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Spiders and Scorpions

Spiders and scorpions are related in that they are both arachnids. While spiders are very common everywhere in North Texas, scorpions are usually found away from urbanized areas.

Most of the scorpion problems we have responded to have been in our far northern suburbs (Frisco, Prosper, Celina, McKinney, Fairview). However, scorpions may be found anywhere. The stripedtail scorpion is the most common in this area.

Spiders

Most species of spiders do not attempt to bite... many have fangs that are not capable of piercing the skin. However, some will, with results that are similar to a wasp or bee sting. There is the chance that a person can have an allergic reaction to the venom.

Wolf Spider

Wolf Spiders are robust and agile hunters and have good eyesight. They live mostly solitary lives and hunt alone. Some are opportunistic wanderer hunters, pouncing upon prey as they find it or chasing it over short distances. Others lie in wait for passing prey, often from or near the mouth of a burrow.

Their eyes reflect light well, and one way of finding them is to hunt at night using a flashlight strapped to one's forehead so that the light from the flashlight is reflected from their eyes directly back toward its source.

Because they depend on camouflage for protection, they do not have the flashy appearance of some other kinds of spiders. In general their coloration is appropriate to their favorite habitat.

Black Widow

Glossy black with a red hourglass marking on the underside of its abdomen, it makes a strong, sticky irregular web in protected areas where prey is likely to wander in and be trapped. Foundations, vents, shrubs and woodpiles at ground level are common habitats.

Their highly poisonous venom can cause concern for small children and older or infirm persons. Medical attention should be sought if bitten. Some trap their prey in webs or snares; others are active hunters that use excellent vision to stalk or ambush their food. Virtually all spiders have poison glands that connect with the fangs. Venom produced by the glands apparently is used to kill or paralyze prey and in defense. Only a few species, such as the black widow and the brown recluse, have venom that is very toxic or harmful to humans.

Brown Recluse

A brownish spider with distinguishing characteristics of the presence of three pairs of eyes arranged in a semicircle on the forepart of the head and a violin-shaped, dark marking immediately behind the semicircle of eyes with the neck of the violin pointing towards the bulbous abdomen. This violin-shaped marking has earned it the name "fiddle-backed" spider.

It is found in undisturbed areas such as sheds, garages and dark closets. Garments left hanging for some time are favorite spots. The brown recluse spider is not aggressive and normally bites only when crushed, handled or disturbed.

Their bite causes a severe systemic reaction and an ulcerous sore, which requires extensive medical attention. Fatalities are rare, but bites are most dangerous to children, elderly and those in poor physical condition.

FIRST AID IF BITTEN:
Remain calm, collect the spider, if possible, for positive identification and get medical attention immediately. Contact your physician, hospital and/or Poison Information Center & apply antiseptic solution to prevent infection and ice packs to relieve local swelling and pain directly to the bite area.

Steps to prevent encounters with spiders:

Shake out clothing and shoes before dressing, and inspect bedding and towels before using.
Do not go barefoot or handle firewood without gloves.
Remove piles of trash, eliminate cluttered areas in basements, closets, attics and other outbuildings.
Dust and vacuum thoroughly and more in normally undisturbed places.

Scorpions

Scorpions are arachnids, close relatives of ticks, mites and spiders. They are easily recognized by their characteristic shape. Scorpions prefer dryland habitats but they do occur throughout Texas. They can be a nuisance when they interact with humans because they will sting when disturbed.

There are about 18 species of scorpions in Texas with an average size of 2-3 inches. They can inflict a painful, bee-like sting which may produce a local reaction. Although Texas scorpions are not considered deadly, the venom is a neurotoxin and anyone stung should be watched closely for adverse or allergic reactions.