BILLINGS - It's commonly heard, "Don't let the bed bugs bite." But what about spider bites?
There is not any huge cause for alarm, but the number of spider bites reported each year is on the rise.
With cooler temperatures setting in, spiders are trying to seek some refuge from the cold, usually in warm houses. That means it is peak season for spider bites.
A spider with stripes on its legs is not poisonous, but there are some spiders in Montana that do have a venomous bite, the black widow and hobo.
Features that people should watch out for include the black widow's orange hourglass on its belly, and the hobo's reddish-blonde colored legs that are very long.
Horticulturist Amy Grandpre said to seek immediate medical help if a spider bites a person.
"The biggest thing is that if you think you've gotten bitten by one, you need to get some pretty good physical attention from a doctor," Grandpre said.
"Some of these bites, they do have a reaction that causes some skin ulceration, so it's a real good idea to get some attention before it gets to be too serious."