Spiders and scorpions and their control [1981]

~epnrtment of ~griculture

THOMAS T IRVIN
COMr.IISSIQNI"

_qUU. ~9C'icuUuu 'uilbing <!apitol ~tl.nh (JtOfgi. - 30334

SPIDERS AND SCORPIONS AND THEIR CONTROL
Division of Entomology and Pesticides

SPIDERS Spiders may be distinguished easily from insects in that they have four pairs of legs instead of three and do not have antennae or feelers. These creatures have received much exaggerated publicity, however for the most part, they are hannless and generally beneficial to man.
There are only two spiders in Georgia that are definitely poisonous to man~ They are the wellpublicized black widow spider and the brown recluse, or "fiddleback" spider which only recently has been found in the state.
The female black widow ~s the only spider that has a rounded body about 1/2 inch in length and is shiny black in color with a red mark or marks on the underside. The red mark mayor may not be in the shape of an hourglass. The male is a small timid spider with a striped abdomen. His fangs are so delicate, he is not known to be capable of biting even if he were to try. Often after mating the male is eaten by the female. It is because of this characteristic that she is called the black widow.

This spider occurs generally throughout most of the United States. On rare occasions it can be found inside the house, but more often is found under rocks or logs, in water meter boxes, in basements and old buildings.
The brown recluse spider is inconspicuous and varies from a light tan to a dark brown color. It is distinguished by a fiddle-shaped mark on its back that is darker than the rest of the upper back. It has long legs, and a body about 3/8 inch in length.
The brown recluse spider is shy and prefers dark places. In homes they would more likely be found in places which have been relatively undisturbed for a long period of time. such as behind pictures, beneath and behind furniture, among stored clothing or papers, etc. In the northern section of the United States it has been most often found in and about houses; however, in the southern part its habitat seems to be more out-of-doors in board or trash piles, under rocks, logs, etc. Cases of poisoning by the black widow or brown recluse spider are not too common. This is due to their shy and retiring nature. Bites are usually incurred when they are caught between folds of clothes or otherwise sli~htly mashed. The bite of neither of these spiders is especially painful; however, after a period of time it is followed by severe pain and varying other body reactions. In the case of the brown recluse, the tissue surrounding the bite sloughs away forming an ulcer. Often this takes 6 to 8 weeks to heal and leaves an unsightly scar ranging from the size of a penny to that of a half dollar. Persons bitten by a black widow or brown recluse spider need medical attention and should consult a physician as soon as possible.

SCORPIONS Scorpions can be easily recognized by their crablike appearance with a 10nQ fleshy tail at the end of which is an enlarged tip bearing a stinqer. The ones in Georqia vary from a gray-black to brown in color. Scorpions are fairly common throughout the State. and are on occasions found in the home. particularly one built on newly cleared woodland. Since scorpions prefer wooded areas. they tend to move back into them as areas become developed. Scorpions usually move about at night. hiding durinQ the day under rocks. logs. boards. or stored household effects in basements.
There have been many fantastic stories regarding the lethal sting of scorpions. Although it can be painful. the sting of the scorpions found in this section of the United States is usually no more dangerous than that of a bee or wasp. Stronq ammonia can help stop the pain; however. because susceptibility to scorpion stings is variable. they should be treated by a physician.
CONTROL Much can be done toward controlling spiders and scorpions by removinQ their breeding and hiding places. Rocks, logs. lumber. cardboard. woodpiles. and other debris should be removed at least from the immediate area of the house. When this is not possible. on these and all other areas where the oests have been seen, apply one of the followin9 sprays: 0.5% Diazinon. 2~ Malathion, or 0.5~ Dursban. Use a household spray inside the house. Applications should be made around baseboards, doors. and holes where pipes pass throuQh floors or walls. 00 not use oil-base sprays around plants and do not contaminate food. water. cooking utensils, etc.
CAUTION As almost all insecticides are dangerous to domestic animals and man, READ THE LABEL and follow all directions and cautions listed.