FAQs • Hampton, VA • CivicEngage

How will I know if I have been bitten by a Black Widow spider?: The bite may not be felt. It is followed by burning, local swelling, and redness. Two puncture points may be visible. The pain intensifies after 1 to 3 hours and may last up to 48 hours. The spider venom is neurotoxic and the pain usually progresses from the site of the bite up or down the arm or leg, finally localizing in the abdomen or back. The abdominal muscles may become rigid and board-like with severe cramps.

Other symptoms may include nausea, profuse sweating, tremors, labored breathing and speech, and vomiting. The severity of the symptoms depends on the age and sensitivity of the victim, with small children most severely affected.

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Public Works - Other Pests

1. How can I control spiders in my house, garage, or shed?: Keep areas clean and free of debris. Eliminate their living sites by removing trash, old boxes, piles of lumber, and rubble from under or around houses or out-buildings. There are a variety of insecticides available for spider control. Please remember to carefully read and follow all label directions.

2. How can I get rid of insects and pests like hornets, yellow jackets, wasps, or other stinging insects?: There are several products labeled and available for controlling insect and pests. Please carefully read and follow all label directions for their use. Always apply the product at night when the insect is "home". Never use gasoline, kerosene, oil, or any other flammable liquids to control pests due to the danger to you and the potential of groundwater contamination.

3. How can I help make sure that snakes will not want to live in my yard?: Simply eliminate the areas that they would want to live in. Keep vegetation cut low, do not keep piles of wood or brush on your property, and remove debris and trash or other items where they can hide.

4. How can I reach your 3-1-1 Customer Call Center?: If you are calling from the City of Hampton, simply dial 3-1-1 on your touch tone or rotary dial phone. From outside the city of Hampton, please dial (757) 727-8311. The call center is available from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., seven days a week.

5. How can I safely remove a tick from myself or my dog?: Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible with tweezers. Gently and steadily pull until the tick is free of the skin. Disinfect the site of the bite immediately. Do not put anything on the tick before removal, squeeze the body of the tick, break off any mouth parts, or rub the bite area before disinfecting it.

6. How will I know if I have been bitten by a Black Widow spider?: The bite may not be felt. It is followed by burning, local swelling, and redness. Two puncture points may be visible. The pain intensifies after 1 to 3 hours and may last up to 48 hours. The spider venom is neurotoxic and the pain usually progresses from the site of the bite up or down the arm or leg, finally localizing in the abdomen or back. The abdominal muscles may become rigid and board-like with severe cramps.

Other symptoms may include nausea, profuse sweating, tremors, labored breathing and speech, and vomiting. The severity of the symptoms depends on the age and sensitivity of the victim, with small children most severely affected.

7. What can I do to get rid of or control ticks in my yard?: Usually ticks are a problem because a pet dog has carried them into the yard or house. Female ticks on the animal feed, drop-off, and lay eggs. The eggs hatch and thousands of larval ticks seek a meal, usually from the dog. Controlling ticks around the house means keeping the animal free of ticks with the use of a suitable dip, dust, spray, shampoo, and a tick collar. Dogs can be de-ticked by hand, but remember to protect your fingers or use tweezers.

8. What can I do to protect myself from tick bites?: Wear light colored clothing so ticks can be seen easier, wear long sleeved shirts and long pants in an area where ticks may be, and tuck pants into socks and shirttails into pants to force the tick to walk on the outside of clothing where it can be easily seen, and removed. You can also use repellents to help keep ticks away and you should check frequently for ticks on the body and clothing, especially on children.

9. What kinds of snakes are found in Hampton?: Non-poisonous snakes like garter snakes, black rat snakes, and King snakes; poisonous snakes such as water moccasins, copperheads, and the Canebrake rattlesnake.

10. What should I do if I am bitten by a Black Widow spider?: You need to contact a physician or hospital immediately. Small children are especially vulnerable to the bite and need to be treated right away. While the bite is not considered life threatening, hospitalization may be necessary.

11. What should I do if I see a snake in my yard?: A snake is more afraid of you than you are of them. If you see a snake on your property or while out walking, leave the snake alone and it will most likely leave you alone if given the chance. A snake, like any other animal, will only bite you in self defense. With this in mind, no snake should ever be picked up unless you are familiar with the proper method of handling and can identify the poisonous ones. Snakes are also beneficial to man in many ways. Several species eat rodents and insects so snakes are an important link to the environment just like other animals.

12. What type of diseases can be transmitted from ticks to humans?: The most common tick-borne diseases in this area are Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF) and Lyme Disease. RMSF is most often transmitted by the bite of the American dog tick and can be fatal if left untreated. Lyme Disease is transmitted through the bite of the deer tick. Untreated, Lyme Disease can cause permanent damage to joints and heart muscle. Both RMSF and Lyme Disease can be controlled with antibiotics.

13. What types of pests or flying insects are common in Hampton?: Numerous types of spiders, including the Black Widow; hornets; wasps; yellow jackets; snakes, flies; fleas; and ticks are all common in the city.