First Aid Treatment For Spider Bites

 Most spiders in the Untied States are not poisonous. Therefore, their bites do not cause any harm so you do not need to treat them. This allows your body to heal itself which is always the best for your continued good health. To tell if you have suffered a spider bite (and not a bite from another insect like a mosquito for example), simply look at the center of the bite mark. If you see two small indentations or holes then you most likely have a spider bite.

Some people do experience some mild symptoms or reactions to spider bites even when the spider was not poisonous. To calm your nerves and give you more knowledge so you don't get nervous in the future I will list some ways to make yourself feel better after you have had a spider bite.

Spider Bite Treatment

• The first thing you will want to do is to clean the area where you have the spider bite to prevent any infections or other reactions from occurring. The best way to clean your bite area is with warm soap and water. Then dry your skin completely and apply an antibiotic ointment .
• If you start to experience any swelling around the bite area or itching you may be experiencing an allergic reaction. You can stop this reaction in its tracks by taking an antihistamine .
• If you experience any pain in the bite area you can use acetaminophen which is also called Tylenol. Tylenol is effective in reducing pain and swelling. In addition grown adults may use aspirin to reduce the swelling and pain.
• A great way to reduce the swelling without taking any kind of medicine is to simply press a cool wet washcloth or ice pack to the bite area for 20 minutes or so. If you are using an ice pack be sure to wrap it in a small cotton cloth to keep the ice pack itself away from your skin.

If the spider that has bitten you happens to still be near by, you can easily catch it to identify that it is indeed not a poisonous spider. To catch a spider simply take a paper cup and a small piece of paper. Slowly put the paper cup over the top of the spider. Then keep the paper cup pressed against the wall or floor, and slide the paper under the top of the cup without lifting the cup up. Then lift the paper cup up being careful to keep one hand on the piece of paper to keep the spider inside the cup. You can also use a glass cup as well, however, they are heavier and sometimes harder to be slow in putting it over the top of the spider. If you move too quickly the spider will run away. By using slow movements you will discover just how easy it is to catch the spider in question.

If you have a child that is under six years old that has been bitten by a spider, you should contact your doctor right away. In addition if you experience any of these symptoms it is time to call your doctor for an appointment.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/1999068

>>> Pest Control Services - Killing Dangerous Black Widows Dead 

Read More

Pest Control Services - Killing Dangerous Black Widows Dead

Black widow spiders can be found in all four deserts of the American Southwest, including the Sonoran Desert where Phoenix is located, making pest control services especially important in this area. Phoenix Arizona's arid, desert Southwest climate and urbanization provides an ideal environment for these spiders to flourish.

There are different types of widow spiders, and all of them are venomous to varying degrees. You can recognize the black widow spider fairly easily: the female black widow is about 1.5 inches long and shiny black, usually with a reddish hourglass shape on the underside of her abdomen. She can produce 4-9 egg sacs in a summer and each egg sac contains an average of 300-400 spiderlings. That's a lot of brand new black widows running around! Each home built in the Phoenix area provides viable shelter and food options making prevalent pest in the Phoenix Metro area. Professional pest control services are very effective in keeping the population down.

Reaction to a black widow spider bite varies depending on where you've been bitten. The venom of a black widow spider is particularly dangerous because you usually cannot feel the bite when it occurs. By the time a person discovers he or she has been bitten, the site can already be infected. Symptoms of a black widow bite are fainting spells, difficulty breathing and speaking, vomiting, a low pulse rate, and a cold body. These symptoms can last 4 to 5 hours or can lead to a coma although this is very rare.

These are most often found low to the ground and most often found near the foundation of the home, corners low to the ground, base of plants and perimeter block walls. Proper pest control services will target these nesting areas during each treatment; eliminating current and prevents these areas from becoming new nesting sites. Service should also include knocking down any webs and inspecting to find active spider webs.

