The Karakurts got to Moscow: what to do when you encounter a poisonous spider

The appearance of individual karakurt in Moscow does not mean that they have become permanent inhabitants of the region, said biologist Pavel Glazkov, commenting on the anxiety of residents of the capital in connection with reports of the appearance of poisonous spiders.

Karakurts are not a new species for Russia. They live mainly in the southern regions of the country, including Dagestan, Crimea, Krasnodar and Stavropol Territories, as well as some areas of the Volga region. At the same time, in recent years, reports of encounters with these spiders have appeared north of the usual range. Pavel Glazkov said that karakurt has been recorded in Moscow for several years in a row, but most often it is not about the local population.

"They have been meeting almost every summer in Moscow for the last five to seven years. But they are usually brought in with fruits and vegetables that are imported from the southern regions," the expert said on Channel Five.

In addition, young individuals are able to settle naturally: small spiders use pieces of web that are picked up by the wind, and thus can be transported over considerable distances.

The main question is not whether one spider can get to Moscow, but whether the species will be able to gain a foothold in the region. According to Pavel Glazkov, there is no evidence that Karakurts have started wintering in the capital all the time yet. To form a stable population, they need not only to survive in the cold period, but also to create conditions for reproduction.

"If they overwinter and, accordingly, reproduce, here is a different picture," the specialist noted.

It is the emergence of a permanent population that would be a real change in the situation. In the meantime, isolated finds in the summer do not indicate a massive spread of dangerous spiders.

Karakurt is considered one of the most dangerous poisonous spiders found in Russia. A bite can cause a strong reaction of the body and requires careful attention. Unlike insects that sting with a sting, spiders use mandible jaws. According to Pavel Glazkov, when bitten, a person may feel painful sensations and burning pain. If severe symptoms appear after a bite, you should seek medical help. It can be difficult to independently assess the consequences of contact with a poisonous spider.

Despite the danger of poison, most encounters with karakurts do not end with an attack. A spider does not chase a person and does not try to attack for no reason. According to Pavel Glazkov, bites usually occur in situations where a person accidentally provokes a spider.

"They themselves do not attack a person just like that. A person always provokes: either he puts his finger in the hole, or he finds a spider and tries to touch it, pick it up," the expert said.

If you find an unknown spider, you should not try to catch it yourself or check if it is dangerous. It is better not to approach him and give him the opportunity to leave the place. Special care should be taken outdoors, in storage areas, as well as when working with items that have been lying motionless for a long time.

The main rule when meeting with karakurt is not to touch it with your hands. Even if the spider seems immobile or small, trying to take it can provoke a defensive reaction. If the spider is in the house, it is better to carefully remove it in a safe way, without bringing your hands closer to the animal. In nature, you should not check burrows, crevices and other places where spiders may be.

When bitten, it is important to monitor the condition of the body and, if you feel unwell, consult a doctor.

To date, experts have not recorded a stable population of these spiders in the metropolitan region. Therefore, summer meetings with individuals require caution, but are not a sign of the invasion of dangerous spiders.