Harmless spider thought to pose no danger to humans may send you to the hospital, according to a study.
Spiders are, most often than not, unwelcomed in the home. Most humans dislike casual encounters with spiders, and the truth is, this creepy crawlies often have a bad rap but aren't as terrifying as we make them out to be. Spiders, like many arthropods, are insect-eating animals that are often scapegoats for bug-related issues.
Experts say that many spider bites turn out to have been caused by other bugs. Mayo Clinic claims that only a few spider species have long enough fangs that could penetrate the human skin and have venom strong enough to hurt humans.
However, a recent study suggests that a spider formerly believed to be harmless could send you to the hospital with just a bite.
Harmless Noble False Widow Spider
Resembling the famed black widow spider, for decades, it has been overlooked. According to the UK Natural History Museum, the spider has a relatively and small harmless bite.
A study from the National University of Ireland Galway published in the journal Clinical Toxicology, entitled "Bites by the noble false widow spider Steatoda nobilis can induce Latrodectus-like symptoms and vector-borne bacterial infections with implications for public health: a case series" found that the noble false widow has notable public health implications and could send you to the hospital with its bite.
The study found that the thought to be a harmless spider can leave a bit that requires hospitalization. With some victims experiencing reactions similar to a black widow's bite. John Dunbar, lead author, and researcher said in a statement in Science Daily that the study confirms doubts that the noble false widow can cause envenomations or the process of injecting venom.
When do Noble False Widow Bites Occur?
Ryan Smith, an entomologist, and pest control expert, told Best Life that the harmless false widow spiders are generally not aggressive. But, when the spider is threatened or trapped, it can bit as its means of self-defense.
According to the study, roughly 88% of noble false widow spider bites happened while the unsuspecting victim was asleep or the spider was trapped in its clothing. Also, approximately all bites occurred in and around the victim's home.
Symptoms of 'Harmless' False Widow Spider Bite
If you suspect that you have been bitten by the false widow spider, the first thing to do is monitor your symptoms. The study explains that symptoms often range from mild to debilitating pain coupled with mild to intense swelling. Some spider bite victims experienced elevated or reduced blood pressure, tremors, nausea, and impaired mobility.
On rare occasions, noble false widow spired bites could cause the development of minor wounds or severe infections that need professional intervention.
Jordan Foster, pest expert, explains that it normally takes roughly 20 minutes for symptoms of the "harmless' false widow spider bite to beginning symptoms, with the bites typically lasting for one to two days. Although most bite victims don't require medical attention, some develop severe reactions that send them to the hospital.
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