It’s not uncommon for you to run across spiders and any number of bugs while you’re working in a basement, in an attic, or under a crawl space or deck. While you may not think of these creepy crawlies as hazards, they most definitely are…
You’re working in areas of the home that spiders also like to call home. So, it’s important you inspect your surroundings before reaching, clearing, or grabbing anything… Be sure that you’ve looked for hiding spiders or other creatures that pack a hard bite. And you should ALWAYS wear sturdy gloves!
There are a couple of spiders that are fairly common, dangerous, and likely for you to come across: They are the Black Widow and the Brown Recluse. Both have a reputation that might be a little blown out of proportion, but they are not to be toyed with, as both kinds have venom that is toxic to humans, and their bites can be quite painful. Typically speaking, although their bites can be fatal to humans, it is actually quite rare that that happens (in less than 1% of bite cases) and usually happens with the very young, the very old, and the very infirm. But we still should not take them lightly. There can be lasting aftereffects from a bite, especially from the Brown Recluse, which can cause open sores that heal poorly and can leave a permanent scar. In many cases, if you are bitten, you might not feel the bite, or at most it will feel like a pinprick. Symptoms of a bite are varied, but include chills, fever, generalized weakness or listlessness, as well as swelling and rashes in the area of the bite.
If you do get bitten, the best course of action is to stay calm, don’t panic, and get yourself to a hospital right away. If you are working in an area and you spot either of these two spiders, leave them alone, (as neither is aggressive, and will only bite if disturbed).