Notes on Local Arachnids and Safety Precautions

Dangerous Spiders in the Area

• Brown Recluse Spider
• Does not seek out humans; prefers secluded areas.
• Wear gloves when handling firewood or reaching under objects to avoid accidental bites.
• A bite can lead to necrosis (skin death) and bacterial infections.
• Identification:
  • Brown coloration with a distinctive violin shape on its back.
• Black Widow Spider
• Often recognized by its shiny black body and red hourglass shape on the bottom of its abdomen.
• Females are larger than males, which are much smaller.
• A bite can be serious; symptoms include two puncture marks and possible redness and swelling.
• Precautionary Measures
• If bitten, it is recommended to seek medical attention, especially for black widow bites.
• Be cautious, as bites may cause significant reactions but are rarely fatal.

Common Spider Types

• Crab Spider
• Camouflages itself to match the flowers it inhabits, waiting for pollinators to capture.
• Wolf Spider
• Commonly found around homes.
• Size of a half dollar; known for their hissing sound.
• They control pests like flies and gnats without posing a threat to humans.

Harvestmen (Daddy Long Legs)

• Often confused with spiders; they are not true spiders.
• Characteristics: one body region, fused cephalothorax and abdomen.
• Harmless; may feed on small insects and decomposing matter.
• Myths:
• Not poisonous; despite the myth, they do not present danger to humans.

Scorpions

• Characterized by their long stinger and pincers.
• Nocturnal creatures predominantly found in warm climates; not common in Ohio.
• Most stings are akin to a bee sting; caution is advised with smaller species.
• Notes on Pseudoscorpions:
• Glow under UV light, helpful for identification at night.
• Not typically dangerous to humans.

Ticks and Mites

• Ticks undergo a life stage where they have six legs before maturing to eight.
• Two types of ticks: hard-bodied and soft-bodied, prevalent in Ohio.
• Can transmit diseases and other health issues; serious effects usually follow prolonged attachment.
• Ticks can attach within half an hour to cause problems; check frequently when outdoors.

General Tips

• Always check for spiders and ticks after outdoor activities.
• Use gloves and caution when working in areas where dangerous spiders may reside.
• If finding ticks, proper removal is important to avoid disease transmission.
• Do not disturb spiders unnecessarily; they often help manage pest populations.