Precautionary Measures
When Dealing With Camel Spiders
The camel spiders, also
known as the solifugids, have a very intimidating appearance with its
size and fierce body build. However, it was generally accepted that
these creatures could cause no lethal harm to humans. Although they are
capable of dealing severe damage from its large bite, camel spiders does
not have any venom glands as compared to other dangerous arachnids in
the desert. The solifugids are very agile and have strong jaws that are
capable of incapacitating their prey. The speed of the camel spiders can
also help them avoid or escape their enemies.
The camel spiders express
aggressiveness towards creatures with comparably smaller size. Although
they are considered harmless to humans, the solifugids can inflict a
very strong bite if aggravated or cornered. Larger species of the camel
spiders have the capability to rupture human skin tissue. The torn skin
tissue may even lead to secondary infections on the bitten area.
However, the camel spiders can be very helpful to the inhabitants of the
desert region since the solifugids prey on venomous insects such as
scorpions, spiders and other arthropods.
There are several
precautionary measures for you to avoid being bitten by a camel spider
on your trip to the desert. First, you should be aware of the
surroundings for the presence of the camel spider. If you are in close
proximity to one, try to avoid picking it with your bare hands. Most of
these solifugids hide in the sand or in dark places. Therefore, it is
just necessary to remove possible hiding places of these arachnids for
you to avoid encountering one. You may also prevent these scavenging
insects from entering your tent by placing sand bags around the edges to
seal possible entrances. Since camel spiders always find the necessity
to hide, you can expect them lurking inside your shoes or sleeping bags.
Therefore, make sure that you check these items prior to using them to
avoid any problems with hiding camel spiders.
When travelling across the
desert, make sure that you wear the proper footgear. Although it is much
comfortable to wear sandals, you should avoid wearing one especially
when walking on an area infested with camel spiders. Moreover, you
should also be aware that there would be a high possibility that they
would crawl over you while you sleep. Therefore, it is not advisable to
sleep on the ground. Make sure that your bedding is not easily
accessible to these spiders. Using sticky boards around your tent can
help you capture any camel spider that tries to invade your place.
The bite of a solifugid
may not be venomous but the damage it can cause can be very severe.
Therefore, utmost care is needed when it comes to dealing with these
camel spiders. Wearing gloves when handling crates, rocks as well as
dismantling your tent can help you avoid having direct contact to any
spider present in the location. In case you find yourself having a
solifugid crawling over your body, just brush it off you. Swatting it
off your body would lead these insects to bite you aggressively. |
