Health and safety forum

Don't squash this bug!

SBE

mahout
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It looks innocuous enough, a bit like a big soldier ant. However you'll know it isn't harmless if you slap at it like a mosquito, accidentally crush one in your sleep, or get hit in the face by one while you're driving a motorbike.

http://docfiles.blogspot.com/2007/06/paederousrove-beetle-dermatitis.html

I just thought I'd post a heads up about this thing in case anyone else is blissfully unaware that these insects "contain the most poisonous animal contact toxin in the world".

I don't even remember squashing one of these things but right now I have a patch of what looks like bubonic plague on my inner elbow. It's quite painful too, like a bad burn ...or twelve (very small) cobra bites.

#1 Posted: 10/4/2011 - 04:42
swag

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ouch!! can't say i,ve seen this in se asia thanks for the info those pics look very nasty.here's to a speedy recovery.btw where were you when you crushed this.
swag

#2 Posted: 10/4/2011 - 05:24
busylizzy

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Good grief, SBE - you have the worst luck with the creepy crawlies! I hope you don't have to suffer too long.. it looks nasty. Take care!

#3 Posted: 10/4/2011 - 10:47

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As you grow older, you'll find the only things you regret are the things you didn't do.
MADMAC

mahout
Posts: 3999

Yep, I got tagged on the neck by one of these about a year and a half ago... sucked.

#4 Posted: 10/4/2011 - 13:12

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Victory in Pattani
SBE

mahout
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@swag... in Thailand. I've seen quite a few of these insects there, mostly in jungly areas on the islands but the doctor I saw in Bangkok says they have them there too. Symptoms take about 12 hours to appear. They don't bite like mosquitoes or ants so you often don't even notice them.

@busylizzy... actually I think I'm quite lucky as far as creepy crawlies are concerned... I haven't died once (yet).

BTW, I had another cobra visit in my beach hut this year. Was quietly hammocking on Ko Phayam last January when out of the corner of my eye I noticed a reptilian face peeking over the edge of my balcony... at first I thought it was just a skink or a harmless tree snake but as more and more snake body appeared I realised it was in fact a large cobra...it even reared up and did a cute snake dance with its hood out. Really pisses me off that I never have a camera at hand when this kind of thing happens so I called a couple of guys from neighbouring bungalows over. Would have made a great shot as the snake was only a meter away but instead of running for a camera, they ran off screaming for help!! Typical men.

@MM. Did it leave an indelible scar? Just curious...

#5 Posted: 10/4/2011 - 16:39
MADMAC

mahout
Posts: 3999

No scar - irrtated the crap out of me for a while though.

#6 Posted: 10/4/2011 - 17:22

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Victory in Pattani