Karri Moser - July 2010 and UPDATED by BGLC July2016
With such a unique landscape, Baja is naturally home to many creepy and crawly critters. Spiders are undoubtedly a common sight indoors and out. Between the beaches, sand dunes, plains, mountains and desert landscape, you are bound to stumble across a number of varieties.
It is important to be able to identify certain spiders and to do your best to not get bitten by them. Typically, spiders will not even bother to bite unless they feel cornered, threatened or are injured. It is also important to know that regardless of toxicity, each person reacts differently to being bitten. However, the majority of spider bites are not very painful.
It is important to be able to identify certain spiders and to do your best to not get bitten by them. Typically, spiders will not even bother to bite unless they feel cornered, threatened or are injured. It is also important to know that regardless of toxicity, each person reacts differently to being bitten. However, the majority of spider bites are not very painful.

Huntsman spiders, members of the family Sparassidae, are known by this name because of their speed and mode of hunting. They also are called "giant crab spiders" because of their size and appearance. They are large, long-legged spiders, measuring up to 15 centimetres across the legs. Mostly grey to brown, sometimes with banded legs and have eight eyes. Sometimes aggressive but NOT considered dangerously venomous to humans. May bite in self-defense if roughly handled; mildly painful bite, like a bee sting if spider injects venom. These Huntsman Spiders are frequently tolerated because they are nocturnal hunters that help to control cockroach populations.
What to do is you get a spider bite?
The average reaction to a non-poisonous bite is:
Reddening, swelling, itching, soreness and slight pain around the site of the bite. If you think you have bitten by a non-poisonous spider, treatment is simple:
The average reaction to a non-poisonous bite is:
Reddening, swelling, itching, soreness and slight pain around the site of the bite. If you think you have bitten by a non-poisonous spider, treatment is simple:
- Wash the area thoroughly with cool water and mild soap
- Apply ice to decrease pain and swelling.
- Elevate area if possible above the level of the heart.
- Option or activated charcoal; apply a thick paste to the bite area that is made from the fine charcoal powder and water. Tape the charcoal and water mixture to the bite, and leave for up to 4 hours.
- Avoid any strenuous activity because this can spread the spider's venom in the skin.\
- Use acetaminophen (Tylenol) for pain relief.
If you believe you have been bitten by a poisonous spider, you SHOULD seek medical attention as soon as you can. If you can easily and safely capture the spider, it is recommended that you bring it with you to the hospital so a definite identification can be made. You should wash the bite area and apply ice or a cold cloth. You can take pain medication if necessary. You should also try to elevate the site. Same as above.
Due to the fact that you can never tell how you will react to a bite from a venomous spider, be it a Baja Recluse or others species, you should be aware of the most severe symptoms and get medical help as soon as you can. Tourists and locals should take the time to learn the characteristics of the spiders around them and be cautious when you come across spiders of any kind.
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We all know that there are spiders in Baja as well as the rest of the world. I don't need to see blown up pics thank you. Please don't remind me that they JUMP!!! Gross.....
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