Snakes, Spiders, Other Biters

Snakes, Spiders, Other Biters

The American Red Cross outlines the different creatures that can bite you and what to do when they strike

Animal bites

 In addition to obvious wounding, animal bites often pose the threat of rabies. Some signs of a rabid animal: a nocturnal animal that is active during day, an animal that normally avoids people that doesn’t run away, an animal that seems partly paralyzed, or an animal that acts unusually ill-tempered or quiet. 

Physical signs: Bite mark, bleeding.

Care: If bleeding is minor, was wound. Control bleeding. Apply antibiotic ointment and cover. Seek immediate medical attention if wound bleeds severely or if animal seems rabid.

Insect bites

Bites can lead to allergic reaction and potentially life-threatening breathing emergency. 

Persons allergic to insect stings should always carry adrenaline pills and an injection kit containing epinephrine. Painful but rarely fatal in others.

Physical signs: Pain and swelling at the bite’s location. Allergic reaction may cause swelling to spread to entire body and affect breathing.

Care: Remove stinger by scraping it away or using tweezers. Wash wound and cover. Apply cold pack. Watch for signs of allergic reaction.

Marine life stings: Possible allergic reaction resulting in potentially life-threatening breathing emergency. May make others ill at times. Occur in saltwater.

Physical signs: Possible marks, pain swelling at sting’s reaction. Allergic reaction may manifest more general swelling, difficulty in breathing.

Care: Soak initially in saltwater. Apply cold-pack or paste of baking soda or meat tenderizer. Call local emergency service if necessary.

Snake bites

There are two groups of poisonous snakes in the United States. Coral snakes can be found from North Carolina to southwester New Mexico. Pit vipers are found all over, and include the copperhead, water moccasin, and rattlesnake. Most bites take place in inhabited areas, not the wilderness, but those living in remote, snake-infested areas should keep a snakebite kit with them and know how to use it.

Physical signs: Bite mark, pain, numbness.

Care: Wash wound and immobilize wounded area, keeping it below heart level. Call local emergency number. Do not apply ice. Do not use electric shock. Do not cut the wound or apply a tourniquet unless medical attention is impossible within 30 minutes.

A spider. Image in public domain

Spider bites

The black widow and the brown recluse can make you very sick or, in rare cases, kill you. Both are found in dark, out-of-the-way places, such as wood piles. The black widow is black with a reddish hourglass shape on its underside. The brown recluse is light brown with a darker brown, violin-shaped marking on its back/

Physical signs: Bite mark, swelling, pain. Nausea and vomiting. Difficulty breathing or swallowing.

Care: Wash wound and apply a cold pack. Call medical professionals.