Editor’s Note: Don’t forget to check out parts 1 and 2 of this three-part series, Creepy Crawlies, Part 1: Mighty Mosquitoes and Creepy Crawlies, Part 2: Tremendous Ticks. 

With the exception of entomologists or herpetologists, few people likely enjoy whiling their days away with insects or other creepy crawlies that populate many horse farms. Although insects such as mosquitoes and ticks, which we described in June and July, can transmit diseases, they don’t tend to draw quite as much attention as venomous spiders and snakes. These critters can strike fear in even the most stoic horse owner.

But fear not: In the final leg of this series we’ll probe (gently!) the exciting worlds of snakes and spiders to help owners avoid clashing with these creepy crawlies as well. Our sources also will provide information about how to handle snake or spider bites should your horse have an unfortunate run-in with one of these critters