Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 4: Appearance and Habits of the Brazilian Wandering Spider
• Method 2 of 4: Brazilian Wandering Spider Habitat
• Method 3 of 4: Preventing Bites
• Method 4 of 4: Treating a Bite
• Tips
• Warnings

The Brazilian wandering spider lives in South and Central America. This large hairy spider is considered the most venomous spider in the world. Brazilian wandering spiders sometimes wander into settlements and come across loads of tropical fruits, so it is useful to know their appearance and habits, especially if you find yourself in their range. A bite from this spider is a medical emergency. However, don't panic! Brazilian wandering spider bites are almost always treatable.

Steps

Method 1 of 4: Appearance and Habits of the Brazilian Wandering Spider

1. 1 The length of the spider with its legs is approximately 15 centimeters. An adult Brazilian wandering spider has a body about 5 centimeters long. At a glance, it is easier to determine the total length, that is, the distance from the end of the hind legs to the end of the front legs, which reaches about 15 centimeters. Be careful if you come across such a large spider.
2. 2 The spider is likely to be brown and hairy. Although the coloration of Brazilian wandering spiders varies, most are off-brown and some have a black spot on their belly. The body of all Brazilian wandering spiders is covered with hair.
   • Some spiders are yellowish rather than brown. There are also spiders with black or brown paws with black stripes.
3. 3 Brazilian wandering spiders are fast moving. They got their name from the fact that they quickly move through the land of the rainforest. Spiders are capable of attacking their victims with lightning speed, so be careful if you come across a fast moving spider in the range of the Brazilian wandering spider.
4. 4 If the spider is showing its red jaws, back away slowly. When the Brazilian wandering spider is frightened, it rises on its hind legs. In this intimidating pose, some species of the Brazilian wandering spider show red hair around their fangs. This defensive stance indicates that the spider is angry, in which case you should carefully and slowly retreat.
5. 5 Don't hesitate trying to get a better look at the spider. If you are traveling in South and Central America or living where Brazilian wandering spiders are found, do not hesitate if you spot a large spider. If in any doubt, do not try to make sure that this is a Brazilian wandering spider, but slowly step aside so as not to anger the animal.
   • Don't try to catch a spider. If you suspect a Brazilian wandering spider has entered your home or utility room, call Wildlife Control and leave the building prior to arrival.

Method 2 of 4: Brazilian Wandering Spider Habitat

1. 1 Be vigilant when in Central or South America. In the south of Central America and in the north of South America, several species of the Brazilian wandering spider live. In particular, this spider lives in the rainforests of northern Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana. In the south, its range extends to the northern regions of Chile and Argentina.
2. 2 Be careful in dark places. The Brazilian wandering spider is nocturnal and skillfully takes refuge in the forest floor of the tropical jungle. Such a "wandering" lifestyle sometimes leads to the fact that the spider wanders into settlements, where it tries to hide from sunlight in secluded places, for example:
   • in dark closets, closets, and so on;
   • under awnings and in garages;
   • in cars;
   • in unused clothes, shoes, gloves;
   • in kitchen cabinets;
   • in boxes and drawers in the attic or garage;
   • in the wood.
3. 3 Be careful when opening fruit packages. This spider is also called a banana spider, as it loves to climb into bananas and may end up in a package with these fruits. While this is fairly rare, be careful when unpacking fruits that come from regions that are home to the Brazilian wandering spider.

Method 3 of 4: Preventing Bites

1. 1 Wear protective gloves when working in dark areas or carrying firewood. If you live in the Brazilian Wandering Spider range, wear long sleeves, a hat and gloves, and tuck the leg of your trousers into your socks when working in the garage or near firewood. It is advisable to use protective clothing also when working in the attic, utility rooms and basements.
2. 2 If you have not worn gloves, clothing and shoes for a long time, shake them well before use. The Brazilian wandering spider can hide in folds of clothing, as well as crawl into snug places like gloves or boots. Shake clothes and shoes lightly before putting them on. However, do not panic them too much, or the hidden spider may get angry or frightened.
   • Don't panic if a spider falls out of your clothes or shoes. Step aside slowly and leave the room.
3. 3 Before entering dark rooms such as closets, check them. Turn on the light. If there is no light in the room, take a flashlight with you and inspect the corners and cluttered places.
4. 4 Place mosquito nets and tight-fitting doors to keep spiders out of your home. The best way to avoid being bitten in your own home is to keep spiders out! Check all mosquito nets and doors to see if there are any cracks or holes through which spiders can climb into your home. Replace any broken or loose screens and doors.
   • You can also spray insect and spider repellent around doors and windows to prevent intruders from entering your home.
5. 5 Do not keep wood near your home. Spiders love to hide among firewood, so don't store them near your home. Keep firewood and dry branches in your yard and handle them carefully.

Method 4 of 4: Treating a Bite

1. 1 Seek emergency medical attention immediately. If you suspect that you have been bitten by a Brazilian wandering spider, call the emergency room right away. Report what happened and ask a friend or family member to take you to the emergency room as soon as possible.
2. 2 Serious symptoms usually appear within half an hour after being bitten. After being bitten by a Brazilian wandering spider, symptoms such as high or low blood pressure, a sharp increase or decrease in heart rate, nausea, stomach cramps, hypothermia, dizziness and blurred vision, convulsions, and excessive sweating are observed. If you experience these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.
   • In men, a spider bite can cause prolonged painful erections.
3. 3 Wash the wound with soap and water. Wash the bite site with warm water and mild soap. This will flush out some of the venom and alleviate the symptoms a little.
4. 4 Ease swelling and pain with an ice pack or cold pack. Take a rag, dampen it with cold water or fill it with ice and place it over the bite to numb it. This will help relieve pain.
5. 5 Lie down so that the bite is below the level of your heart. Try not to move to slow down your circulation. The site of the bite should be below the level of the heart - this will also slow down the spread of the poison throughout the body.
6. 6 Seek medical attention as soon as possible. Do your best to get medical help faster. If a friend or family member can get you to a hospital or clinic quickly, ask them for help. If you are alone, wait for the ambulance to arrive. Do not drive yourself.

Tips

• Remember that the Brazilian wandering spider moves mainly on the ground. Wear closed, sturdy shoes when navigating the areas where these spiders may meet.
• Brazilian wandering spiders are very dangerous and should not be approached or provoked unless you are a specialist, such as an entomologist. They are considered one of the most dangerous spiders in the world. These are the most poisonous spiders, so they should be treated very carefully.

Warnings

• The venom of the Brazilian wandering spider has a stronger effect on children than on adults, so a child should receive medical attention as soon as possible if he is bitten by this spider.