Autumn's Web

posted 08/29/2008
As the summer comes to a close the evenings get a little colder and the wind increases. We begin to stoke the wood burning stoves and build campfires in the evening. Autumn is one of my favorite times of the year. Growing up in the Midwest, I looked forward to the changing of the leaves on the trees and the cooler temperatures. When we bought our home here on the island, we were fortunate to have two wood burning stoves in the house. Along with this new way to heat our house came the need for firewood. With firewood comes, spiders.

Most spiders are harmless, but three types can be dangerous. These are the Black Widow, The Brown Recluse, and the Hobo Spider. Certain spiders prefer stacks of wood in which to build their nests, thus the need for increased safety around woodpiles this fall.

First, wear thick gloves and long sleeves when handling wood. Not only will they prevent spider bites, but also splinters and yellow jacket stings as well. Inspect each piece of wood, as you take it from the pile, for signs of insects and nests.

If you are bitten by a spider, take note of what the spider looks like. A black widow is black and has a red hour glass shaped pattern on its belly. The bite produces only local swelling but may progress toward more sever systemic symptoms such as:

Chills
Fever
Nausea / Vomiting
Severe abdominal pain

The Brown Recluse is large and brown and has a fiddle shape on its back. The Hobo Spider can be quite large and signs and symptoms can be similar to the Brown Recluse. The bite produces localized swelling and then intense local pain within 8 hours of the bite. The infection may spread rapidly and begin to destroy tissue skin and muscle. If not treated, the infection can sometimes be lethal in the very old and very young. If bitten:

Identify the spider.
Scrub the site and apply a cold compress to the area.
Clean the wounds and tie a constricting band above the site to slow the spread of the venom.
Seek medical attention. The Black Widow bit may require antivenin and the Brown Recluse may needs steroids, antibiotics, and even surgical cleaning.

While spiders are an important part of the circle of life, some simple precautions and rapid first aid, can help us stay clear of their sometimes dangerous ways. If in doubt, call 9-1-1. Help is on the way.

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Chief Jim Cole from San Juan Island EMS has been a Nationally Registered Paramedic for more than 20 years and holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Community Health and a Master of Art Degree in Higher Education. He is designated as a Chief Medical Officer by the Center for Public Safety Excellence and is a Senior Wilderness Medicine Instructor with the SOLO School of Wilderness and Emergency Medicine. Suggestions for future topics can be sent to chief@sanjuanems.org.