What are the symptoms of common spider bites. How to identify bites from household spiders and wolf spiders. What to do if you get bitten by a spider. When to seek medical attention for spider bites.

Types of Spiders That Bite Humans

Out of over 50,000 spider species worldwide, only a small number possess fangs and venom capable of penetrating human skin. These include:

• Brown recluse spider
• Black widow spider
• Hobo spider
• Wolf spider
• Camel spider
• Banana spider

While most spiders are harmless and only bite when threatened, the severity of spider bites can range from mild irritation to medical emergencies. Understanding the characteristics and potential dangers of different spider species is crucial for proper identification and treatment of bites.

Brown Recluse Spider: The Violin-Backed Menace

The brown recluse spider, also known as the violin spider or fiddleback spider, is a common household arachnid found in warm, dry regions of the United States, particularly in the south and central areas. These spiders prefer dark, secluded spaces such as:

• Woodpiles
• Closets
• Attics
• Basements

Identifying the Brown Recluse

How can you recognize a brown recluse spider? These arachnids measure between half an inch to an inch in length and are light brown in color. Their most distinctive feature is a violin-shaped mark on their back, which gives them their alternative names.

Brown Recluse Spider Bite Symptoms

What happens when a brown recluse spider bites you? The bite may initially go unnoticed or cause a mild stinging sensation. However, within several hours, you may experience:

• Burning pain
• Intense itching
• A bull’s-eye appearance at the bite site
• A central blister that scabs and falls off
• Formation of a small ulcer
• Body aches and fever (in some cases)

Children are particularly susceptible to allergic reactions from brown recluse venom. If you suspect a brown recluse bite, immediate action is crucial.

Treating Brown Recluse Spider Bites

How should you treat a brown recluse spider bite? Follow these steps:

1. Wash the bite area thoroughly
2. Apply an ice pack to reduce swelling
3. Use an antibiotic ointment to prevent infection

In most cases, symptoms subside within 48 hours, but the central ulcer may take weeks to heal completely. Monitor the bite closely and seek medical attention if symptoms worsen or persist.

Black Widow Spider: The Hourglass Assassin

The black widow spider is infamous for its potent venom and distinctive appearance. These spiders are found throughout the United States but are more prevalent in warmer, drier regions.

Identifying the Black Widow

How can you recognize a black widow spider? Look for these characteristics:

• Size: Similar to brown recluse (half-inch to an inch long)
• Color: Shiny black
• Distinctive mark: Red or orange hourglass shape on the underside of the abdomen
• Habitat: Outdoor areas like sheds, barns, and woodpiles

It’s important to note that only female black widows pose a significant threat to humans.

Black Widow Spider Bite Symptoms

What happens when a black widow spider bites you? The bite is usually felt immediately and may exhibit the following symptoms:

• Visible fang marks
• Swelling at the bite site
• Muscle aches and cramps spreading from the bite area
• Nausea
• Difficulty breathing
• Weakness

Treating Black Widow Spider Bites

How should you treat a black widow spider bite? Follow these steps:

1. Clean the bite area thoroughly
2. Apply ice to reduce swelling
3. Seek emergency medical care if muscle cramps develop

In severe cases, medical treatment may include blood pressure medication, muscle relaxants, and rarely, antivenin. While serious reactions are uncommon, children and elderly individuals are at higher risk of complications.

Hobo Spider: The Northwestern Newcomer

The hobo spider is a non-native species that has established itself in the northwestern United States. Originally from Europe, these spiders are now commonly found in California, Oregon, Utah, and Washington.

Identifying the Hobo Spider

How can you recognize a hobo spider? Look for these features:

• Size: Approximately half an inch long
• Color: Brown upper body with grayish abdomen featuring yellow markings
• Legs: Long, allowing for quick ground movement
• Habitat: Cracks or holes both indoors and outdoors

Hobo Spider Bite Symptoms

What happens when a hobo spider bites you? The bite symptoms are similar to those of a brown recluse:

• Central blister that scabs and ulcerates
• Swollen, discolored ring around the bite
• Numbing sensation within an hour of the bite
• Muscle or joint aches
• Formation of a black scab after about three days

The resulting wound from a hobo spider bite can be slow to heal and may require medical attention.

Wolf Spider: The Ground-Dwelling Hunter

Wolf spiders are common throughout the United States and are known for their hunting prowess. Unlike many other spiders, they don’t weave webs to catch prey.

