10 Tiny Animals That Live In Brazil And Are Super Dangerous

Brazil, as we know, is a tropical country that has ideal conditions to house a multitude of animals, from microscopic bacteria to large and heavy animals such as the jaguar (symbol of our fauna) and the tapir, the largest native mammal in the country. . We live with animals, such as our dogs and cats, which are welcome in our homes, but there are those animals that are intruders and “unwanted visitors”, they offer dangers and that is why we must be alert to prevent them from approaching us.

O Incredible.club gathered 10 animals small in size and large in danger if not kept away from humans. Also check out recommendations on how to act in case of an accident and how to avoid these animals.

This insect transmits Chagas disease when it sucks the blood of its victims (human or animal) and deposits their feces containing the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi that enters the bloodstream after a person scratches. In addition to this form of contagion of the disease, a study carried out by Universidade Paulista (check it out here) in 2018 brought together studies and evidence of oral transmission, through the ingestion of foods such as açaí and sugarcane juice contaminated by the protozoan found in the barber’s feces.

How to avoid: It is necessary to constantly take care of cleaning the house to make it difficult for the insect to enter and avoid cracks and holes in the furniture. In food, consume products from reliable sources, in places certified by the health surveillance.

homemade repellent: to avoid a possible insect bite, a product was developed (see the method of preparation here) composed of cloves, almond oil and alcohol to be sprayed under the skin. The recipe is also repellent against dengue mosquitoes.

First aid: O The first step is to remain calm and see if you can locate and identify the insect that has bitten, but in any case, avoid scratching the bite area because this facilitates the entry of the protozoan contained in the barber’s feces. As the sting is not painful and during sleep, many victims do not even realize that they have been attacked.

Jellyfish are marine animals that proliferate faster with increasing temperature. In summer, on Brazilian beaches, with the increasing number of these animals, the incidence of burns caused by the contact of jellyfish with human beings becomes more common.

The burning sensation is because jellyfish have tentacles covered in cells that inject toxins into the skin causing extreme pain and in more severe cases fever, dizziness and nausea.

On the beaches of Santa Catarina, lilac flag signals and alerts bathers that the area has a high risk of accidents with jellyfish.

How to avoid: It is important to research if the beach has a high rate of accidents by aquatic animals, collecting information with the local population and lifeguards. Always be aware of the animals and objects found on the beach, since the jellyfish, being transparent, is difficult to see. When you find the jellyfish, call the lifeguard to collect the animal safely.

Repellent: researchers at the University of Vale do Itajaí, in Santa Catarina, are developing a product that inhibits the release of the poison after contact with jellyfish. The idea is to add it to sunscreen.

First aid: applying vinegar or sea water (never fresh water) to the lesion and, with the help of tweezers, removing the tentacles stuck in the skin are measures that can help reduce the burning sensation.

It is a species of spider well distributed in the region. southeastern Brazil in rural or urban areas. Wanderers are considered to be the most aggressive spiders in the world. The name armadeira is related to its defensive position, in which it leans on its hind legs and raises its front legs to strike, jumping over the possible aggressor; this alone would frighten many, imagine that the bite of this spider is very painful and its venom is extremely toxic and can even cause death. One of the places where this spider usually lives is in banana trees, being even transported to other countries because they are hidden in bunches of bananas. It can also take shelter in houses, being found, for example, inside shoes and behind curtains. So stay tuned.

How to avoid: Faced with the danger of the attack of these spiders, it is important to take precautions by cleaning the yard, and when handling abandoned objects and rubble, use gloves and boots. Examine clothing and footwear before use.

Repellent: There are popular homemade solutions to ward off spiders and insects, as they are repelled by strong smells. It is possible, for example, to spread bags containing cloves and/or camphor stones around the house.

First aid: keep the victim calm and try to identify the spider that has bitten. It is recommended to wash the sting area with soap and water and to relieve pain. A warm water compress can also be used. Common pain relievers can ease the pain until rescuers arrive.

the scorpion species Tityus serrulatus is considered the most poisonous in Latin America. in 2018🇧🇷 the Ministry of Health recorded 141,400 cases of accidents with scorpions across the country. The yellow scorpion easily adapts to urban environments and proliferates quickly, since the female herself is able to generate the young without the need for mating.

