiders are very dangerous. No deaths have been recorded from Brown Recluse bites in the USA. A Brown Recluse bite leaves the area around the bite deep blue or purple. Also, the pattern resembles a bull’s eye with a white inner wing and a large red outer ring. Sometimes blisters or ulcers develop, which turn black. People also develop body aches, rashes, fever, nausea, and vomiting. After healing, the bite of a Brown Recluse bite leaves a lifelong small scar on the skin.

The venom is necrotic (flesh-eating) at the bite area; this occurs only 1/10th of the time. If bitten, you should first try to identify the spider and, if possible, capture it.  You should wash the bite area with soap thoroughly to avoid infection. Apply an ice pack to the affected area to prevent swelling. This will help the medical staff and doctors determine the exact treatment quickly.

Have you frequently spotted spiders inside and around your house? At Accurate Pest Control, we provide a wide range of pest control services in San Antonio. Call us today to discuss the best home pest control remedy to prevent such dangerous spiders or any other pests from wreaking havoc in your lives and homes.