Practical Prepping Podcast Episode # 76

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In this episode we discuss the creepy topic of "Spiders."

There are over 46,000 different species of spiders in the world, with around 30 of those species being dangerous to humans. A handful of these spiders have venom so potent that a single bite can kill a human if untreated.

This is certainly not an exhaustive list, but here are eleven of the most dangerous arachnids to humans:

Brazilian Wandering Spider

• Said to have the worlds most toxic spider venom

Six-eyed Sand Spider

• Lives in the desert
• Buries itself or covers itself in sand

Australian funnel-web or Sydney funnel-web spider

• Untreated bites kill in one hour to three days

Australian mouse spider

• It is red and blue, soft and furry, but is not a pet! Avoid!

Redback spider

• Found in Austraila, New Zealand, and parts of Southeast Asia.
• Until anti-venom was introduced in the 50s, deaths from Redback spiders were regularly recorded

Katipo spider

• Found on the south island and southern half of north island of New Zealand, it's listed as an endangered species, and is very dangerous.

Black Widow

• Found in the US, Canada, Latin America, and in our backyard, the venom is 15 times more powerful than the rattlesnake. ApproxImately 2500 bites are treated each year in the US, and there is a five percent fatality rate.

Red widow

• Found in Central and Southern Florida, the venom very similar to the black widow. Bite results in death without anti-venom treatment.

• Brown Widow
• Originally native to Africa, it has found its way to most continents.
• Not an aggressive spider, but the venom is twice as potent as black widow!

Brown recluse or "fiddle back" spider

• Identified by an area of the back that looks like a fiddle or violin. It is found in warmer parts of southern US, in basements, garages, attics, walls, caves, rodent burrows.
• Bites lead to deep sores, often resulting in skin grafts, and even amputations

Hobo spider

• Found in North America and Europe. 
• It's an aggressive spider, with a bite much like the brown recluse.

Call to action:

• Don't put any part of your body where your eyes have not been!
• Check you property for dangerous spiders.
• Use pest control measures, including spraying and removing their environment whenever possible.

Seek immediate emergency medical treatment if you suspect you have been bitten by one of these spiders, regardless of symptoms!

These are not ALL of the dangerous spiders in the world, but just a few of the more dangerous.

Research the venomous spiders in your area and practice appropriate safeguards.

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