Many people are afraid of spiders, but it’s actually rare to be bitten by one. In the United States, only a few types of spiders can bite humans, and just two — the black widow and the brown recluse — have venom that can be dangerous. Most other spiders don’t pose a serious threat to people.
What You Need to Know About Spider Bites
Spiders are not insects; they are arachnids, and unlike mosquitoes or ticks, they don’t bite to feed on blood. Instead, spiders bite only when they feel threatened or disturbed. You might be bitten if you touch a spider by accident, try to trap it, or scare it.
Most spiders cannot pierce human skin because their fangs are too small. However, some — like the yellow sac spider, hobo spider, and wolf spider — can bite. These bites usually cause mild symptoms, like pain, redness, and swelling, similar to a bee sting. These types of bites rarely cause serious problems.
Dangerous Spiders: Black Widow and Brown Recluse
There are two spiders in the U.S. that can cause more serious health problems:
1. Black Widow Spider
- Shiny black body with a red hourglass shape under the belly
- Only females are dangerous
- Bite symptoms include:
- Two small fang marks
- Sharp pain
- Redness, swelling, and numbness
- Muscle cramps and body pain
- Headache, sweating, nausea
- Difficulty breathing (in severe cases)
Children, the elderly, and people with health problems are most at risk from black widow bites. While rare, these bites can lead to death if not treated quickly.
2. Brown Recluse Spider
- Tan or brown in color with a violin-shaped mark on the back
- Found mostly in the Midwest and Southern U.S.
- Bite symptoms include:
- Sharp pain and burning feeling
- Red or purple skin around the bite
- Blister filled with pus or blood
- Fever, chills, restlessness
- Tissue damage around the bite
In very rare cases, brown recluse bites can cause:
- Jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes)
- Kidney failure
- Seizures or coma
- Blood in urine
Young children are more likely to suffer serious effects from a brown recluse bite than adults.
How to Treat Most Spider Bites at Home
For spider bites that are not from black widow or brown recluse spiders, you can follow these simple first-aid steps:
- Wash the bite with warm, soapy water
- Apply an antibiotic cream to prevent infection
- Use an ice pack or cold cloth to reduce swelling
- Take an antihistamine for itching or swelling
- Use pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen if needed
These steps can help ease discomfort and prevent the bite from getting worse.
When to Call a Doctor or Seek Emergency Help
See a doctor right away if:
- You believe you were bitten by a black widow or brown recluse
- You have trouble breathing, high heart rate, or swelling of the face
- Your symptoms get worse or the bite area looks infected
Doctors may give you antivenom if you’re bitten by a black widow. There is no antivenom for brown recluse bites, but IV fluids, pain relief, or other treatments may be provided depending on your condition.
Preventing Spider Bites
You can avoid most spider bites by being careful in places where spiders live:
- Wear gloves and long clothes when working in wood piles, sheds, basements, or attics
- Check clothing, bedding, and shoes before use
- Keep your home clean and remove clutter
- Seal cracks in windows, walls, and doors to stop spiders from coming in
Knowing where dangerous spiders like to hide helps you stay safe.
Daily news highlights show how important it is to understand the risks of spider bites and how to respond properly. While most bites are harmless, the few that are dangerous need quick medical attention. By following safety tips and knowing the signs, you can protect yourself and your family.
