Cut Creepy Crawlers a Wide Berth

The solstice marking the official start of summer is still three weeks away, but make no mistake: Summer--unofficially, at least--is here. So as the long days of sunshine beckon office dwellers to linger outdoors, keep in mind that we humans are not the only ones looking to catch a few rays. A brief, but wet, winter and an unseasonably warm spring have lured all manner of creepy crawlers and slithering snakes out into the open as well.

Los Angeles County officials predict that this summer may be a record one for spiders and snakes--particularly in the wide open spaces in the northern and western parts of the county. And while they generally don’t pose much of a danger to humans, it’s wise to watch out for them and cut a wide berth for the most dangerous-- namely, black widows and rattlesnakes. Knowing what to look for and using your common sense are the best defenses against being bitten.

Black widows just want what most of us want during a San Fernando Valley summer--a cool, shady place. So the spider favors locations like sheds and garages. Although shy, it will bite if threatened. And to an arachnid, a threat can mean something as minor as having someone brush against it. Although the bites are very rarely lethal, it’s still a smart idea to get medical attention because the stinging and abdominal cramps can be persistent.

Rattlesnakes, likewise, alternate between sunbathing in open areas and cooling off in the shade--or in garages and houses. Found mostly in the deserts and foothills, the snakes have dark blotches on their necks that become bands near the tail. Simple advice: Steer clear. Repair leaking faucets that might attract a thirsty snake and put moldings on doors to close the gap at the bottom. If bitten, get to a hospital, but don’t try cutting the wound and sucking out the poison unless help is hours away.

Like the bear that found its way to a Granada Hills swimming pool last week, creatures of nature act on instinct. As humans creep deeper into animals’ traditional habitats, we are the ones who should stand aside and let them pass.