White tail spider bite is one of the most threatened spider bites. White tailed spiders are medium sized arachnids which are usually found in southern part as well as eastern regions of Australia. However, there are not many incidences of white tail spider seen in US but a few. These spiders are named as white tail spider due to its whitish tip seen at their abdomen. The common species of these spiders are Lampona cylindrata as well as Lampona murina. The difference between these spiders and other conventional spiders is that, these spiders are vagabonds who do not rely on spinning their web and waiting for their prey to get trapped; instead they wander and hunt for their prey.
White tailed spiders feed on other insects but they prefer other spiders as their prey. Similar to some other spiders, these spiders also carry venomous substance which helps them to hunt. There are also incidences recorded where these spider assault humans and causes various symptoms. These spiders are believed to be more active in summer season when the climate is warm and less humid. These spiders may also be found in houses in regions such as bedding, clothes etc.
Here are some spots where these spiders may possibly be present:
• As mentioned above, these spiders may select beddings as their hiding spot in your house
• White tailed spider may also enter into clothes that are left lying on the floor
• One common spot which serve as an ideal dwelling for these spiders are crevices, secluded corners and cracks
• If it is outside your house, then tree barks which are away from view may also be a suitable home for white tail spiders
• These spiders may also be found on the underside of leaves as well rocks
Characteristics of white tailed spiders:
Understanding the physical characteristics of the white tailed spider would help in understanding the venom injected during bite as well as to decide appropriate treatment, if you are bitten with this spider specie.
Here are some characteristics of white tail spider:
• This type of spider has cylindrical body
• White tail spider may measure from 1 centimeter to even 2 centimeter in length
• These spiders may be seen in dirty grey or even brown shades
• They have shiny legs
• The most unique and decisive characteristic of these spiders are their white tip seen as the end of their spinnerets
• Sometimes two similar white spots may also appear on front side of their body
Symptoms of a white tailed spider bite:
While biting the spider will usually aim at your legs or arms; hence, localized symptoms may be found at these bitten region. There are different symptoms experienced under this condition, these symptoms may include.
• Localized symptoms such as stinging as well as burning sensation
• A small lump at the bitten
• Itchiness at the bitten region
• Localized swelling
• Discoloration or paleness of skin
• Queasiness as well as vomiting
• Development of ulcer
In some cases it is believed that white tail spider bite may also be associated with necrotizing arachnidism which is a kind of inflammation as well as ulceration; however, this theory is denied by some modern day experiments and studies but not confirmedly.
White tail spider bite may also lead to necrotic lesions in some cases. This condition is localized skin damage and death of skin. Apart from spider bites, this condition may also arise due to other factors such as inappropriate blood circulation, diabetes, chemical burns, certain bacterial infection as well some kinds of fungal infection. However, it is also believed that necrotic lesion is one of the several symptoms of white tail spider bite but is recorded in rare cases.
First aid for white tail spider bite:
Obviously effective treatment for white tail spider bite can be adopted through consultation with a certified doctor. Nevertheless, most people would seek first aid techniques to reduce the effect of the spider bite. To your information, there is no confirmed first aid for spider bite which may provide relief. However, there are some measures that may help in managing the condition well. These techniques may include applying ice pack or warm compresses on the bitten region this will help in reducing inflammation. It is essential see your doctor if you start experiencing blisters or even ulcers.
Your doctor may prescribe you medicines such as antibiotics as well as cortisone which are usually suggested to patients under such circumstances. One may also be prescribed hyperbaric oxygen therapy which is given to the patient at higher intensity as compared to usual as well as pressure. In some cases wherein, the envenomation causes dead skin, the doctor may have to surgically remove the dead skin region and apply graft.
Prevention of white tail spider bites
Since prevention is better than cure, try to prevent spider bites. Spiders, including white tail spider, usually attack human when they feel threatened or provoked. They are usually afraid of human and avoid dwelling in places which is frequented by human, and this is the reason why they are usually found in secluded place. In order to avoid spider bites, it is wise to eradicate spiders dwelling in your house. This can be done by hiring professional pest control service providers. They will use chemical and other equipments in order to perform pest control in your entire house. This will help in eliminating not only spiders but other insects and bugs as well. You may also opt for package wherein, the company will run two pest control operations after a set interval which will ensure complete elimination of spiders and bugs.
Remember that most white tail spider bites occur indoor and the optimum suitable time for these spiders to bite is night in warmer season. Bite from such spider may be painful but may rarely cause serious symptoms such as necrotic lesions. But any symptoms experienced by the host should be taken seriously. If you suspect that you are bitten by a white tail spider then consult you doctor immediately.
