Toxic spiders in Germany: you have to know that
Most spiders in Germany are harmless. In this article, we explain which toxic species live in our domestic ecosystem and how dangerous they are.
Poisonous spiders in Germany - the facts
Strictly speaking, every spider is poisonous because each species also transmits poison with one bite.
- Nevertheless, our native spider species cannot really be called poisonous. A bite either causes no reaction at all or only short-term, slight complaints in humans.
- None of the spider species living here is so poisonous that a bite causes serious complaints or is even life-threatening.
- In Germany there are only three types of spiders that are classified as weakly poisonous or poisonous: the garden spider, the water spider and the thorn finger.
- However, none of the local spiders will simply bite. The animals only bite when they feel threatened and have no escape route. Therefore, you can catch spiders and release them again.
1st place: the thorn finger (toxic)
The thorn finger can be described as the most poisonous spider species in Germany.
- A bite is painful, initially burning and stinging. In some cases, the bite area swells and turns blue-red.
- Especially in allergy sufferers and people with a weakened immune system, a bite of the thorn finger can cause nausea, headache, vomiting and possibly an increased body temperature. The symptoms do not have to occur.
- If the bite site is cooled, the symptoms should subside after three days at the latest. If not, consult a doctor. Bitten children should also be monitored for medical attention.
- But you don't have to be afraid of the thorn finger either: the bite of this native spider is also not really dangerous or even life-threatening.
- The spiders, which are large by Central European standards, have a rather elongated, oval body shape and reach a size of up to 15 mm.
2nd place: The garden spider (weakly poisonous)
The bite of a garden spider can be painful and is comparable to a bee sting. However, the bite can only penetrate the thinnest layers of skin in humans.
- A reaction is only noticeable if the bite is in a sensitive area such as the elbow.
- Swelling associated with a burning sensation may occur.
- Cooling with an ice pack is enough to treat the pain and swelling. After about half an hour, the symptoms should go away.
- The type of spider can be recognized by the typical white cross on the front abdomen. The larger, female animals grow up to 18 mm.
3rd place: The water spider (weakly poisonous)
If you are bitten by a water spider, it feels similar to the bite of a garden spider.
- However, it is unlikely that you will encounter a water spider at all. The animals spend their whole life in the water, preferably in boggy and boggy waters.
- However, should you be bitten by a representative of this type of spider, cooling the bite site is also sufficient for treatment.
- In contrast to the brown, smaller females, male water spiders are more beige-yellow in color. The former grow up to 15 mm.
How can I protect myself?
Spiders feel particularly comfortable in basements.
- You effectively deny the animals access with a suitable light well cover.
- In order not to let spiders into the apartment, fly screens on windows and doors are suitable.
- Some scents also keep spiders away. Above all, this includes the scent of lavender and the smell of mint.
In the video: You should beware of this type of spider
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