Curtis Whalen is a knowledge leader in pest control services and has a wealth of experience in controlling the most difficult pest control problems. Contact his pest control company for information and advice on managing scorpions, termites, Africanized bees or any other type of pest control.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5341602

>>> Identify and Prevent Dangerous Spiders in Your Home 

Read More

Identify and Prevent Dangerous Spiders in Your Home

Our pest control technicians have been getting lots of complaints about spiders lately. A couple of customers have even stopped by our office, bringing dead spiders in Ziploc bags so we could identify the intruders. In both these cases, the culprits were sac spiders.

Although the bite of the agrarian sac or yellow sac spider commonly found in our homes is not fatal to humans, this type of spider is believed to be responsible for more bites than any other spider, usually when trapped in ones clothes or bedding. The bite stings and causes a red welt and irritation similar to a mosquito bite. (If any insect bite causes a severe or unusual reaction, contact a physician immediately.)

The sac spider typically builds its sac-like web in corners, behind shelves and framed pictures and can sometimes be spotted running across walls or ceilings. It is light yellow with a darker stripe down the center of its upper abdomen and, like most spiders, has eight eyes arranged in two rows at the top of its head, difficult to see with the naked eye.

Most spiders are not dangerous and can usually be eliminated by removing their webs and/or eggs. Spiders seen out in the open during the day are unlikely to bite people.

Although we often hear reports of the brown recluse spider in our North-Central California region, in fact the brown recluse doesn't live in California. The only recluse spider native to California lives in the Southern California desert and is less toxic to humans than its close relative, the non-native Chilean recluse spider, which has become established in Los Angeles County. Recluse spiders have a violin-shaped mark on their heads, which may or may not be easily distinguished, and have only six eyes. They are active at night and tend to stay hidden in dark, undisturbed places like storage boxes or old clothes or shoes.

The only California spider known to inflict serious injury to humans is the black widow, which usually is found outdoors in hidden locations such as in wood piles or underneath porches or sheds. Take care when you're outside gardening, especially at this time of year, when the weather is still warm and sunny. The black widow's web may not be visible in the sunlight, and you can easily stick your fingers into the wrong place.

The adult female black widow has a shiny black body, slender black legs, and a red or orange hourglass-shaped mark on the underside of a large, round abdomen. The body, excluding legs, is 5/16 to 5/8 inch long.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/2856332

>>> Few Spiders Ever Cause Harm 

Read More

Few Spiders Ever Cause Harm

 Here's something most people don't want to know: Every spider in Fort Smith, AR is venomous.

That's right. In fact, no matter where you are in the world, every single spider you've ever seen or ever will see injects venom when it bites. But there's a huge silver lining to this cloud. Except for a handful of species, no spider ever injects enough venom to do the slightest bit of harm to a human.

As you probably know, the vast majority of spiders use their webs to catch insects, which they eat later, although while the bug is still alive. The venom that spiders deliver with their bites is usually just toxic enough to paralyze their prey.

So naturally, if a spider's venom is powerful enough to just temporarily subdue a mosquito or a housefly, there's no chance at all the venom will cause any problems for a person. It may hurt, just like a horsefly bite or even a bee sting, but there's nothing more to worry about beyond that.

Well, in most cases there's nothing more.

Arkansas is home to over 500 species of spiders, and there are only two that can cause significant damage: The black widow and the brown recluse. Most people are familiar with these two spiders, but in case you aren't, you can recognize a black widow by its eponymous color and the red hourglass shape on its underbelly. Brown recluse spiders are likewise brown and their size, including both the body and the leg span, is usually no larger than a quarter. Sometimes they are marked with a darker brown fiddle shape on their back, but they aren't always; in fact, some of the brown recluse's cousins that aren't dangerous to humans also have the fiddle markings.

Black widows are usually a bit smaller than the brown recluse, but their venom is 15 times more powerful than a rattlesnake's. The hourglass-marked spider, however, is not physically able to inject nearly as much venom as a poisonous snake, so fatalities from black widow bites are extremely rare.

What's more, black widows are not particularly aggressive, and most bites result from spiders who have found their way into shoes or clothing that a person puts on later. Their bites, however, are very painful and can cause nausea, fever, and muscle cramping around the site of the bite and particularly in the abdomen and back.

