Spiders, other insects more prevalent in wet weather; take appropriate precautions Published July 6, 2011 By Diane Betzler Staff Writer EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Overall it's been a wet year in Southern California and residents aren't the only ones who welcomed the long overdue substantial rainfall this season. High desert critters and insects also benefit from the liquid sunshine. "The more rainfall, the more insects," said Mark Hagan, Edwards Natural Resource manager. Mr. Hagan said spiders in particular are indigenous to the high desert area and said because of this year's above average rainfall, the insect population has grown, but said that's nothing unusual, nor is it cause for concern. Some areas of the base have reported black widow sightings, although Mr. Hagan said the environmental team hasn't received any complaints. He said if anyone thinks venomous spiders are infiltrating their area, they should report it to 95th Civil Engineer Division. That's just what Gary Peddecord, 412th Weights and Measures deputy chief engineer, intends to do since he spotted several black widows lurking in the underground area at Pad 18. "It's an inaccessible down-under spot, so it's not a major problem, but I was reluctant to take a tour group to the underground area," he said. Mr. Peddecord said he will call 95th CE to take care of the issue and said since tours in his area only take place every four months, he expects the area to be clear by the next scheduled tour. Mr. Hagan said black widow spiders tend to keep to themselves and usually don't venture far from their nest. He said male and juvenile black widows are dark brown or black, they don't have the red hourglass marking and are virtually harmless. "Even if bitten by a female, the venom is generally not lethal to adults, young children are more at risk for serious complications," he said. According to a pamphlet "Living with Desert Wildlife at Edwards AFB," if bitten by a black widow spider, apply an ice pack over the bite. Keep the bite area elevated to heart level and call 911. Black Widow bites almost always can be treated with no long-term effects, so the pamphlet warns, stay calm. Mr. Hagan said Black Widows aren't the only creepy crawlers here and said all spiders are poisonous to some degree. "We have a lot of wolf spiders and tarantulas here. Most (spider bites) just cause an irritant to skin, but don't really pose a danger," he said, adding, "It's OK to be aware, but not overly concerned." He said to help keep spiders away, remove the kinds of habitat they like to live in such as piles of firewood and bricks. Keep shrubs manicured properly and clean out the garage. For more information about the types of wildlife indigenous to Edwards, what to do and who to call in the event you or someone near you is bitten by a venomous critter, contact Environmental Management at 277-1418 and ask for literature about the desert wildlife here. "We're happy to furnish that information to anyone who requests it," Mr. Hagan said.