SPIDERS, Do they ever bite!!
All spiders have jaws. Some have large strong jaws, others have rather small unnoticeable jaws. Every spider can bite, but only a few have the ability to cause serious health problems. The Brown Recluse and the Black Widow are the most notorious and should be taken very seriously. Most recently Brown Widows are showing up around houses and commercial buildings. These spiders are not as aggressive as the Black Widow guarding it eggs, but it is thought that brown Widows have a more toxic bite.
It is not recommended that an untrained individual identify these species for the purpose of control or medical treatment. Wrong identification can lead to improper medical treatment and serious health complications.
It is a surprise that many skin irritations are blamed on spiders. There is a vast misconception in the medical field of what constitutes a bite. Most diagnoses are made in the emergency room by over-worked doctors that have more pressing medical emergencies to handle. Most physicians spend little academic time in the fields of entomology and parasitology. A board certified dermatologist is best suited to make a proper insect or spider bite diagnosis. However, there are other multi-legged animals, especially in the South, that can inflict bites and stings that can be quite painful!
If you think you have a spider infestation, call a professional to get a positive identification. If you receive a bite and suspect a dangerous spider may be responsible, get medical help and ask for a specialist.