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Spiders in the United States are generally harmless, with several exceptions. The most notable are the black widow and brown recluse spiders. Their bites are serious but rarely fatal.
Bites by non-poisonous spiders should be treated the same as insect bites. Bites by poisonous spiders should be treated as follows:
- Place ice over the bite to reduce pain.
- Hospitalize victims who are under 16 or over 65 for observation.
- Be prepared to give antivenin in severe cases.
