With the arrival of the first warm days, many different insects wake up. And some of them are not nearly as harmless as they seem. Wasps, bees, spiders, ticks - these small insects sometimes do much more harm than large animals. Such insects are scary, first of all, because when they bite, they release a certain dose of poison into the human body, which in turn causes an allergic reaction of varying severity.
If city dwellers think that modern megacities can protect them from insects, then they are deeply mistaken. However, in urban conditions it is much easier to consult a doctor at the first sign of a bite, but in nature it is quite problematic to do this. Therefore, it is necessary to know how to help the injured person.
Most often, small children, as well as those people who have a tendency to allergies, suffer from insect bites. The most dangerous are bites to the head, neck and chest area. In some, especially severe cases, an insect bite develops a serious allergic reaction - anaphylactic shock. Therefore, it is extremely important to know how to behave in such a situation and what to do before the ambulance arrives.
What if stung by a wasp or bitten by a spider? What measures need to be taken? How to provide first aid to a bitten person? You can find answers to these and other questions by reading the following article.
Briefly about tarantulas
Tarantulas from the representatives of the araneomorphic spider family are distinguished by the desire for loneliness. Individuals live separately, females and males meet for mating, but do not create families. It is difficult to say where the various tarantulas live. Tropical species love warm, humid climates. Spiders are found in Ukraine and Russia. The habitat is determined by species characteristics. The largest species live in rainforests. All of the species presented are earthen spiders.
The mating season begins at the end of summer. The male weaves a web on which he throws out a portion of the seed, then plunges the pedipalps into it and goes in search of the female. Before fertilization, the male has to gain the trust of his companion, for which he has to perform a mating dance. After mating, the female can kill the male and even eat him. If the male is lucky, he will have time to escape faster than the companion comes to his senses.
Fertilized eggs are sent to a woven bag made of web - a cocoon. The number of eggs in a cocoon can reach 2000, but usually does not exceed a couple of hundred. After the spiders are formed, they break out. During this process, the female helps the offspring to get out.
Insects are often confused with tarantulas, which are arachnids from the order of migalomorphs. These spiders have huge sizes, and where you can't find a tarantula is in Europe, with the exception of the southern territories. The world's largest spider is not a tarantula. This is a giant tarantula called the goliath tarantula. The length of the spider reaches 10 cm, and the leg span reaches 28 cm. What distinguishes the tarantula from the tarantula is the structure of the jaws. They are parallel in the tarantula, medial in the tarantula.
The types of tarantulas are diverse. Let's get acquainted with the most notable varieties:
- apulian tarantula - aka lycosa tarantula has a combined coloration with a brown body.These spiders, which live predominantly in the Middle East and Southern Europe, are striped with white and red borders. They build vertical burrows, and tarantulas sacrifice insects and amphibians. The tarantula does not weave a web, but hunts actively;
- ornamental tarantula - a large individual that lives in Asia. It is not dangerous for people, but the bite can cause severe swelling;
- Brazilian - lives in the countries of South America, males reach 3 centimeters, the tarantula has a black abdomen, a light stripe is located on the back. The poison of the tarantula is low-toxic, but it can cause problems in the presence of individual intolerance;
- African Is a beautiful spider with a lifespan of 2-3 years. Prefers a warm and humid habitat. It is difficult to describe what these tarantulas look like. They are dark in color with transverse stripes. Hairy from abdomen to legs;
- black-bellied - he is a black tarantula. Lives in Japan and the Pacific Islands. Has a black belly, gray back with dark stripes. The tarantula looks very modest, its size does not exceed 2 cm. The female tarantula is larger than the male, but not much.
Etymology
The arthropod, originally called the "tarantula" - Lycosa tarantula, is a species of wolf spider native to Mediterranean Europe. The name comes from the southern Italian city of Taranto.
The term "tarantula" was subsequently applied to almost all large, unfamiliar species of terrestrial spiders. For example, migalomorphs, especially Theraphosidae. Compared to tarantulas, wolf spiders are not particularly large or hairy.
When therapists in the Americas treated bites, spiders were called "tarantulas," which led to the term being used to refer to all tropical species.
The name is incorrectly applied to other large-bodied spiders, including spider webs or atypical tarantulas, funnels (Dipluridae, Hexathelidae) and "dwarf tarantulas."
