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Q&A on
disinfecting &
cleaning
your home
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Is there a list of disinfectants for COVID-19? How do I find it?
The U.S. EPA has a list of disinfectant products expected to be effective against the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19. Please see full answer below. Follow up questions are welcome in the comments.
I can't find disinfectants (or hand sanitizers) at the store. I saw a great recipe online, what are the risks if I try DIY?
Home remedies do not have labels that tell you how to use them, how much, where, and how often.This could lead to overuse or harm to people or pets. Even too much of a low toxicity ingredient can be harmful.No label means no guidance about protective clothing or gloves. Home remedies are also not tested to see if they are effective.
What are the risks of making a hydrogen peroxide solution at home to use as a disinfectant?
Hydrogen peroxide can be irritating to the eyes and skin. Without a safety label, it can lead to overuse and may be harmful. Additionally, hydrogen peroxide, when mixed with vinegar, can cause periacetic acid formation, which is very irritating to the skin, eyes, and lungs.
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Case #1
A poison specialist received a call about a 2 year old child who was playing in the yard and ran over to her mom with a coral snake latched on to her finger. The mom immediately removed the snake, which also bit her. Emergency services were called and they were both airlifted to a local health care facility. Since the mom refused to leave the child's side, she was never seen for her bite but luckily showed no symptoms. Meanwhile, her daughter was hospitalized for 3 weeks due to the snake's powerful neurotoxin venom. The child made a full recovery.
Case #2
A 73 year old male was gardening and was bitten by an unseen animal. Within the hour, his finger and hand were significantly swollen. The patient was evaluated and observed in the emergency room and was discharged later that day. The poison center was later notified that the patient's son had recovered a copperhead snake from his home. The patient did not require any additional treatment.
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Snakes
Texas is home to many potentially dangerous snakes. They can be grouped into 4 categories or types of venomous snakes. Have you ever wondered what the difference is between venomous and poisonous? An animal that has venom is called "venomous", while an animal that would make you sick if you ate it is considered "poisonous."Only a small number of snakes in Texas have venom.
The following 3 categories of snakes are part of the viper family (viperidae). That means they have a large, arrowhead shaped head, heat-sensory pits between the eyes, and large retractable fangs used to inject venom when they bite
Rattlesnakes
- There are many kinds of rattlesnakes in Texas.
- Most rattlesnakes are active at night, when they hunt for prey such as mice, rats and rabbits.
- They have a rattle on the end of their tail that can help give a warning before they strike (they do not always rattle before they bite).
Copperheads
- Most are copper colored with light and dark brown bands. They can sometimes appear greyer in color.
- Most bites occur accidentally when they are picked up, sat on or laid on because they camouflage so well with leaves, grasses, wood & rocks
Cottonmouth/Water Moccasin
- Brown, olive, or almost black in color with a lighter colored belly.
- When threatened, it sometimes opens its mouth to show its fangs. The inside of mouth is white like cotton, hence the name.
- It rarely strays from water and can be found in marshes, swamps, ponds, lakes, ditches, and canals.
The fourth type of snake found in the United States is not a viper. It is part of the
Elapidae
family. It
has a small head and small fangs.
Coral Snakes
- Small with bright colored bands in order of red, yellow (or white) and black, which can attract children.
- Coral snakes are rarely seen & bites are uncommon due to their small mouths, but can be very dangerous.
Prevention
- Keep your lawn trimmed low and remove any wood, or debris piles around your home
- Be aware of your surroundings and be careful when stepping over fallen logs or large rocks.
- Always wear shoes while outside and never put your hands where you cannot see them.
- Stay calm and back away slowly if you encounter a snake.
Spiders
There are only two spiders that are of medical importance in the US. Both of these spiders can be found in Texas.
Black Widow
- About the size of a half-dollar, including the legs, these spiders are known for their shiny black body and red hourglass shape on their belly.
- They prefer to live in dark & undisturbed areas, such as stacks of wood, garages, & sheds
- Their bites are often painful right away. Although black widow bites can be dangerous, fatal bites are rare
- Soon after a bite, severe pain and muscle cramping may develop. In some cases, the venom can cause difficulty breathing.
Brown Recluse
- As big as a U.S. quarter, including the legs, this spider is
 sometimes known as the "fiddle back" for the dark brown violin shape marking on its back.
- It can be found living in basements, garages, hiding between boards, boxes, and clothes in dark, undisturbed areas.
- It will only bite when threatened. At first, the bite may appear red, itchy and inflamed. Over the next few days, the venom can cause injury & death (necrosis) to the surrounding tissue
Prevention
- Shake out your gardening gloves, boots, and shoes before putting them on.
- Keep your home clutter-free; spiders like to hide in-between and under undisturbed items.
- Check the outside of your home for any small openings, holes, and cracks and seal them to prevent any spiders, insects or pest from entering.
If you think someone has been stung by a spider, insect, or bitten by snake, call
1-800-222-1222
to reach your local poi
son center.You can call this toll-free number from anywhere in the U.S., 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
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