The false widow, which looks similar to the black widow, is not as venomous as they are, but on rare occasions their bite can cause serious bacterial infections in humans.
Most spiders that exist in Germany are non-toxic. But things can be different for imported specimens. For example the Nurse’s Thornfinger or the Noble Ball Spider, also called the False Widow because it looks similar to the Black Widow. The Noble Ball Spider (Steadota nobilis) originally only found on Madeira and the Canary Islands. In the meantime, copies can also be found in Germany and Great Britain. The spider, which is around 8.5 to 11 millimeters in size, can bite humans, but it only does so when it feels threatened. Anyone bitten is likely to feel pain similar to a wasp sting. The Mock Widow injects her venom with her mandibles. While their venom is not particularly dangerous to humans, a bite from the false widow can lead to complications.
There are ten species of spiders in Ireland that can bite through human skin with their teeth. But in the last five years, only false widow bites have been documented there. A research team led by Dr. Michael Dugon from Ireland examined. The study has been published in the journal Clinical Toxicology. The researchers discovered that a bite can cause mild to paralyzing pain. In addition, there can also be swelling of varying degrees.
Bacterial infections from spider bites
But on rare occasions, people bitten by the spider have developed minor wounds or have had to be treated for serious bacterial infections. The bacteria are found on the spider’s mandibles and can be transmitted through a bite. This can cause the sore to spread and cause a severe infection. The infection can lead to necrosis at the bite wound, tissue can die and, in the worst case, an amputation may be necessary. According to media reports, there have been cases in the UK where this has happened after a spider bite.
Michael Dugon advises that anyone who discovers the spider in their house can catch it and throw it out of the house. “Most people get bitten in bed, when they’re sleeping, or when they’re putting on their clothes in the morning.” There is no need to panic at the sight of a false widow, but a few measures can help in the event of a bite:
- Wash bite site with soap and water.
- Apply a cool compress to the bite wound.
- Painkillers can help if the bite is very painful.
- Do not scratch or cut open the wound.
- The bite site should be kept under surveillance and monitored for redness, swelling, or pain. Altered breathing or sweating can also indicate an infection.
- If the redness, swelling or pain does not go away or if there is any indication of an infection, you should see a doctor.
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Source: Stern