Brown recluse bites, on the other hand, aren't very painful; many victims recount that they never even felt the bite. The pain hits up to three hours or so later, which comes with a blister-like wound and intense pain at the site of the bite.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7063338

>>> Wilma the Black Widow Witch 

Read More

Wilma the Black Widow Witch

 The bumble bees were busy gathering pollen from the fragrant honeysuckle flowers. Shiny black snakes slithered across the dead leaves looking for mice to fill their empty stomachs. Birds were collecting twigs and soft pieces of cotton left from the previous crops to make a new nest. Water rippled down the small creek behind a small wooden shack. Ivy wound itself around the chimney providing hiding places for creeping spiders. Handmade straw brooms stood in the corner of the back porch waiting to be used. A slight breeze carried the smell of food cooking and a crackling voice could be heard in the distance. So deep in the forest that no one dared to venture sat the home of a wicked witch. Wilma kept to herself and was seldom seen by the town's people nearby. Rumors were Wilma would use her powerful potions on any trespassers and they would never been seen again.

"Hey diddle diddle the cat played the fiddle!" Wilma sang in her high-pitched voice. "I'll work and toil from dust to dawn but no one can know what is in my kettle!" She continued. "I'll spit and I'll chew but no one can brew... like the long fingers of Wilma the Black Widow Witch." She laughed as she spit a brown liquid from her wrinkled mouth.

She was cooking a brew in a round black pot that sat up off the ground on four legs. She stirred a little then turned to add frog eyes and legs. "A little of this and a little of that and I'll have a brew that will add legs to the cats." She sang as she bent to add another log to the fire. Her lean body stood tall against the deep forest trees. Her long gray hair hung loosely around her thin shoulders. Wilma was not a large woman and stood taller in her black pointed toed shoes. So pointed were they that she could corner a rat and kill him with the toe of he shoe. One had to be very quick to outsmart Wilma the black widow witch.

Above her head in a tall oak tree sat an owl with large forward facing eyes. His flat face had a hawk-like beak that was razor-sharp. It wasn't often that he came out during the day because he was most active at night. His feathers were dull gray and black making it hard to see him among the trees. Wilma had taken a fancy to the owl and named him Otis. She watched as he rotated his head almost all the way around. His black big eyes locked into place made it necessary for him to turn his head to see right or left. She admired the way he would dive suddenly from the sky and silently use his sharp talons to grab his food swallowing it whole before he landed firmly. His unique hooting sound made a very lonely sound as it reverberated from the rocks and trees.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6005652

>>> Ten Pest Control Tips for Deterring a Spider Invasion

Read More

Ten Pest Control Tips for Deterring a Spider Invasion

 Although most spiders are venomous, and considered predators; few are actually a notable health threat. Albeit spiders are very unpopular, they rarely bite humans. In fact, most spiders' fangs are too small/weak, to puncture a human's skin. Nevertheless, when spiders do bite, the venom of most species is not very toxic (to humans); and often only results in slight swelling, inflammation, or itching sensation.

The two (2) most common spiders, of concern to homeowners and pest control professionals; are the Brown Recluse and Black Widow spiders. An invasion of either of these two spider pests, could result in dangers to your health and life. Bites should be considered serious, and require immediate medical diagnosis and treatment.
What can homeowners do to protect themselves? The best pest control strategy for deterring a spider infestation, is to reduce the pest population of other insects (food source); from inside the house or building. This approach encourages spider intruders to leave your dwelling, in search for a more dependable food supply; outside of the home.
With that in mind, here are 10 dependable pest control tips, for reducing the number of spider/pest invaders; in your home:

1. Install snug-fitting screens, on all windows and doors. It is also recommended, that you install door sweeps; as well.
2. Seal or caulk cracks and crevices where spiders/insects could enter the house or building.
3. Install yellow/sodium vapor light bulbs outside, to attract fewer insects; for spiders to feed upon.
4. Tape the edges of cardboard boxes to prevent spider/insect entry.
5. Use plastic bags (sealed) to store loose items in the garage, basement and attic.
6. Remove old boxes, unused clothing, wood/rock piles, trash and other unwanted items.
7. Eliminate clutter in closets, basements, attics, garages, and outbuildings.
8. Do not stack wood against the house.
9. Clean up dead insects.
10. Dust and vacuum thoroughly to remove spiders, webs, and egg sacs (dispose of the vacuum bag in a sealed container outside).

