By Associated Press
Oklahoma City, OK – Spider population rises in Oklahoma in 2010
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) A wet spring and an abundant amount of crickets have resulted in an increase in the number of spiders in Oklahoma this year.
Entomologist Tom Royer says the wet spring led to a large insect population which spiders eat.
The most common spider in Oklahoma is the brown recluse, also known as the fiddleback. Its bite can leave a painful mark and cause tissue to decay but is rarely fatal.
Dr. Marty McBee at Integris Southwest Medical Center told The Oklahoman that spider bites often become infected when people scratch them with dirty fingernails. He says the bites should be cleaned with soap and water and kept bandaged.
People should also shake and brush off winter clothes that have been stored for the summer.
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Information from: The Oklahoman, http://www.newsok.com
Copyright 2010 The Associated Press.