Spiders not so bad

[Gazrok]

Finally happened. I've seen Brown Widows (yes, Brown) plenty of times on the property. I typically try and kill them on sight. I seriously doubt they could do much to a horse, but since the boarders wouldn't want them around, I get rid of them. The Brown is like the "light" version of the Black one. It's brown with an orangish hourglass instead of black with red. (and to me, they seem "slower" on the uptake than a Black).

Finally got bit by one. I'm not sure when, but had to be in the last day or so, when I saw them, and was killing them by hand (something I've done often enough, but now, apparently, that's the best way to ensure one of 'em bites you....so shoe from now on).

Now, I've been bit by a Brown Recluse at least 3 times already. Other than the little scar from the necropsy, not really a thing. They sure have a MUCH more fearsome reputation, but the actual threat from them is very, very small.

I've seen the Southern Black Widow a few times here too, and killed those.

The other day though, were quite a few of them (the Brown Widows), when I was fixing the tractor. Now I've got a nice red spot on my thumb where a little ******* bit me... Not much will come of that though, just stings a bit, no other symptoms. The web says I should have sought medical help immediately, but that seems a bit overly dramatic...lol. Maybe if I had some of the others....but I'm pretty hardy against these kinds of things. (Even made myself pretty much immune to stinging nettles, over the course of a year).

Just a note that folks should really read up on these themselves. It's amazing how much info we THINK we know, is so patently false, and these guys are a prime example. Before being out here, I would have panicked at the mere thought of these guys, but the reality is far from what we were led to believe here. Makes you wonder how much else is pure bull, that we all take for granted.

 

[Brent S]

Finally happened. I've seen Brown Widows (yes, Brown) plenty of times on the property. I typically try and kill them on sight. I seriously doubt they could do much to a horse, but since the boarders wouldn't want them around, I get rid of them. The Brown is like the "light" version of the Black one. It's brown with an orangish hourglass instead of black with red. (and to me, they seem "slower" on the uptake than a Black).

Finally got bit by one. I'm not sure when, but had to be in the last day or so, when I saw them, and was killing them by hand (something I've done often enough, but now, apparently, that's the best way to ensure one of 'em bites you....so shoe from now on).

Now, I've been bit by a Brown Recluse at least 3 times already. Other than the little scar from the necropsy, not really a thing. They sure have a MUCH more fearsome reputation, but the actual threat from them is very, very small.

I've seen the Southern Black Widow a few times here too, and killed those.

The other day though, were quite a few of them (the Brown Widows), when I was fixing the tractor. Now I've got a nice red spot on my thumb where a little ******* bit me... Not much will come of that though, just stings a bit, no other symptoms. The web says I should have sought medical help immediately, but that seems a bit overly dramatic...lol. Maybe if I had some of the others....but I'm pretty hardy against these kinds of things. (Even made myself pretty much immune to stinging nettles, over the course of a year).

Just a note that folks should really read up on these themselves. It's amazing how much info we THINK we know, is so patently false, and these guys are a prime example. Before being out here, I would have panicked at the mere thought of these guys, but the reality is far from what we were led to believe here. Makes you wonder how much else is pure bull, that we all take for granted.

Sounds like you’re lucky and do have a good immune system to deal with these bites. I have seen some nasty wounds from the brown recluse, and for some people it does need medical attention. Glad you’re ok with them as Florida definitely has its share of them. I don’t have any personal experience with the widdo spiders, but generally do my best to avoid all types of them. Creepy little buggars.... I have no fear of snakes, scorpions, or many other animals, but furry spiders are my kryptonite!

 

[Dani]

Also depends where on your body the bite happend. My sis was bit on the neck by a brown recluse years ago when she was living at the college dorms. Very nasty vein markings on her neck that ran from her face to chest area. Where the initial bite was, her skin rotted, think it was about a half dollar size and her esophagus was closing up so she had to be hospitalized for almost a week. Had she not gotten medical attention she could have very well died from it. She was lucky that the vein markings did eventually go away and only a very small scar at the original bite was left.

I'm sure everyone's immune systems will react differently, but you need to be very careful around these poisonous spiders. They are not nice.

 

[Gazrok]

Can't escape them here. They are everywhere. Before moving out here, my wife had arachnophobia bad. Needless to say, she's mostly over it now. She wanted me to go to the doc, and I'm like, this likely happened a couple days back. I'm sure if I had gotten enough venom to do anything, we'd know it by now.

