During groundwater sampling activities a black widow spider crawled up the sampling technician’s glove while the technician was pulling off the well cap. 

The technician shook the spider off his glove.  The technician was not injured by the spider.

Take Action: Biological hazards are all around us every day in many forms! Insects or other forms of venomous wildlife are a threat that should not be taken lightly. While it is true, that some people can be bitten or stung with little effect to them beyond some pain and discomfort, others can have a severe allergic reaction, which is the body’s way of responding to an “invader.” When the body senses a foreign substance, called an antigen, the immune system is triggered. The immune system normally protects the body from harmful agents such as bacteria and toxins. The body’s overreaction to a harmless substance (an allergen) is called a hypersensitivity reaction, or an allergic reaction, in some cases this reaction can cause death by suffocation associated with anaphylaxis (swelling of the airway). Most people do not know they are allergic to a toxin until the actual bite occurs, and some who may not have had allergic reactions in the past, may experience one for the first time unexpectedly.

Take Action: “Look before you reach” into dark enclosed areas, educate yourself on these creatures and their habits, so you can take action to prevent an unwanted encounter!