Preventing a pest infestation, is paramount to maintaining a safe and habitable home. Homeowners have a responsibility to prevent pest invaders, like the Brown Recluse or Black Widow spider, from taking over their home; and threatening their health. Using the practical common sense approach outlined above, homeowners can prevent a spider infestation; and avoid the need for pesticides or other treatments inside.

>>> How to Get Rid of Spiders Today
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5167523

Read More

How to Get Rid of Spiders Today

 Spiders are one of the most feared and reviled creatures on earth. No one quite knows why we love to hate spiders like we do. Arachnophobia is real, and there are people who would rather jump off a cliff than take on a spider. But in reality, most spiders are harmless. There are a few spiders, like the brown recluse and the black widow, which can cause serious harm if they bite. The majority of spiders only bite when threatened and their bites are usually less bothersome than a mosquito or fly bite. As irrational as it seems, spider fear still exists. Fortunately you can get rid of spiders fairly easily if they scare the bajeebers out of you.

Spiders are Predators
Spiders love to eat other bugs and insects. They catch them in webs. Spiders have bad eyesight but great sense of vibration. When they feel their helpless prey struggling to free itself (which is very difficult due to the wonderfully efficient properties of spider webbing), spiders will come down the web and feed. You can make your home less hospitable to spiders by reducing the other insects that live there.

Throw Away Your Food
Many insects and pests are drawn to rotting food. The more bugs that are drawn to the food, the more spiders you will have. Place all discarded food in tightly sealed garbage cans and regularly remove the garbage.

Outdoor Lights
Have you ever noticed how bugs are attracted to your outdoor lights? Well, spiders notice this too. Keeping your lights off will reduce both your bug and spider populations. Consider yellow sodium "bug lights" if you want to retain your outdoor lighting.
 
Cardboard and Paper
Spiders love to live in cool dry places like cardboard boxes and stacks of paper. Check your basement and storage areas for spiders living in these items.

Picking Up Spiders
No great skill is required to pick up a spider. They are not particularly fast or devious. Simply wad up a paper towel and scoop it up. Release it outdoors, or if you so desire, stomp it under your shoe (mean you).   A vacuum will work just as nicely if you are loathe to catch a spider by hand, albeit with less personal satisfaction.   
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/2871498

>>> Nevada Pest Control Alert! Do You Have Spiders and Ants?

Read More

Nevada Pest Control Alert! Do You Have Spiders and Ants?

 Pest problems, like spiders and ants, cause more damage to property and real estate in the United States; than fires and storms combined. Varying weather, and other climatic factors throughout the United States, create pockets of specialized problems and concerns; for local residents and guests. In the State of Nevada, exterminators battle highly aggressive invaders; like the Red Imported Fire Ant and Black Widow spider. These tiny soldiers bite and inflict painful skin welts and even cause death; with their powerful toxin.

The Red Imported Ant has spread from Alabama to almost every U.S. State in the American South; from Texas to Maryland. Their mound-building activity has damaged plant roots, lead to crop loss, and interfered with mechanical cultivation. It is not uncommon for Fire Ant mounds to appear suddenly in a rural/suburban yard or field. The Red Imported Fire Ant's sting is rarely life-threatening to humans, however 80 deaths have been documented; as of 2006. Moreover, one Queen Imported Fire Ant can produce (up to) 1,600 new ant eggs each day; creating major pest control concerns for Nevada residents.

Unwanted spider-invaders, include the Black Widow spider, Nevada Orb spider, Jumping spider, and Wolf spider. The female Black Widow spider's bite is particularly harmful to humans (males almost never bite humans), and the toxic venom injection from these attackers; can be lethal. It is said that Black Widow spiders will avoid human dwellings, but are more common in out-houses and garages.

As you can well imagine, a spider infestation is not easily corrected. As such, local pest control strategies employ technology and solutions; that were developed in Universities across the United States. An educated and focused strategy is strongly recommended, and is seen as a Nevada homeowner's best recourse.