 

[Gazrok]

Where the initial bite was, her skin rotted, think it was about a half dollar size and her esophagus was closing up so she had to be hospitalized for almost a week.

Yikes!

I have about a dime-sized spot of necrosis (rotted skin) when I was bit on the back of my shin, by a Recluse. Another small spot (smaller than a dime) of it on my right hand, when bit another time. Those areas now are mostly a discolored skin scar. Probably others I'm not even aware of. There's a lot of times the wife will see a scar or injury on me, that I wasn't even aware I had...lol.

 

[DrPrepper1]

Sounds like you’re lucky and do have a good immune system to deal with these bites. I have seen some nasty wounds from the brown recluse, and for some people it does need medical attention. Glad you’re ok with them as Florida definitely has its share of them. I don’t have any personal experience with the widdo spiders, but generally do my best to avoid all types of them. Creepy little buggars.... I have no fear of snakes, scorpions, or many other animals, but furry spiders are my kryptonite!

I am fine with spiders and snakes, but birds and frogs ( I know neither one can hurt me). They are my kryptonite. ... especially black birds. I have Alfred Hitchcock to thank for that.

 

[Maverick]

We don't have the Brown Recluse here but do have the Hobo, Wolf, Black Widow and Yellow Sac spiders, I'm not overly concerned, I'm been bit from them except the wolf spider, the Widow made me a little weak but not sick.

 

[user 7704]

Amazing that you posted this. I was getting ready to ask question.....

Yesterday my son and I got into a spider's nest and babies were all over us.

Last night I got a rash over most of my body and there is one spot on my collar bone, that is hurting like hell, swollen and I am now running a low fever. I'm wearing sweats and socks and it's 86°.

Anyone ever been like this.

 

[Dani]

Amazing that you posted this. I was getting ready to ask question.....

Yesterday my son and I got into a spider's nest and babies were all over us.

Last night I got a rash over most of my body and there is one spot on my collar bone, that is hurting like hell, swollen and I am now running a low fever. I'm wearing sweats and socks and it's 86°.

Anyone ever been like this.

maybe an allergic reaction since you broke out with a rash. Do you have benadryl?

 

[user 7704]

maybe an allergic reaction since you broke out with a rash. Do you have benadryl?

Yes, I've been waiting for bedtime.

 

[Brent S]

Yes, I've been waiting for bedtime.

I would immediately take at least two Benadryl, maybe three, and then just keep an eye on yourself and son. If anything gets worse then you see a Dr. Speaking of, ever notice that whenever anything happens it’s always on a weekend when it’s harder to get care.

 

[user 7704]

I would immediately take at least two Benadryl, maybe three, and then just keep an eye on yourself and son. If anything gets worse then you see a Dr. Speaking of, ever notice that whenever anything happens it’s always on a weekend when it’s harder to get care.

Internet says the pain doesn't usually start for 8 or so hours. Exactly what happened to me.

My husband has radio tonight so I'm waiting closer to the time he will be home. Don't want to be out of it with my son awake. He woyld never do anything, but it's a mommy thing.

 

[user 7704]

I've been up since 5 a.m. with an ice pack.

It's amazing how much pain. That little %&#%#*#% can cause.

My fever is at 100°. The spiders we brushed off us were tiny. I have no idea what type they were.

 

[Brent S]

I've been up since 5 a.m. with an ice pack.

It's amazing how much pain. That little %&#%#*#% can cause.

My fever is at 100°. The spiders we brushed off us were tiny. I have no idea what type they were.

Sorry your having so much trouble and pain. My best advice is still Benadryl, and maybe a walk in clinic? I would say to at least keep a close eye out for infection at the bite site.

 

[user 7704]

If I see the bullseye they talk about, I will definately go.

I'm doing everything the sites say except for antibodies so I guess it will just take time.

 

[Brent S]

If I see the bullseye they talk about, I will definately go.

I'm doing everything the sites say except for antibodies so I guess it will just take time.

Good luck and no matter what else, keep a close eye on it and how you feel. Oh, and buy some raid....

 

[user 6493]

there is nothing in the USA to deadly in the way of bugs,,,I pay little attention to them

 

[user 7704]

there is nothing in the USA to deadly in the way of bugs,,,I pay little attention to them

I leave them alone. The catch flies and mosquitos.

I love the yellow and black garden spiders. We call them zipper spiders because of the distinctive weave in the middle of the web

 

[user 7704]

Note to self:

When a rash spreads to ALL parts of the body, do not scratch with Icy Hot on your hand.

Ouch......FIREEEEE

 

[user 7704]

My fever is back. Probably going to run by my friend's clinic just to check it out.

