Tarantula Season Creeps Up Earlier Than Usual In SoCal

MALIBU, CA – Watch your step! First it was aggressive, toe-biting bugs in Southern California mountains. Then, mosquitoes carrying West Nile Virus. Now, tarantulas are making their way around some hiking trails in Southern California earlier than usual this year, KCRA reported.

The furry eight-legged friends (or foes) usually start to appear once temperatures cool down around October, but a member of a mountain rescue team in Los Angeles County saw one just last week, according to the news station.

It's unknown why the spiders decided to show up earlier this year, but Entomologist Brian Brown told KCRA the hot summer probably accelerates the life cycles of the spiders.

If you encounter tarantulas, stay away. The spiders can bite, but even coming into contact with their hairs, which are mildly venomous, can cause irritation.

According to Desert USA, a tarantula bite will typically cause redness, localized pain, and swelling.

To treat the spider bite, the website suggests:

• Wash the site with soap and water to minimize the chance of infection
• Apply a paste of powdered meat tenderizer mixed with water to reduce irritation
• Apply a topical cortisone or Benadryl cream to reduce irritation

To treat hair contact, Desert USA suggests:

• Be careful not to inhale any of the loose hairs, but if you do get medical attention.
• Where possible, apply duct tape or wax to pick up as many loose urticating hairs from your skin as possible
• Use tweezers to pluck out as many hairs from your skin as possible

Related >>

• Eww! 'Aggressive' Toe-Biting Bugs Found In Santa Monica Mountains
  
• West Nile Virus Ramps Up In The San Fernando Valley

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