Identifying the Wolf Spider

How can you recognize a wolf spider? Look for these characteristics:

• Size: Can be 3 to 4 inches across
• Color: Brown or gray
• Appearance: Large and hairy, sometimes mistaken for tarantulas
• Distinctive feature: Female carries a white egg sac
• Habitat: Outdoor areas with loose sand or gravel, occasionally wandering indoors

Wolf Spider Bite Symptoms

What happens when a wolf spider bites you? While not typically dangerous, wolf spider bites can cause:

• Pain
• Redness
• Swelling
• Potential skin tearing due to large fangs
• Risk of infection if the wound is not properly cleaned

Although wolf spider bites are generally not severe, it’s essential to clean the wound thoroughly to prevent complications.

General Spider Bite Treatment and Prevention

While specific treatments may vary depending on the spider species, there are general guidelines to follow when dealing with spider bites:

1. Clean the bite area with soap and water
2. Apply a cold compress or ice pack to reduce swelling
3. Elevate the affected limb if possible
4. Take over-the-counter pain relievers if necessary
5. Monitor the bite for signs of infection or allergic reaction
6. Seek medical attention if symptoms worsen or persist

To prevent spider bites, consider the following measures:

• Seal cracks and crevices in your home
• Keep storage areas clean and organized
• Wear protective clothing when working in areas where spiders may hide
• Use caution when moving stored items or firewood
• Consider using spider repellents or natural deterrents

When to Seek Medical Attention for Spider Bites

While most spider bites can be treated at home, certain situations warrant immediate medical care. Seek professional help if you experience:

• Severe pain or swelling
• Difficulty breathing
• Chest pain or tightness
• Nausea or vomiting
• Fever or chills
• Spreading redness or warmth around the bite
• Neurological symptoms such as headache, confusion, or seizures

If possible, try to safely capture the spider for identification, as this can help medical professionals determine the appropriate treatment.

Debunking Spider Bite Myths

There are several misconceptions surrounding spider bites that can lead to unnecessary fear or improper treatment. Let’s address some common myths:

Myth: All Spider Bites Are Dangerous

Fact: The vast majority of spider bites are harmless and cause only minor irritation. Only a small number of spider species have venom potent enough to cause serious harm to humans.

Myth: You Can Always Feel a Spider Bite

Fact: Many spider bites go unnoticed at the time they occur. Some may cause a mild stinging sensation, while others are painless.

Myth: Spider Bites Always Leave Two Puncture Marks

Fact: While some spider bites may leave visible fang marks, many do not. The appearance of a spider bite can vary greatly depending on the species and individual reaction.

Myth: All Unexplained Skin Lesions Are Spider Bites

Fact: Many skin conditions, insect bites, and bacterial infections can mimic the appearance of spider bites. It’s important not to assume every mysterious mark is a spider bite.

Myth: Home Remedies Like Applying Meat Tenderizer Can Cure Spider Bites

Fact: There is no scientific evidence supporting the effectiveness of meat tenderizer or other popular home remedies for spider bites. Stick to proven treatments and seek medical attention when necessary.

Understanding these myths can help you respond more appropriately to potential spider bites and avoid unnecessary panic or ineffective treatments.

The Role of Spiders in Ecosystems

While spiders may inspire fear in many people, it’s important to recognize their vital role in maintaining ecological balance. Spiders serve several crucial functions in our environment:

Natural Pest Control

Spiders are highly effective predators that help control insect populations. They consume vast quantities of flies, mosquitoes, and other pests that can damage crops or spread diseases.

Biodiversity Support

As both predators and prey, spiders are an integral part of food webs. They provide sustenance for birds, lizards, and other animals while helping to regulate the populations of smaller creatures.

Silk Production

Spider silk is one of nature’s most remarkable materials. It’s incredibly strong, flexible, and has potential applications in various fields, including medicine and materials science.

Indicators of Environmental Health

The presence and diversity of spider populations can serve as indicators of overall ecosystem health. Changes in spider communities can signal broader environmental issues.

Understanding the ecological importance of spiders can foster a greater appreciation for these often-misunderstood creatures and promote more balanced approaches to pest management and conservation.

Advances in Spider Venom Research

While spider venom can be dangerous to humans in certain cases, it also holds promise for medical and scientific breakthroughs. Researchers are exploring various applications of spider venom components:

Pain Management

Some spider venoms contain compounds that could lead to the development of new pain medications. These compounds may offer alternatives to opioids, potentially reducing the risk of addiction and other side effects.

