Spiders Spiders Why spiders are dangerous? Possess venom Toxic to humans in the quantities which can be delivered by a single bite of a single spider at one time. the symptoms of their bites can include necrotic wounds systemic toxicity death 98-99% of spider bites are harmless http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spider_bite Spiders Most dangerous spiders in the USA: Brown Recluse (Violin Spider) Black Widow Brown Recluse Brown Recluse Brown Recluse: The recluse spiders also known as fiddle-back or violin spiders, are a venomous genus of spiders known for their necrotic bite. Violin They are afraid of humans and will first try to run away. Biting is their last resort to escape. Body size: ¼ to ¾ inch. Color: Brown Dark violin shape located on top of the leg attachment region on the body. Neck of the violin pointing backward toward the abdomen. Identification Wolf Spider Southern House Spider Harmless Brown Recluse Look-a-Likes The South Eastern region of the United States. Range of the Brown Recluse Pain may vary from not severe to severe. Bite becomes red within several hours. Swelling occurs around the bite. Skin hardening around the bite. Fever, shivering, and nausea. Bite area grows into an ulcer with blue or gray border. 1.5 to 2.75 inches across. Deep pain. Symptoms Black Widow Spider Female Black Widow is shiny black. Red hourglass marking under abdomen. Abdomen marking may be yellowish orange to dark red and the shape may range from an hourglass to just a dot. Body of adult female is about ½ an inch long. Identification Male Harmless. About 1/3 the size of female. Thinner legs and body. Red marking almost invisible. Female is dangerous as described in the following slides… Male vs. Female The bite of the black widow may be painful or it may go unnoticed. Skin may show 1 or 2 bite marks. Swelling around the bite area. Pain progresses into the abdomen and back of victim. Severe cramping or rigidity may occur in stomach muscles. Symptoms Nausea Profuse perspiration Tremors Labored breathing Restlessness Increased Blood pressure Fever The pain from the bite will usually persist for the first 8-12 hours. Symptoms may continue for several days. Symptoms Continued Shown in the yellow regions Range of the Black Widow Spider Hobo Spider Color: Brown to dark brown Size: 12 to 18 mm in length Legs have short hairs Males have two large palps that look like boxing gloves, often mistaken for fangs. Abdomens have several chevron shaped markings ( V marks). Females have smaller palps than males Females have larger abdomen than males. Identification Severe headaches Nausea Vomiting Soreness Temporary memory loss Vision impairment Flu-like symptoms Bone marrow failure may occur if not addressed Symptoms Outdoors- Woodpiles, rubble piles, under rocks, in hollow stumps, in rodent burrows, sheds, and garages. Indoors- Undisturbed, dark, and cluttered areas such as basements and crawl spaces. Habitat for All Spiders Clean the bite with soap and water. Apply ice to the bite to slow absorption of the venom. Elevate and immobilize the extremity. Capture the spider for identification (if possible). Seek medical attention immediately. May need hospitalization. Treatment for All Spider Bites Wear PPE Wear long pants, socks, gloves, and long-sleeved shirts. Just In Time delivery (reduces spider habitat). Use insect repellents that contain DEET or Picaridin. Check clothing before use, especially boots. Keep work area free and clear of clutter and debris. Prevention ” Vermin control” Every enclosed workplace shall be so constructed, equipped, and maintained, so far as reasonably practicable, as to prevent the entrance or harborage of rodents, insects , and other vermin. A continuing and effective extermination program shall be instituted where their presence is detected. “ House Keeping” Storage areas shall be kept free from accumulation of materials that constitute hazards from tripping, fire, explosion, or pest harborage. **No OSHA investigations of fatalities have been conducted that related to spiders** OSHA 1926.51 OSHA 1926.250 Think Safety Work Safely
