Larry wrote:
"Captain B" wrote in
ups.com:

Our docks are just loaded with spiders,

http://www.uky.edu/Ag/Entomology/ent...ruct/ef631.htm
Here in SC, the Brown Recluse, noted to be the most poisonous spider on
the planet, has failed to read the Entomologist's map confining them to
southern midwest states and there are millions of them, everywhere.
They're probably worse in the map's colored in part, but the map is DEAD
WRONG.

The poison eats flesh and CONTINUES. A friend of mine had to have his
HAND CUT OFF to stop it. Everyone in the South or coming to the South
needs to recognize this little brown, unobtrusive little beast. They are
not aggressive until you put your hand under something they've chosen for
home or press them up against something, like rolling over on one in
bed....

Oh, cut it OUT. This is a myth. Here is the real story on brown recluse
bites taken from the SAME SITE as you note:

The initial bite is usually painless. Oftentimes the victim is unaware
until 3 to 8 hours later when the bite site may become red, swollen, and
tender. The majority of brown recluse spider bites remain localized,
healing within 3 weeks without serious complication or medical
intervention. In other cases, the victim may develop a necrotic lesion,
appearing as a dry, sinking bluish patch with irregular edges, a pale
center and peripheral redness. Often there is a central blister. As the
venom continues to destroy tissue, the wound may expand up to several
inches over a period of days or weeks. The necrotic ulcer can persist
for several months, leaving a deep scar. Infrequently, bites in the
early stages produce systemic reactions accompanied by fever, chills,
dizziness, rash or vomiting. Severe reactions to the venom are more
common in children, the elderly, and patients in poor health. Persons
bitten by a brown recluse spider should apply ice, elevate the affected
area, and seek medical attention immediately.