Spider Bite Identification

It’s a common misconception that all spiders will bite you if given the chance. The truth is that most spiders want to avoid all contact with humans! Although all spiders possess venom and have fangs, most are not large enough to inflict any serious harm or even break human skin.

Bottom line: spiders are far more interested in feasting on other insects than they are in biting you. Spiders will only bite when they feel threatened. In the rare case you or someone you know is bitten, it’s important to know what to expect and how to react.

Spider bite symptoms

The majority of spider bites are harmless and will not cause any symptoms beyond minor redness or itchiness. When bitten by a black widow or brown recluse, however, more serious symptoms may occur. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, it’s important to seek immediate medical attention;

• Black widow bite symptoms: redness, swelling, profuse sweating, severe pain, and cramping in the abdomen.
• Brown recluse bite symptoms: mild stinging, intense pain, redness, red or purple discoloration around the site of the bite, open sores, ulcers, and necrosis.

How to treat spider bites

Caring for a mild spider bite should begin with gently washing the site of the bite with water and soap. If an arm or leg has been bitten, it’s important to keep the limb elevated, controlling the swelling with ice packs and antihistamines if necessary. If you are experiencing any of the aforementioned symptoms and believe you may have been bitten by a dangerous spider, it’s important to seek medical attention right away. 

Reliable spider control services

Although spiders are mostly harmless, no one wants them invading their home. It can be difficult to identify when you have dangerous spiders on your property, which is where we come in. Springer Professional Home Services provides thorough inspections, environmentally-sensitive treatments, and prevention methods to keep spiders out of your home for good.