How To Deal With Spider Bites

Robert James
Pest Control Technician

It is important to note that bites from these 8-legged arthropods are not always harmful. This is because most spiders are not poisonous especially those found within home residence. The only real problem you can experience is pain and itchiness on the area bitten by the spider. Although most spider species are not dangerous, there’s a portion of the population which are poisonous and their bites need to be carefully handled.

Common House Spiders

black widow spiders

 Image : Black Widow

 brown_recluse_spider

  Image : Brown Recluse

There are several spider species which are found within home residences. Where do they come from? Well, some are outdoor spiders which come into the house as they wonder around. They include a variety of hunting spiders and web-building spiders alongside some harmful spiders like the black widow and brown recluse (violin spider) which hide away in the attic. How to identify various spider species.

Identifying Spider Bites

Just because you found a bite on your arm or leg, don’t be haste to conclude that it’s a spider bite. There are several animals especially insects which use biting mechanism as a means of protection and this is why you should first be sure what really bit you. Like earlier said, not all spider bites are harmless and it is important to identify which spider bit you because the outcome is not always the same. A spider bite is characterized by local redness, irritation, pain and in extreme cases, a swelling.

Spider  Bites Symptoms

symptoms-of-spider-bites

Identifying spider bites is not always a sure form of being certain that it was indeed a spider that bit you. Symptoms associated with spider bites are;

  • Fever
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Headache
  • Abdominal pain
  • Joint pain/ stiffness
  • Rash
  • Muscle cramps
  • Overall malaise feelings

Spider Bite Treatment

Whether poisonous or not, it is important to treat spider bites. In the case of black widow and recluse spider bites, it is advisable to seek medical attention as they contain poisonous venom which could lead to death.

  • First things first, when it comes to treating bites you need to identify the spider which bit you.
  • You should then call for emergency medical help after identifying that the spider bite is from a poisonous spider.
  • Otherwise, you could gently wrap the bitten area with an elastic bandage, so as to slow the flow of the venom into the bloodstream and be careful not to cut blood circulation.
  • Then rush to the nearest medical facility near you and make sure to be immobilized to reduce the circulation of the venom.
  • Alternatively, you could cleanse the wound with some warm water and soap to prevent an infection.
  • After that, apply a warm compress to the bite as a means of reducing blood pressure and it will increase the flow of blood.
  • In place of the warm compress, you could apply an ice pack instead which also slows down the spread of the venom and in case of a swell, it will bring it down.
  • You could also elevate the bitten area to slow down the movement of the venom.

Home Remedies For Spider Bites

Most spider bites don’t require a visit to the doctor as they will heal on their own. You could use the following home remedies to relieve any pain and swelling you might be experiencing from the bite.

  • Use an ice pack; first wash the affected area with warm water and mild soap then apply a pack of ice to help soothe the itching sensation and reduce any swellings.
  • On the other hand, after washing the affected area thoroughly with water and soap, sprinkle some salt on a wet cloth then use it to bandage the affected part for a couple of hours. NB: salt has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties which will help in drawing out the venom.
  • Alternatively, you could use baking soda, which you will mix with water. Using a cotton wool, apply the mixture on the affected area then wash off with warm water. If discomfort persists, you could apply once more after a few hours.
  • Or you could use aspirin, and dissolve 2 of them in water, creating a paste. Then apply the paste on the affected area and leave it for some hours. Wash it off with warm water and repeat as several times as necessary.
  • Other substances for home remedies that you could apply are; potatoes, active charcoal, lemon juice, aloe vera, peppermint and turmeric.

To know read  how to get rid of spider

Interesting Facts About Spiders

Chances of being bitten are surprisingly low. Most times spiders will bite, if and only if you disturb them, naturally they don’t really want to bite you. On the contrary, spiders tend to avoid people and that’s why they tend to stay far away from humans and even run away to hide when you come near them. You should also note that most spiders don’t have such strong fangs to pierce through human skin so no need to be afraid of them.

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