Poisonous

Although most insect and wildlife bites can cause discomfort, infection, and even disease, these poisonous creatures can put you in the hospital or even kill you. This category includes insects and wildlife known to be poisonous in the Southeast Texas, Southwest Louisiana, Gulf Coast region.

Black Widow Spider

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The Black Widow Spider gets its name from a belief that the female eats the male after mating - a phenomenon which rarely happens.  Coloring is typically black with 2 reddish triangular markings usually joined to form a reddish hourglass shaped marking.  These spiders spin an irregular web and suspend themselves from it in an inverted or upside-down position. The web is used to catch its prey.  Poisonous bites do occur with only the females being of concern.  The venom is a neurotoxin. The female is generally shy but will attack aggressively after she lays her eggs in defense of guarding … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Poisonous, Spiders

Brown Recluse Spider

Brown Recluse Spider

Size: 1/3” to 1/2” Shape: Round Color: Light to Dark Brown (with a Violin shaped marking on back) This nocturnal (nightly) pest is identified by the Violin shaped mark on its back with eight legs for an overall size of one inch. Brown Recluse Spiders eat other bugs, like cockroaches and crickets. They tend to hide in corners, boxes, papers and in seldom used clothing and shoes in undisturbed areas. A Brown Recluse Spider has a dangerous bite, the bite itself is like a bee sting but the outcome of the bite is painful. Within 8 to 12 hours the pain will intensify and within days an … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Poisonous, Spiders, Stinging & Biting pests

Water Moccasin

Water Mocassin

The water moccasin, agkistrodon piscivorus, is a venomous snake, species of pit viper, found in the southeastern United States. Adults are large and capable of delivering a painful and potentially fatal bite. When antagonized they will stand their ground by coiling their bodies and displaying their fangs. Although their aggression has been exaggerated, on rare occasions territorial males will approach intruders in an aggressive manner. This is the world's only semi-aquatic viper, usually found in or near water, particularly in slow-moving and shallow lakes, streams, and marshes. The snake is a … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Nuisance Animals, Poisonous, Snakes