 

[Gazrok]

Good thinking. I'm with Brent on the Benadryl. It really sounds like an allergic reaction. Like you, I actually like the spiders around for doing what they do (keeping the flies down). But venomous spiders are the exception.

Allergen ones too, would make the list of kill on sight. Hope you feel better!

 

[user 7704]

UPDATE. I went to doctor and he doesn't think I have a spider bite, but Shingles.

Boo, hiss, hiss

 

[DrHenley]

UPDATE. I went to doctor and he doesn't think I have a spider bite, but Shingles.

OUCH!

 

[Gazrok]

That sucks. Chicken Pox, the gift that keeps on giving.... I remember when my brother got it. Luckily, doc said I had the virus (or whatever it is), but didn't manifest any symptoms back then. If I recall right, basically what Shingles is, a form of the pox you can get later on. (or maybe I'm not remembering what it is right).

 

[user 7704]

Yes, same virus, Herpes Zoster
That just sounds nasty. Lol
It can also last quite a while.
I have been given an antiviral, steroid shot and in case of infection later, antibiotics .
I'll save the antibiotics for my constant sinus infections caused by polyps.
I'm lucky as far as pain. It's not driving me crazy

 

[Gazrok]

That's good at least.

 

[Dani]

UPDATE. I went to doctor and he doesn't think I have a spider bite, but Shingles.

Boo, hiss, hiss

I think I would have rather the spider bite. . . At least that is short lived in comparison. Sorry to hear it. Son 2 has shingles in his early 30s. It's not nice.

 

[user 7704]

I think I would have rather the spider bite. . . At least that is short lived in comparison. Sorry to hear it. Son 2 has shingles in his early 30s. It's not nice.

My daughter had shingles when she was 9. I was shocked, but the pediatrician said he saw about one case per month.

She was miserable. Said it was like electric current any time she touched it.

She would soak in tub at 2 or 3 a.m. because she couldn't sleep. I'm lucky so far.

 

[Kevin L]

When it come to spider bites...I'm pretty casual about it and tend to view the dangers (they do exist) as grossly overestimated.

I've seen many, many brown widow spiders (Latrodectus geometricus) here in South Florida. Only the females are dangerous, and although the venom is, perhaps, even more potent than the souther black widow...they have less of it and their fangs aren't as effecient.

Widow spider bites can be horribly painful, but deaths are extremely rare. A bite from all varieties of widow spiders can be treated with an IV injection of calcium gluconate.

Everyone is always concerned about tarantula bites, but the biggest danger from these spiders is getting their body hairs in your eyes and/or mucous membranes after handling one. This is possible from cross-contamination...like if you were cleaning the cage of a pet spider.

If they bite you, tetanus is a possibility. So is an allergic reaction, if you happen to be allergic to bees, wasps, and/or stinging ants.

My biggest worry has always been ticks.

A person can die from tick paralysis but, fortunately, the symptoms have a slow onset and quickly reverse themselves if the tick is discovered and removed.

People can also be forced to give up red meat and become vegetarians if certian ticks latch on and create a sensitivity if the person is exposed to specific substances in the tick's saliva. This is uncommon, but it happens.

There are a few species of scorpions in the U.S., but the only really dangerous one occurs in the American Southwest and parts of Mexico. The Arizona bark scorpion can create horrible problems with pain, shock, and high blood pressure...and while deaths have occured...death from this scorpion would be very rare.

We have small scorpions in the same family here in Florida, and it's like a bee sting. I imagine one could have a fatal allergic reaction (anaphylactic shock) from a Florida scorpion, but I haven't heard of such a thing.

I hope this helps.

 

[DrHenley]

I had an interesting encounter with a spider at the deer camp. When I walked in, this is what I found:

An American Funnel Web, or Funnel Weaver spider, most likely Agelenopsis emertoni. Not related to the Australian Funnel Web, and not medically significant.

It was a quite impressive feat of engineering that covered the entire sink! There were regularly spaced support threads that went from the edge of the countertop up to the top of the window frame and everything was suspended from these.

In the picture above, if you start from the left side, you can make out the tapering funnel and the opening of the funnel forming a spoon-like structure.

In the following picture the angle is wrong so you can't really make out the funnel, but I wanted to show the dish rack that the funnel went into.

The spider had a lair that was a tunnel that ran the length of the dish rack, then narrowed down to a tube that turned up and came out the back. This is a view straight down the tube from the back side of the dish rack into the spider's lair.