They are all migalomorphs, but are classified in different families. Hunting spiders of the family Sparassidae are also called “tarantulas” because of their large size. In fact, they are not related, they belong to the Araneomorphae.
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Bite symptoms
Spider bites, in particular tarantulas, manifest themselves as follows: local pain, hyperemia, swelling. The more acute the reaction to the venom of the arthropod, the stronger the symptomatology. For an adult and a healthy person, the insect is not dangerous, but in a child, a pregnant woman or persons with allergies, the poison provokes unexpected reactions.
What does a bite look like after an arthropod attack? Puncture marks remain at the site of damage. They rarely bleed, but often take a long time to heal. Other manifestations and symptoms of a bite include burning and itching, local fever, and acute inflammation. The following signs are the reason for immediate medical attention:
- nausea and dizziness;
- loss of orientation;
- difficulty breathing;
- heart palpitations;
- a sharp decrease in blood pressure.
Severe allergy to arachnid venom occurs less frequently than to apitoxin in bees, however, in the event of acute reactions, the risk of anaphylactic shock and sudden death is high.
Precautions
Tarantulas do not attack first; when they see a person, they try to hide. To protect yourself from being bitten by a tarantula, you need to prevent close contact with a spider, observing the following precautions:
- It is necessary to visit places where poisonous insects live in closed clothes and shoes.
- When picking berries or plants, pay attention to the accumulation of cobwebs and burrows, as well as to what comes into your hands.
- When a spider is found, you do not need to come close to it and make sudden movements, it is better to slowly leave the area.
- When resting in nature, the tent should be tightly closed. Put on clothes after shaking them.
- Keep a close eye on children who like to find and play with animals.
- If tarantulas are found at their summer cottage, it is necessary to get rid of them with the help of insecticidal agents, which are sold in specialized stores.
A tarantula bite is easier to prevent. Therefore, you should not ignore the precautionary methods in the places where the spider can live. When in contact with an animal, you do not need to panic and drag out a visit to the doctor.
Bitten by another spider? See here: How to recognize a spider bite and give first aid
First aid
The procedure for an arthropod attack is similar to the PMP in the case of an attack by other insects. After being bitten by a South Russian tarantula, it is necessary to wash the wound with laundry soap under running water. If this is not possible, use drinking water from a bottle and any suitable antiseptic. Chlorhexidine, hydrogen peroxide, solutions of potassium permanganate and furacilin are preferred. You can use alcoholic antiseptics: from ordinary brilliant green to various complexes of isopropyl alcohols.
First aid for a tarantula bite includes taking antiallergic drugs. Among the very popular and affordable means: "Claritin", "Zodak", "Diazolin", "Loratadin".
It is believed that its blood is capable of neutralizing the poison of the arachnid. To do this, smear the place of damage with the blood of a killed insect. The most sensitive part of the body is its abdomen. The skin tears easily even with minimal effort.
What to do in case of a tarantula attack if a child gets a bite? They urgently call an ambulance or take the child to the hospital on their own. The victim is given more fluid and antihistamines are offered to prevent allergic bronchospasm. A tight bandage and suction of the poison in the event of an arthropod attack are ineffective. If first aid for tarantula bites is provided in a timely manner, the risk of complications is minimal.
Treatment
The most dangerous reaction to poison is respiratory arrest. If there is a suspicion of an acute allergic reaction, they seek the help of a resuscitator. Injections of epinephrine and epinephrine solution allow the victim to return to life. At all stages of medical care, heart rate and respiration are monitored. If bitten by a tarantula and karakurt, diphenhydramine is used, and an aqueous solution of aminophylline is shown to relieve symptoms of respiratory failure.
A tarantula bite does not often lead to serious consequences, and therefore traditional treatment does not require the use of potent drugs. For many centuries it was believed that a special dance - the tarantella - allows you to recover from the effects of a tarantula bite. This opinion has never been shared by doctors. There is no healing power in dancing movements with an accelerating rhythm. This is an ordinary legend, which over the centuries has been overgrown with unrealistic details.
