How big a deal are snakes and spiders?

[skelaki]

Originally Posted by Vacanegro

Don't crush spiders or kill snakes. They are vital parts of the ecosystem and eat many creatures you would describe as pests - mosquitoes, rats, mice, ants, etc.

The majority of snakes and spiders in the US are harmless. It would be rare to even encounter a rattler, copperhead, cotton-mouth, black widow or a Brown Recluse - I know I go in the wood and to lakes often. Even in Australia it is rare to end up in the hospital because of a poisonous spider or snake.

Live and let Live

I agree unless the animal is venemous and poses a threat to people (i.e. dwelling in the house or yard where children/pets are playing).

[2mares]

Originally Posted by ALauver

I have been reading about the number of spiders and snakes in TN and am wondering from a local's standpoint, how big a deal are they? Is it really that bad? Do people get bit frequently, and if so, how big a concern is it? We have 3 young children, under 6 years old, and the idea of them being bitten just pulling a shirt or sneaker on or running through our yard has me freaked out. Any advice or perspective???

Where in the world did you read this?

[2mares]

Originally Posted by Vacanegro

Don't crush spiders or kill snakes. They are vital parts of the ecosystem and eat many creatures you would describe as pests - mosquitoes, rats, mice, ants, etc.

Live and let Live

Well now I agree but I have exceptions. A copperhead/rattle snake laying against my foundation or in the barn or hen house or any snake that falls from a tree or the porch roof, dead snake, they should not be falling from the sky. Any spider that gets in my hair or crawls on me in my sleep, dead spider.

Originally Posted by Vacanegro

The majority of snakes and spiders in the US are harmless. It would be rare to even encounter a rattler, copperhead, cotton-mouth, black widow or a Brown Recluse - I know I go in the wood and to lakes often. Even in Australia it is rare to end up in the hospital because of a poisonous spider or snake.

Live and let Live

I wouldn't say rare. Perhaps location. I have personally encountered 3 rattlers and a bunch of copperheads, several black widows and brown recluses. Of course this has been over the course of 30 years.

[Normashirley]

Black Widows have been known to take over a shoe or boot if it's left in the garage or on the stoop.

I am high risk for Black Widow bites due to high blood pressure. We have a pest control service that sprays around the house. I still won't allow the horse barn area to be sprayed with anything so, it is common for me to see an occasional Black Widow or and all sorts of garden variety spiders. Which is fine by me as I expect to see them outside, I just don't want them sharing the house


We have Rattle Snakes, Cotton Mouth, and Copperheads on my rural road. I very rarely see any of them and when I do, they aren't on my property because we keep this place well manicured.

If you are that paranoid, my suggestion is to live in the city or some gated community where they lay down enough spray to kill the family dog.

If you want something to worry about, worry about WNV from mosquito bites or Lyme Disease from tick bites