Centipede bite: what is dangerous skolopendra for humans
Most people at least once in their lives have been stung by wasps, bees or other small inhabitants of the fauna. But, few people know that residents and guests of the southern regions of Russia are often bitten by an arthropod, with such an exotic name - centipede.
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Who are centipedes and why do they bite people
Scolopendra is a genus of large centipedes that live almost everywhere. It is generally accepted that the largest and most dangerous representatives of the genus are found exclusively in hot, tropical countries. But, on the territory of the southern regions of Russia, one of the numerous and not the most harmless species of centipede, the ringed, or Crimean centipede, also lives.
These animals never show aggression towards humans, without a good reason.
Its habitats are various gorges, thickets, old stumps and tree trunks. The arthropod prefers darkness and high humidity, and in the daytime it rarely gets out of its shelter.
Crimean centipede.
Scolopendra are active only at night. With the onset of darkness, they go hunting and already in the morning they begin to look for a suitable shelter. For this reason, centipedes often climb into tourist tents or hide inside things left on the street - shoes, clothes or backpacks.
As a result, an animal disturbed by awakened people shows aggression and can not only bite a person, but also release toxic mucus. It is also worth noting that not only tourists, but also ordinary residents of warm regions should be wary of a centipede bite, as the centipede often climbs into houses in search of food.
What is the danger of a scolopendra bite for a person
As you know, the scolopendra venom is quite toxic and its bites can be fatal to small animals that it feeds on. For a person, a scolopendra bite most often does not pose a serious danger, but can bring a lot of problems.
It is believed that the most dangerous concentration of poison in the glands of centipedes is observed in the spring, when centipedes are preparing for reproduction. But their poison is no less dangerous at other times. For a person bitten by a scolopendra, the following symptoms are characteristic:
- severe pain at the site of the bite;
- tumor;
- general malaise;
- increase in body temperature to 38-39 degrees;
- chills;
- aches in the body;
- nausea;
- vomiting;
- gastrointestinal disorder;
- dizziness.
In a healthy adult, symptoms usually resolve within 1-2 days. Scolopendra bites are most dangerous for young children, allergy sufferers and people with weakened immune systems. For them, the consequences of a meeting with a dangerous centipede can be much more serious.
Scolopendra bite.
It is worth noting that not only a direct bite can cause harm to a person, but also the special mucus that scolopendra secretes. Skin contact with this substance may cause:
- severe redness;
- itching;
- unpleasant burning.
What to do with a scolopendra bite
There are no special recommendations for first aid for a centipede bite.
- First of all, a fresh bite should be disinfected by treating with an alcohol-containing liquid and bandaged with a regular gauze bandage.
- Then, the bitten person should immediately see a doctor and this should be done as soon as possible. Moreover, this applies not only to people at risk, but also to absolutely healthy people, since an individual reaction to a toxic substance can be unpredictable.
How to protect yourself from a scolopendra bite
The most important rule when meeting with a centipede is not to try to catch it with your bare hands, and when you find a centipede on yourself, you should not make sudden movements at all.
Panic and active waving of arms will only frighten the animal, and a frightened centipede becomes aggressive and will probably try to bite the offender and leave poisonous mucus on him.
Scolopendra.
To protect yourself from the bite of a centipede during outdoor recreation, it is enough to adhere to the following tips:
- shoes and clothes should be checked very carefully before putting them on;
- before going to bed, it is necessary to carefully inspect the tent and sleeping bag for the presence of uninvited guests;
- do not spend the night outdoors without a tent or leave it open at night, as this can be very dangerous;
- special care should be taken in the morning, during the collection of things and the tent.
Conclusion
Scolopendra should not be considered an enemy of man. This animal brings tangible benefits to people by controlling the population of many harmful insects. In order for the meeting with the centipede to pass without consequences, it is enough to adhere to the above recommendations and not try to harm it.
