- insects and spiders
There are several poisonous insects you may encounter in the desert.
While healthy adults usually survive these
encounters, you should be aware
that they are potentially life-threatening to young children, older folks, or anyone with allergies.
- This is the small light-colored one (a little over 2 inches fully grown).
- A sting will be very painful to touch and commonly causes numbness around the area.
- Allergic sensitivity may result in swelling of the tongue and difficulty breathing. If so, you should get emergency medical assistance.
- Symptoms may include muscle cramps, nausea, vomiting, headache, and hypertension.
Brown Recluse Spider
- Symptoms may include ulceration of the area, and flu-like symptoms.
Bees, Wasps, Ants, & other bugs
- Any of these may result in itching, welts, nausea, headache, and in more severe reactions, difficulty in breathing.
General recommendations for avoiding insect danger
- Never put your hands or feet anyplace you cannot see.
- Shake out all clothes and shoes before reaching into them.
- Never go barefooted.
- Do not wear perfume or bright clothes in the desert.
General treatment
Since you may not know what bit you, here are a few things you can do that are generally recommended for most of the above insect stings.
- Wash the area with soap and water.
- Apply ice, using a layer of cloth between it and the skin (no longer than 10 min. at a time).
- Elevate the area, if possible.
- Seek Medical Attention
If you have not had a Tetanus booster in the past 10 years, you should get one within 72 hours following the sting.