Spider Bites

Key Points

• Most bites are harmless: Most spider bites look like mosquito bites and heal on their own.

• Check the symptoms: Harmless bites itch or sting slightly. Venomous bites often cause muscle cramps, fever, or deep sores.

• The "Two Punctures" Myth: While possible, it's rare to see two distinct fang marks.

• Mistaken Identity: Many skin infections like MRSA get mistaken for spider bites.

• When to Act: Seek medical help if you have trouble breathing, severe cramps, or a spreading red ring.

Waking up with a mysterious red bump can send anyone down a Google rabbit hole. Is it a mosquito? A bed bug? Or did a spider decide to make you a midnight snack?

Most spiders are harmless introverts that just want to eat other bugs. However, knowing the difference between a harmless nip and a serious bite is essential for your peace of mind and your safety.

What do spider bites look like?

The truth is, unless you see the spider in the act, it’s hard to be sure you have a spider bite.

Most of the time, a spider bite will look like any other insect bite: a red, inflamed bump that may be itchy or slightly painful. While many people look for two puncture marks, these are often too small to be visible.

When it might be something else:

• Multiple bites: Spiders typically bite only once for defense. A cluster of bites is more likely from insects like fleas or bed bugs.

• A hot, painful sore: If the bite area is swollen, hot to touch, and very painful, it could be a staph infection (like MRSA), which is often mistaken for a spider bite.

Harmless vs. Poisonous Spider Bites

Common House Spiders

Spiders like wolf spiders, jumping spiders, and your standard house spiders might look intimidating, but they are relatively harmless to humans. Other less venomous spiders that may bite and cause less severe symptoms include orb weaver spiders, funnel-web spiders, tarantulas, and crab spiders. While pain may accompany their bites, it is moderate to slight, temporary, and only rarely produces serious reactions.

• Symptoms: You might feel a mild sting like a bee, followed by slight redness or minor swelling.

• The Verdict: These bites are annoying, but they aren't an emergency.

Venomous Spiders

There are two specific spiders in North America that require your full attention. If you suspect a bite from either of these, monitor your symptoms closely.

1. Black Widow

• Identification: Black widow spiders have a shiny black body with a distinct red hourglass mark on the underside of the abdomen.

• The Bite: Interestingly, black widow bites are often painless at first.

• The Reaction: Within an hour or two, the venom kicks in. You may experience intense muscle cramps, particularly in the abdomen, along with nausea, sweating, and chills. It’s essentially a bad flu combined with a severe "charley horse."

2. Brown Recluse

• Identification: These are brown with a dark, violin-shaped mark on their back (giving them the nickname "fiddle-back" spider).

• The Bite: You’ll usually feel a sharp sting or mild pain immediately after a brown recluse spider bite.

• The Reaction: The venom from a brown recluse spider is necrotic, meaning it can damage skin tissue. Look for a "bullseye" pattern: a red ring around a pale center that may turn dark blue or purple. Without treatment, this can develop into an open sore that takes a long time to heal.

Other Spider Bites

Hobo spiders and yellow sac spiders are two other species whose bites can be cause for concern. While their bites may be painful and result in localized skin irritation, they are typically less severe than those from a black widow or brown recluse. Similarly, parson spider bites can be painful, and in some cases, individuals may experience an allergic reaction with varying symptoms, though they are not considered medically significant.

Spider Bite Treatment

If you’re dealing with a standard, non-venomous spider bite, you can usually treat it yourself at home. Follow these steps to ease symptoms and prevent complications:

• Clean the area: Wash the bite with mild soap and water to reduce the risk of infection.

• Apply a cold compress: Use an ice pack or a cool, damp cloth for about 15 minutes to help reduce swelling.

• Elevate the affected area: If the bite is on your arm or leg, keep it elevated to minimize swelling.

• Manage discomfort: Take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or use an antihistamine like Benadryl to relieve itching or mild pain.

When to Seek Medical Attention

Some spider bites can cause more serious symptoms that require medical care. Visit a doctor or urgent care if you experience:

• Difficulty breathing or swallowing.

• Severe abdominal cramping or muscle spasms.

• Redness that’s spreading or streaks leading away from the bite.

• A bite that develops into an open wound or growing sore.

• Uncertainty about whether the spider was venomous. It’s always better to be cautious in these cases.

Preventing Spider Bites

The best way to handle spider bites is to avoid them whenever possible. Spiders tend to hide in places where they have access to food (other insects) and shelter. Here’s how to keep them out:

• Seal entry points: Use caulk to close up cracks around windows, doors, and foundations.

• Declutter your space: Spiders are drawn to undisturbed areas like piles of boxes, old clothes, or woodpiles. Keep these areas tidy and organized.

• Check before you wear: Shake out shoes, gloves, and gardening clothes that have been sitting unused for a while.

• Consider professional pest control: If spiders are becoming a recurring issue, pest control services can create a barrier to keep both spiders and their food sources out of your home.

By taking these steps, you can minimize the risk of spider bites and ensure your home stays free of unwanted visitors.

However, if spiders are still making themselves at home, it might be time to bring in the experts. Don't spend more time playing hide-and-seek with pests. Contact an Orkin Pro to help get rid of spiders in your home with effective pest control treatments.

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Do Natural Spider Repellents Work?

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