Spider Bites

Spider bites are generally not a problem. Spiders usually only bite if they feel threatened.

If a spider does bite you, you might see some redness, pain, and swelling. Or you might not notice anything at all. Many other insect bites and skin irritations also cause similar symptoms like redness, pain, and swelling. This makes it hard to know for sure if a bite was from a spider unless you saw the spider bite you.

Very few types of spiders are dangerous to people. They need to have fangs strong enough to pierce our skin and venom strong enough to make us sick. Black widow spiders (about 30 different types) and brown recluse spiders (over 140 types around the world) are among these dangerous spiders.

Spider bites often look like other insect bites. A red, swollen, and sometimes itchy or painful area on your skin is a common sign. Sometimes, you might not even notice a spider bite at all. Most spider bites that are harmless don't cause any other problems beyond the bite mark itself.

However, many skin problems look similar to spider bites, but have different causes. For example, a bacterial infection can cause a sore that looks like a spider bite.

Some spiders, like black widows and brown recluses, can cause more serious problems. These bites can lead to more noticeable symptoms beyond the initial bite mark.

Get immediate medical help if:

• You've been bitten by a spider like a black widow or brown recluse. These spiders can be dangerous.
• You're not sure if the spider that bit you was harmful. It's better to be safe than sorry.
• The bite site is very painful, you have stomach cramps, or the wound is getting bigger or worse.
• You're having trouble breathing or swallowing. This is a serious sign.
• The skin around the bite is getting redder, or you see red lines spreading from the bite. This could be a sign of infection.

In short, if you have any concerns about a spider bite, or if the bite site is acting up in any way, get medical attention right away. Don't wait and see if it gets better. Early treatment can prevent problems.

Spider bites can cause a range of reactions, from mild to severe. The severity of the symptoms comes from the venom the spider injects. Different spider species have different venoms, and some people are more sensitive to venom than others. The amount of venom injected also plays a role in how bad the bite reaction is.

Spider bites can happen more often if you live in an area with a lot of spiders. This is because disturbing their homes can make them feel threatened and bite. For instance, widow spiders and recluse spiders prefer warm, dark, and dry environments. They're more likely to bite if their habitat is disturbed, such as by construction or clearing vegetation near their homes.

Spider bites, especially from widow spiders or recluse spiders, are rarely fatal, though this is more concerning for young children.

Getting bitten by a recluse spider can cause a very slow-healing wound. This often results in a significant, lasting scar that may take many weeks or even months to disappear completely.

Spiders rarely bite unless they feel threatened, like if they're trapped between your skin and something else.

To avoid spider bites, you can take these steps:

Recognize the Danger: Learn to identify common dangerous spiders in your area and where they like to live (e.g., dark, damp places). Knowing what to look for will help you avoid them.

Protective Gear: When working in areas where spiders might be, like garages, sheds, attics, or when handling stored items (boxes, firewood), wear protective clothing: long sleeves, pants tucked into socks, a hat, gloves, and boots. This creates a barrier between you and the spiders.

Inspect Your Gear: Before using gardening gloves, boots, or clothing, thoroughly inspect and shake them out to remove any spiders or their webs.

Insect Repellent: Using insect repellent, like DEET, can help deter spiders and other insects. Always follow the product instructions carefully.

Keep Spiders Out: Prevent spiders from entering your home by:

• Securing Entry Points: Install tight-fitting screens on windows and doors. Seal any cracks or openings where spiders might squeeze in.
• Indoor Pest Control: Use safe and effective indoor insecticides to control spider populations inside your home. Follow all label instructions carefully.

Reduce Spider Habitats: Reduce the places spiders like to live around your home by:

• Clearing Debris: Remove piles of rocks, lumber, or other debris from your yard. This will reduce hiding places. Avoid storing firewood directly against the house.
• Safe Storage: Don't push beds against the walls. Keep items from being stored under beds and make sure bedding doesn't drag on the floor. This will make it harder for spiders to find places to live inside your home.

Remove Existing Spiders: If you find spiders or webs inside your home, gently remove them.

Handling Spiders: If a spider is on your skin, carefully flick it off with your finger. Avoid crushing it against your skin.

Tarantula Care (if applicable): When handling tarantulas or cleaning their enclosures, wear gloves, a face mask, and eye protection to prevent bites or exposure to potential contaminants.

Sometimes, skin problems like redness, pain, or swelling from a suspected spider bite might actually be caused by something else. These could be bites from insects like ants, fleas, mites, mosquitoes, or biting flies. Even skin infections, other skin conditions, or even burns can look similar to a spider bite.

Doctors usually figure out what's causing the problem by talking to you about what happened and looking at your skin. They might ask if anyone saw a spider bite you, try to identify the spider if possible, and make sure it's not something else that's causing your symptoms.

There are some key differences to look for if you think a spider bit you:

Black Widow Spider Clues:

Black widow spiders are often identified by the distinct red hourglass shape on their undersides.

Brown Recluse Spider Clues:

Brown recluse spiders have a tell-tale violin-shaped marking on the top part of their body, right where their legs connect. They also have:

• A shiny black body with long legs.

• The red hourglass shape on the belly.

• The entire spider, including its legs, is about an inch (2.5 centimeters) across.

• A golden or dark brown body with long legs.

• A dark violin shape on the top of their body, near where their legs connect.

• They have six eyes – two in front and two on the sides – instead of the usual eight eyes in two rows of four that other spiders have.

• The middle part of the spider's body is about half an inch (1.2 centimeters) across.

Important Note: If you suspect a spider bite, it's crucial to see a doctor. They can properly diagnose the problem and recommend the best treatment. Don't try to self-treat.