Dangerous Spiders Found in Massachusetts
Two spiders that inhabit Massachusetts have bites which can be medically significant to humans: the northern black widow spider and the brown recluse spider. While many spiders reside in the state of Massachusetts, these are the two spiders of most concern.
Northern Black Widow Spiders
The northern black widow spider (Latrodectus variolus) is found across much of the United States and parts of Canada. As the name suggests, black widow spiders have a rounded abdomen that is shiny black in color combined with an orange-red hourglass marking on the underside, which serves to warn predators of its venomous bite. The female black widow is about 1.5 inches long, while the male widow spiders are smaller with longer legs and smaller bodies.
Female black widows are capable of inflicting a painful bite to humans. Even though their venom is quite toxic, their fangs are small and cannot penetrate easily through clothing or shoes. So most black widow bites occur when people reach into areas where the spider is residing, often sheds, woodpiles and openings in walls or underground. Bites usually happen in warmer months when spiders are most active.
Signs and Symptoms of a Black Widow Bite
A bite from a northern black widow often starts as a pinprick sensation with mild swelling. Within around 30 minutes severe muscle pain and cramping spreads from the bite location, along with nausea, profuse sweating, headache, anxiety and high blood pressure. The severe symptoms generally peak within 8 hours but discomfort can last for a few days. Only the female black widow spider's bite contains significant venom.
Treating Black Widow Spider Bites
If bitten by a black widow, you should clean the bite area, ice it, and elevate the location of the bite if possible. Seek emergency medical care for evaluation and possible treatment with antivenom to relieve symptoms.
Preventing Black Widow Encounters
There are several steps you can take to help avoid bites when black widow spiders are active in warmer weather:
- Carefully inspect woodpiles, outdoor furniture and recreation equipment before placing hands inside openings or under them
- Wear gloves when moving items stored in sheds and garages
- Shake out clothing, shoes and equipment stored in infrequently used areas before putting them on
Brown Recluse Spiders in Massachusetts
While less common, brown recluse spiders (Loxosceles reclusa) inhabit a few areas of Massachusetts, predominantly the south central region. Often called "fiddleback" spiders or "violin" spiders due to the violin-shaped marking on their backs, brown recluse spiders have six eyes arranged in pairs, with one pair in front and a pair on either side. They are brown in color and around 0.75 inches in body length when fully grown.
Brown Recluse Bite Symptoms
When they bite humans, brown recluse spiders can inject venom containing an enzyme that destroys cell membranes. Within 2 to 8 hours a painful red lesion forms at the bite site as tissues are broken down. Over time the area becomes hard and blue-gray in color as tissues undergo necrosis and leave an open wound. Healing can take months and may require surgery for proper closure in serious cases.
Treating Recluse Spider Bites
If bitten by a spider you suspect is a brown recluse, remain calm, clean the area, apply ice, and get emergency care to prevent extensive skin damage. Antibiotics may be prescribed to help prevent secondary infections as the bite area heals over time.
Avoiding Brown Recluse Spider Bites
Both black widow and brown recluse spiders prefer environments that are dry and generally undisturbed. Follow these precautions to help reduce the chance of encountering them:
- Reduce clutter in basements, attics and storage sheds
- Wear gloves and eye protection when cleaning rarely disturbed spaces
- Inspect or shake out items before grabbing them with bare hands
- Install tight-fitting screens on attic ventilation openings
Being aware of areas where these venomous spiders may hide and taking sensible precautions can help prevent painful and potentially dangerous spider bites.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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