Why Are Spiders Dangerous?
Spiders are not harmful to humans, and do not transmit diseases. However, there are a few venomous species in the world that can cause serious damage to humans. Fortunately, there are several ways to prevent the effects of these bites.
The most common types of spiders are venomous, but only a few of them can actually penetrate human skin and inject venom. Some of them are more dangerous than others, and may even cause fatalities.
One of the most dangerous spiders is the black widow. Its venom is deadly, and it can kill within minutes of being bitten. Its venom is also known to disrupt the nervous system.
Another dangerous spider is the redback. It is native to Australia, but it has now become an invasive species in other countries. The venom contains 40 different toxic proteins, which can overload the nervous system.
Another species of spider that can be dangerous is the false widow. This species is a type of Australian funnel-web spider. Its name is derived from the funnel-shaped webs it produces. It is considered the most venomous of all the spiders in the United Kingdom.
Aside from the Black Widow, the other most venomous spiders are the Brown Recluse and the Chilean recluse. The venom of the latter is much more potent than the other two, and causes more serious systemic reactions. Its venom is also known as cytotoxin, which means it affects flesh.
It is rare for a spider bite to result in death. In most cases, it causes localized pain and swelling. Those at highest risk for severe reactions are children, older adults, and those with underlying medical conditions.