Scorpion venom acts on the nervous system, causing intense pain and tingling at the sting site. Last year, several news reports reported the death of children as a result of scorpion stings. Children and the elderly, of course, are more sensitive to the toxicity of the venom that spreads more quickly through the bloodstream, which requires immediate referral to the hospital for the application of anti-scorpion serum.

How to avoid: take care of cleaning the house, not letting garbage, rubble, tiles and bricks pile up. Cover drains and cracks. Do not leave beds and cribs against the wall and prevent the sheets from touching the floor, which can provide support for the scorpion to climb.

Repellent: the application of insecticides is not recommended because it makes the scorpions leave their hiding places looking for places where there is no poison, increasing the risk of accidents even more. The insecticide would only be effective and safe if it could be applied directly to the animal, and not spread into the environment.

First aid: if possible, capture the animal or take a photo to facilitate identification and aid in diagnosis. Clean the sting site with soap and water and never apply ice, as this increases the pain. Use only warm water compresses.

The caterpillars are found during the day gathered in cedar trunks, fig trees, rubber trees and other types of trees that serve as a natural habitat and source of food for these animals.

The animal has “thorns” all over its body that break and release venom when they come into contact with people’s skin. Poisonings can be serious and even fatal if not properly treated, as they cause allergic reactions and changes in blood clotting. Most cases of accidents involving caterpillars occur in the South region from Brazil.

How to avoid: keep an eye out for tree trunks and leaves because there may be caterpillars that live and camouflage themselves in these places. Use gloves and boots in hazardous activities. Painting the trunks of trees near the residences white makes it easier to see the caterpillars.

Repellent: the application of insecticide based on the bacteria Bacillus Thuringiensis acts as an ally in the fight against caterpillars. The product is not toxic to humans.

First aid: wash the affected area with plenty of water and make compresses with cold water or ice to relieve the pain.

In 1956, the African bee species was introduced to the Brazil, in the region of Rio Claro-SP, for scientific research. But the animals eventually escaped captivity and spread quickly. Africanized bees (descendants of African bees) have a high defense capacity of their hives, sting more to protect the territory and adapt better to different environmental conditions.

The effects of bee venom are not the same for all people; while some are more resistant, others have extreme allergic reactions causing vomiting and loss of consciousness. The consequences on the body after a bee sting vary according to the sensitivity and intensity of the attack.

How to avoid: do not mess with the hives, because a large number of bees can appear to defend their territory. If you need to pass close to the bees, it is recommended to wear white clothes and protect your face, hands and feet. Do not make sudden movements.

Repellent: Under the skin, a natural repellent made with alcohol, cloves and body oil can be used (used as a repellent fixative). In environments where there is a greater presence of bees, repellents such as neem oil, mint oil, garlic extract, clove oil, eucalyptus oil and citronella can be applied (effects not scientifically proven, although these products are widely used).

First aid: Remove the bee’s stinger with your fingernail or tweezers, do not rub or scratch the sting area as this helps to spread the venom. Do not apply alcohol to the body; this significantly increases the reactions. In case of inflammation, apply ice under the skin.

The giant African snail is a mollusc that was brought to Brazil in the 1980s, illegally imported from Africa, as an option for consumption of escargot (snails of the genus helix), since from an economic point of view, the weight and size of the giant snail were more attractive than the traditional escargot🇧🇷 But the demand for this type of food was much lower than expected and the breeders did not know what to do with the large number of these animals, so they decided to release them into the wild, which generated an infestation of snails in all corners of the country. . In urban environments, these molluscs generate a lot of inconvenience because they destroy vegetable gardens and, in addition, threats to health because they are transmitters of worms that cause diseases such as eosinophilic meningitis, caused after the ingestion or secretion of molluscs infected with Angiostrongylus costaricensis.

How to avoid: wear gloves to come into contact with the clam. The snail should never be eaten. In gardens where there is infestation of these animals, you should be very careful when preparing and consuming vegetables. It is recommended to make…