The violin spider threatens Christmas. Pay attention to the decorations, Christmas trees and nativity scenes stored in cellars, attics and mezzanines. Some insects and even the dreaded spider could be hiding in the boxes from the painful sting which can also have crucial consequences.
“The chances of ‘close encounters’ with this type of arachnid increase during the Christmas period precisely because it is the time in which we go to get holiday furnishings that have been stored for a long time, closed, waiting for the holidays. This spider is mainly nocturnal, yes sometimes hides inside these paper or cardboard packages, in these boxes, which are then opened without thinking too much”, explains Andrea Lunerti, ethologist and safety expert to Adnkronos salute. man-animal’.
The violin spider “is a few millimeters in size – he warns – it can reach a maximum centimeter. It is arduous to identify it immediatly. It can reach a centimeter and not always, especially if you don’t think about it, you can see it. Thus, inadvertently , we risk introducing some of these small spiders into our homes with which we can then come into contact (even though the percentage is very low), perhaps by touching something, putting our hands without looking. In this period, the chances of bite”.
this ‘unwanted guest’ actually “It has a life cycle that ends in the late summer period,but the animal is always active“,says Lunerti.
The effects of the bite
In this period,then,it usually “has small dimensions,because those that we introduce inadvertently and carelessly into our homes are very small specimens,which are very difficult to identify.But they still release, with the bite, a quantity of cytotoxic venom that they It serves to digest tissues. This poison – explains the ethologist – can create very annoying and,in the most sensitive individuals,even dangerous effects,in fact,the spider injects poison through two hollow organs,which are like two teeth cables.This is what it does when it captures the prey it has to digest. In contact with the human epidermis, this substance triggers degenerative effects on the tissues, a necrotic effect, which can then expand more or less, depending on how much. individual is sensitive. And sometimes it can create meaningful necrosis, which requires hospital treatment.”
How can I safely store Christmas decorations to avoid violin spiders?
Interview with Andrea Lunerti: Understanding the Violin Spider and its Christmas Risks
Editor, Time.news: Welcome, Andrea. With the holiday season upon us, there’s a growing concern about the violin spider lurking in our stored Christmas decorations. Can you explain how these spiders relate to this festive time?
Andrea Lunerti: Thank you for having me. Yes, the likelihood of encountering violin spiders increases considerably during Christmas. As people begin to retrieve holiday decorations stored in cellars, attics, or mezzanines, they unknowingly risk coming across these arachnids. Since violin spiders are primarily nocturnal, they often hide in paper or cardboard boxes that have been closed for a long time.
Editor: That sounds unsettling! How can individuals identify these spiders, especially since they are quite small?
Andrea Lunerti: Indeed, the violin spider can be just a few millimeters long, reaching a maximum of about one centimeter. Their small size makes them difficult to identify, and during this time of year, we might unintentionally bring them into our homes without realizing it. The key is to be cautious when unpacking decorations, as we may inadvertently touch something containing these spiders.
Editor: What makes the violin spider a particular concern this time of year?
Andrea Lunerti: The ‘unwanted guest’ is still active even though its life cycle typically concludes in late summer. During the holiday season, individuals are more likely to introduce these small specimens into their homes, increasing the chances of bites. Although the probability is low, awareness and precaution are crucial.
Editor: If someone does get bitten, what kind of effects shoudl they expect?
Andrea Lunerti: The bite from a violin spider can be quite serious. Even though the specimens we encounter during this period are smaller, they carry a cytotoxic venom that’s designed to digest the tissues of their prey. For humans, this venom can led to considerable discomfort and, for sensitive individuals, it may cause perilous effects. the venom causes degenerative impacts on the tissue, potentially resulting in necrosis that could require medical attention.
Editor: What practical advice can you offer to our readers to prevent these close encounters?
Andrea Lunerti: Firstly, I recommend inspecting all decorations thoroughly before bringing them into the house. shake out the boxes and check them in a well-lit area. Use gloves if possible, and avoid placing your hands inside the boxes without looking. If you suspect a spider has bitten you, seek medical advice promptly, especially if you experience unusual symptoms.
Editor: Thank you, Andrea, for shedding light on this potential holiday hazard. your insights are invaluable for ensuring our festive season remains joyous and safe!
Andrea Lunerti: It was my pleasure. Wishing everyone a safe and delightful Christmas season!