The brown recluse is not native to any of the New England States. Most active at night, this shy, solitary spider is called a “recluse” because it hides and is not commonly found out in the open. Color may range from yellow to pale or dusky brown. A dark violin shape located behind its three pairs of eyes gives it the name “fiddle back” spider. The brown recluse (Loxosceles reclusa) measures approximately two-fifths of an inch in length, with long legs (3/4″). Black widow spider antivenin is seldom necessary, but may be considered in very young children, the elderly or pregnant women if they do not respond to standard therapy. Various medications are used to treat the muscle cramps, spasms and pain of a bite. There is treatment for a black widow spider bite that can take care of the symptoms. Some victims need to be evaluated at a health care facility. If muscle cramps develop or pain is severe, take the patient to the nearest hospital. Pain progresses and spreads to the abdomen (stomach cramps), back, and extremities. Within 20 to 40 minutes the patient usually experiences a dull ache or numbing sensation near the bite site. The wound site may show one or two small puncture wounds. These spiders may bite more than once and may hold on for a few seconds. Black widow bites may go unnoticed or feel like a sharp pinprick. If a black widow spider bites, do not panic! No one in the United States has died from a black widow spider bite in over 10 years. ![]() However, true black widow spider sightings or bites are uncommon in New England. Black widows may be found in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and the southern parts of Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont. Only the female spider is a danger to humans. This mark may assume an hourglass appearance. The victim should seek medical attention if there are signs of an infection, an ulcer that does not heal, or a bite is accompanied by nausea, vomiting, fever, rash, or if severe pain or cramping spreads from the bite to other parts of the body.īlack widow spiders (Latrodectus) measure approximately one-half inch in length and have a shiny black body with red, yellow, or orange markings on the abdomen. Usually the spiders are only “passengers” in boxes, crates or even cars that have originated from warmer climates.īites from all spiders can result in mild redness and pain treatment consists of washing the wound and applying an antibiotic ointment. Occasionally a brown recluse or black widow will make its way to this part of the country. When cleaning tarantula enclosures, wear gloves, a surgical mask and eye protection.There are primarily two spiders in the United States that are harmful to humans: the brown recluse and the black widow.If a spider is on your skin, flick it off with your finger rather than crushing it against your skin.Remove spiders and spiderwebs from your home.Don't store items under the bed and don't let bedding drag on the floor. Make sure beds aren't pushed against the wall and that only the legs of the bed touch the floor.Reduce debris or remove piles of rocks or lumber from the area around your home and avoid storing firewood against the walls of your home.Keep insects and spiders out of the house by installing tightfitting screens on windows and doors, sealing cracks where spiders can come in, and using safe indoor insecticides.Carefully follow directions on the package. Inspect and shake out gardening gloves, boots and clothing before use. ![]() Wear a long-sleeved shirt, hat, long pants tucked into socks, gloves and boots when handling stored boxes or firewood and when cleaning out sheds, garages, basements, attics and crawl spaces.Learn what dangerous spiders look like and their preferred habitats.Spiders usually bite only in defense, when being trapped between your skin and another object.
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