Get the balloon launcher ready; it’s time for Waterwars at the SplashDown Water Park in Spokane Valley. Soak opponents in a battle to stay cool. Away from the water park, another battle rages in our homes. Spokane Valley is home to a lot of spiders, many of which find their way inside. Though a rolled up newspaper or shoe can make quick work of these eight-legged invaders, there are species that can pose a risk to humans.
Brown Recluse
No need to declare war on this species; the Brown Recluse is not a problem in Washington. In fact, the range of the recluse is nowhere near our state. They are however, found in mid America and in the southern states. Most bites attributed to the recluse are misdiagnosed. In Spokane Valley, the most common spider misidentified as a recluse is the hobo spider.
Hobo Spider
It is assumed that the hobo spider arrived in Seattle as eggs in cargo containers. After their arrival in the 20’s, they slowly began to spread throughout Oregon and into Washington. Hobo spiders become aggressive when they feel their egg sac is threatened. Though not as toxic as a recluse, hobo spider bites can cause painful wounds, headaches, and discomfort.
Black Widow
Long deadly legs with a blood red hourglass, the Black Widow is easy to identify. The neurotoxin produced by these spiders is among the most poisonous of venoms. The widow can control the injection amount. In high doses a hospital visit with an antivenin treatment is required. Bites only occur when the widow feels threatened. If it happens to crawl into a shoe or work glove and is disturbed, the Black Widow will bite.