The tarantula itself does not belong to poisonous spiders, and its bite is not dangerous for humans. However, patients with hypersensitivity may require infusion detoxification. To maintain electrolyte balance, glucose droppers are prescribed. In severe cases, cardiac medications may be required. If the victim is severely poisoning, he is prescribed glucocorticosteroids. Usually, serious reactions occur against the background of existing diseases of the central nervous system and cardiovascular system.
How to get rid of spiders
You should start by consulting with a pest control specialist for information on spider management techniques in your area.
Once nests have been found, there are several options available for killing spiders and egg sacs. For example, you can use dry powder, glue traps, liquid sprays.Powders and traps can be more effective because spiders, unlike insects, do not absorb liquid chemicals.
After killing spiders and egg sacs, remove the cobwebs with special rags. You can collect dead (and living) spiders, cobwebs with a small vacuum cleaner. Discourage future infestation by applying a chemical spray that interferes with nest building.
Whichever method you choose, wear protective clothing and goggles, especially when working in tight spaces, to minimize the risk of bites and inhalation of chemicals.
Follow-up control
If tarantulas and other spiders become chronic visitors, it will be necessary to reduce the light that attracts insect prey. Remove clutter that favors nesting sites.
How to catch a spider
Rescue the Tarantulas
If you want to save, not destroy, the tarantula, Brent Hendrickson advises “Carefully push the spider into the jar with a brush or other long soft-ended object and place it as far away as is convenient. These animals are good for people, they feed on cockroaches, crickets, scorpions, mice, other rodents. "
Complications and consequences
Do not underestimate insects, even if their bite itself is not fatal. Acute allergic reactions resulting in bronchospasm and anaphylactic shock can cause death. But these are not the most common consequences that occur after an arthropod bite. The main complications include:
- non-healing wounds at the site of the bite;
- persistent dermatological disorders;
- neuromuscular disorders.
The dangerous bite of a predator insect, which is a tarantula, is a damage to the nervous system. The poison has a neurogenic effect, which can provoke serious complications in people with diseases of the heart, respiratory system and central nervous system.
Prophylaxis
To prevent the spider from biting the tarantula, you do not need to pester him. Do not stir up holes where insects live. Curiosity and consumerism about nature is fraught with trouble. Even if the insect does not pose a danger to humans, the threat remains for children and persons with hypersensitivity to poisons.
The main prevention of bites is considered to be the use of repellents in the countryside and while traveling. In case you have to treat a bite of a tarantula or other insects, you should prepare a first aid kit. On the way, antiseptics, antipruritic ointments, NSAIDs in the form of gels and creams, antihistamines are useful.
For those who breed exotic insects in the terrarium, it is worth recalling the safety rules. Arthropods are not left unattended, they are not allowed to “walk” around the room, and the conditions of detention are monitored. Also, the terrarium must be safe. Usually, products made of reinforced glass with a reliable door design are chosen. Only one individual is kept in one terrarium, otherwise fights will begin between insects.
Dear readers of the 1MedHelp website, if you have any questions on this topic, we will be happy to answer them. Leave your feedback, comments, share stories of how you survived a similar trauma and successfully coped with the consequences! Your life experience may be useful to other readers.
Home tarantula - care and maintenance. How to feed a tarantula at home?
Recently, some lovers of exotic pets have gotten home tarantulas. And why not, because in the content they are not quite whimsical, they can live in an aquarium or terrarium. At the bottom of the container, it is necessary to pour a substrate consisting of a mixture of sand, clay and earth. Also, the tarantula terrarium should be equipped with an automatic drinker with fresh water and a shallow pool.
The optimum temperature for keeping these spiders should be 25-27 C.You can feed tarantulas with small pieces of fresh beef, as well as live cockroaches, frogs, if, of course, you can catch them. But fortunately, they often do not need to be fed, so for an adult healthy tarantula it will be normal to eat once a week.
It is also important to remember that only one tarantula can be kept in the terrarium, if there are two of them, then as a result of constant skirmishes, only one, the strongest, will survive.
The tarantula is a wonderful pet. The spider does not ask for a lot of food, is rather unpretentious to living conditions, is relatively safe (poisonous, but calm and docile) and interesting. They are also very beautiful, for example, the black Brazilian version. In general, these creatures are very popular, many people buy American spiders, and some get by with South Russian ones.
When choosing a spider, it is worth giving preference to a female individual, since they can live much longer.
