Dangerous spiders in Upstate SC
SPARTANBURG, S.C. – There are two species of spiders in Upstate SC that can be dangerous to humans: the Black Widow and the Brown Recluse.
If you are bitten by either of these spiders, you should seek medical treatment immediately.
BLACK WIDOW
Black Widow spider – Public Domain (https://pixabay.com/en/spider-black-widow-venomous-2282084/)
Black Widows can be identified by their shiny, black body and a red or orange hourglass pattern on their stomach. According to the National Institutes of Health, only female Black Widows are dangerous.
Its bite can cause:
- Severe pain
- Muscle cramping
- Abdominal and back pain
- Hypertension
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea and vomiting
- Headache
Black widows are usually found in garages, wood piles and outbuildings. It is uncommon to find one in your home.
BROWN RECLUSE
Brown Recluse spider – Public Domain public domain https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brown_recluse_spider#/media/File:Brown-recluse-coin-edit.jpg
The Brown Recluse is easily identified by the brown, violin shaped marking on its back. It is also called the fiddleback spider.
It is found in closets, basements and cellars in boxes, clothing, shoes, furniture, bedding, and other dry, dark, warm areas.
Brown recluses are not aggressive, but they will bite if the are provoked or squished. Bites usually happen when people put on clothes or shoes with the spider inside.
You may not feel a Brown Recluse’s bite when it happens, but its toxin is devastating to skin and flesh. Necrosis from the bite spreads a few days after the bite. The area will being to turn red, then white, then blue. Acute problems like renal failure can result, according to NIH. It can cause necrotic skin ulcers that have to be removed with surgery.
Antivenom can reduce the size of the necrotic area. The sooner it is administer the less necrotic damage will result.
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