Karri Moser
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.
A common type of spider called habronattus, or jumping spider, is plentiful. In fact, there are 18 different jumping spiders in Baja. Crab spiders are also unique spiders that can be seen around this part of the world. The Baja recluse, which is venomous to humans, is also native to Baja.
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. A bee sting can be more painful for some people.
The Baja recluse is a good spider with which to familiarize yourself, as they are venomous and you should seek medical attention if you believe you have been bitten by one. The Baja recluse is a six-eyed spider, and you can usually spot a distinctive violin shape on its back. They have a uniformly-colored abdomen with fine hair and uniformly-colored legs. There are no spines on the legs of a Baja recluse. They are typically less than half an inch long.
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. All you need to do is clean the area with soap and water and apply either calamine lotion or a paste of baking soda and water. You can also apply a hydrocortisone ointment to the area.
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.
The bite of a Baja recluse may be more serious for some. Blistering can occur, and the blisters may turn purple or black in color. This can become a very slow-healing lesion. In a very small percentage of people, the bite can cause chills, fever, nausea, muscle pain and flu-like symptoms. The effects of a poison bite may go so far as to cause abnormal blood clotting and convulsions.
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.