>>> Blackwidow Spider
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5122456

Read More

Blackwidow Spider

 Named for her ugly mating ritual that sometimes includes eating her male counterpart after breeding, the black widow spider, from the genus, Latrodectus, spans broad areas of the globe to include both, North and South America, Africa, Australia, Europe, elements of Asia and the Middle East.

With a lifespan averaging one to a few years and a habitat preference for small, darkish places like corners in houses or sheds the place areas lay generally undisturbed, the black widow finds life with people a compatible existence.

Ranging in dimension from one to two inches in length, and known for her signature shiny black exoskeleton decorated with shiny red markings that oftentimes resemble an hourglass or red dots configured on her back and tummy, the black widow is considered perhaps the most fascinating arachnids within the world. Males are half the scale of their feminine counterparts and differ in their coloring of a lighter gray, streaked in black on the legs with an orange-patterned back.

Though adept at biting when disturbed, the character of the black widow is mostly docile towards people and enormous animals. She feeds solely upon bugs trapped inside her hardy net, injecting them with a venom-infused bite that breaks down the interior structures of her prey which she then sucks dry.

Male black widows will hunt down a female for mating purposes only. Though males do not indulge within the sometimes morbid habit of devouring their mates after the ritual has finished, the females have been known to do this although it is considered as afrequent practice among all spiders but uncommon in actuality.

After breeding, egg sacs can include anywhere between 700 and nine-hundred young spiders with a gestation averaging around 20 days. Because of the sometimes cannibalistic nature of the species, few of the young spiders survive past leaving the egg sac with an average of only a dozen or so reaching maturity after three months. Preferring a solitary existence, mating and the next cannibalistic tendencies associated with both it and the consumption of the young amongst themselves, these are the only instances the species is thought to completely interact.

Though highly poisonous to people, the spider bite of a black widow is rarely fatal with the very young and the very outdated at larger risk. However, the bite will produce symptoms equivalent to extreme muscle aches, weakness, nausea and medical assistance ought to be obtained.

>>> What to Do If You Get Bit by a Poisonous Spider?
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/4834168

Read More

What to Do If You Get Bit by a Poisonous Spider?

The majority of spider bites are harmless and the symptoms are usually just a mild irritation.

POISONOUS SPIDERS:
The bites from the brown recluse and black widow spiders can cause a serious reaction and could even be life threatening.

PREVENTION:

When working in areas such as attics, crawl spaces, garages, wood piles or anywhere there is likely to be an infestation, dress accordingly. Long sleeves, pants, shoes and socks, gloves should be worn. When working with boxes, fabrics and anything that has been stored for long periods of time, be aware there could be spiders.

WHAT IS A BLACK WIDOW SPIDER?:
A black widow spider is black, small and shiny. They are button shaped with a red hour-glass mark on their stomachs. They can usually be found in warmer climates. Their bites can release a toxin that can damage the nervous system and require immediate medical attention.

BLACK WIDOW SPIDER BITE SYMPTOMS MAY INCLUDE:
Immediate burning pain, swelling and redness to the affected area (double-fang marks may be present).
Headache and dizziness.
Rash and itching.
Cramping pain in stomach, chest, back and shoulders.
Sweating.
Eyelid swelling.
Nausea and vomiting.
Tearing of the eyes.
Tremors, weakness, or paralysis (commonly in your legs).
These symptoms may resemble other conditions or medical problems, consult your doctor for a diagnosis.

WHAT IS A BROWN RECLUSE SPIDER?:
A brown recluse spider, also know as a violin spider, is approximately one inch long and has a mark the shape of a violin on its upper back. It is usually found in warm, dry climates and usually stays in undisturbed areas, such as closets, attics and basements. They are not aggressive spiders, but if trapped or held against the skin they can bite and release a poisonous toxin.

BROWN RECLUSE SPIDER BITE SYMPTOMS:
Pain, burning, itching or redness at the affected area which usually is delayed and may develop hours or days later.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3722438

>>> First Aid Treatment For Black Widow Spider Bites

Read More