There are several poisonous spiders in Canada that can be dangerous. Many spiders bite, but very few are a risk to humans. The Black Widow spider and Brown Recluse spider are the poisonous spiders in Ontario. When spiders bite, the vast majority of bites only cause a mild reaction in people, such as minor swelling, inflammation, or itching.

The venom of black widow spiders is a neurotoxin (poisonous to the nervous system). Bites from adult females are the most toxic. The adult female is jet black with two reddish markings (often in the shape of an hourglass) on the underside of her body. These spiders are not very big their body size is about 1 cm and their leg span about 5 cm. Bites occur mostly in the summer and early autumn, usually if the spider is provoked or if her web is disturbed. These spiders build their webs under logs, plants, or rocks, or in dark places in homes, cottages and out buildings.

The venom of brown recluse spiders causes necrosis (damage and breakdown) of skin and tissue. Their venom kills cells around the site of the bite. These spiders are brown and have a dark violin pattern on their back. They are small their body can be up to 1.5 cm and their leg span up to 4 cm. Brown recluse spiders usually only bite when provoked. They hide under rocks, logs and inside buildings and come out at night to hunt. They often enter homes, cottages and buildings and hide in dark, quiet places.

Most spider bites cause minor swelling, inflammation, and itching. However, bites from poisonous spiders can cause more severe reactions.

Black widow bites affect the nervous system. The bite from a black widow may go unnoticed or may feel like a pinprick. Two small, red spots show where the fangs pierced the skin. Some people will not suffer any ill effects. However, others may suffer severe pain and cramps that spread from the site of the bite to the large muscles of the arms, legs, and abdomen. This usually occurs in 30 to 60 minutes after the bite.

The toxin can also cause salivation, high blood pressure, constriction of blood vessels, fast heart rate, pain, numbness, tingling, headache, anxiety, sweating, nausea, and vomiting, among other symptoms. The venom can cause whole body reactions and can even be fatal, especially in very young and old people.

Brown recluse spider bites affect the skin and surrounding tissue. The bite of a brown recluse spider is often painless, but it may sting. Within a few hours, it becomes painful and itchy. The bite area is first surrounded by a bluish-white ring. In most people, the bite will heal in 2 to 3 days. However, in others, the toxin will cause swelling, tissue death, and destruction of red blood cells. A scab will form over the site and may leave a scar. If the lesion does not heal well, it may develop gangrene due to the cell-killing effects of the venom. The venom may also affect the eyes, causing swelling or drooping of the eyelid and other effects.

The toxin can also cause other effects within 72 hours of the bite fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, headache, and weakness, among other symptoms. Bites can cause whole body reactions and can even be fatal. Rare complications of brown recluse spider bites include kidney failure and hemolytic anemia, which is anemia due to the destruction of red blood cells.

If a spider bites you, try to catch it (only if can be done safely) and take it with you to the doctor or hospital. The diagnosis and necessary treatment depend on the type of spider. A spider bite often has a white ring around it.

Treatment for spider bites varies according to the type of spider. For mild bites, pain medications, antibiotics, and antihistamines may be given. For black widow and brown recluse spider bites you must immediately contact your doctor or hospital for immediate treatment, as bites may cause severe complications or even death.

Be careful when working outside and inside especially around dark areas. Spiders can be located anywhere such as houses, outbuildings, crawlspaces, garages, barns and woodpiles. Always wear gloves for protection when unsure, and always shake out your shoes before wearing them. If you come across a spider, don't disturb it. Few spiders are aggressive, and most will only bite when disturbed or provoked.

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