Cancer Treatment

Certain spider venom peptides have shown potential in targeting and killing cancer cells while leaving healthy cells unharmed. This could lead to more effective and less toxic cancer therapies.

Antibiotic Development

As antibiotic resistance becomes an increasing concern, researchers are turning to spider venom as a potential source of new antimicrobial compounds.

Agricultural Applications

Spider venom components may be used to develop eco-friendly pesticides that target specific pests without harming beneficial insects or crops.

These research areas highlight how the study of spider venom can contribute to advancements in medicine, agriculture, and other fields, potentially improving human health and well-being.

Spider Conservation and Coexistence

Despite their importance, many spider species face threats due to habitat loss, pesticide use, and climate change. Promoting spider conservation and learning to coexist with these creatures is crucial for maintaining ecological balance. Here are some ways to support spider populations and reduce conflicts:

Create Spider-Friendly Habitats

Maintain diverse gardens with native plants, leaf litter, and undisturbed areas to provide suitable habitats for spiders.

Reduce Pesticide Use

Minimize the use of chemical pesticides, which can harm spiders and disrupt ecosystems. Consider natural pest control methods instead.

Educate Others

Share information about the benefits of spiders and dispel common myths to promote understanding and reduce fear.

Practice Humane Removal

When spiders must be removed from indoor spaces, use catch-and-release methods rather than killing them.

Support Conservation Efforts

Participate in citizen science projects that monitor spider populations or support organizations working to protect arachnid species.

By fostering a greater understanding of spiders and their role in our world, we can work towards a more balanced and sustainable relationship with these fascinating creatures.

Common Spider Bite Symptoms: Household, Wolf Spider

While some spider bites cause only redness and itching, others are more dangerous. Here’s how to identify spiders that bite — and what to do if you get bitten.

Medically Reviewed

There are more than 50,000 types of spiders in the world. All spiders have eight legs, no wings, and only two body parts: a thorax and an abdomen. They also all have fangs and enough venom to kill the insects that make up their diet. But only a handful of spiders have fangs and venom that can penetrate human skin — including the brown recluse spider, hobo spider, camel spider, wolf spider, black widow spider, and banana spider. Most spiders are harmless and will bite only if they feel threatened. But depending on the spider and its victim, spider bites can cause anything from mild itching and redness to a reaction that becomes a medical emergency. Here’s detailed info on some common spiders and their bites.

The Brown Recluse Spider

The brown recluse spider gets its name from its habit of living in dark corners inside or outside homes, such as in woodpiles, closets, attics, and basements. This spider is more common in areas that have warm and dry climates, like the south and central areas of the United States. The brown recluse is about a half-inch to an inch long, is light brown in color, and has a violin-shaped mark on its back. The distinctive mark gives the spider these other nicknames: the violin spider or fiddleback spider.

The Brown Recluse Spider Bite

The brown recluse spider’s venom may cause burning pain and itching within several hours after a bite. The actual bite may cause a stinging sensation or not be felt at all. The bite has the appearance of a bull’s-eye, with a central blister that scabs and falls off, leaving a small ulcer. Possible symptoms include body aches and fever. Children may be at risk for an allergic reaction to the venom. To treat a brown recluse spider bite, immediately wash it and apply an ice pack. You can also use an antibiotic ointment to prevent infection. In most cases, symptoms resolve within 48 hours, but the central ulcer may take weeks to heal.

The Black Widow Spider

The black widow spider is about the same size as the brown recluse spider (a half-inch to an inch long) and also likes dark places. This spider is usually found outside in sheds, barns, or woodpiles. The black widow can be identified by her shiny black color and a red or orange hourglass marking on the underside of her abdomen. Only the bite of the female spider is dangerous. Black widows can be found throughout the United States but are most common in warmer and drier areas.

The Black Widow Spider Bite

The victim of a black widow spider’s bite usually feels it right away, and there may be fang marks and swelling. If you are bitten, you should clean and ice the bite. If the spider has injected venom, you may experience muscle aches and cramps that spread from the bite area to the rest of the body. Possible symptoms include nausea, difficulty breathing, and weakness. If someone bitten by a black widow spider experiences muscle cramps, emergency medical care may include blood pressure medication, muscle relaxants, and, in rare cases, antivenin — a biologic product created to counteract the effects of a spider’s venom. Serious reactions are rare, but are most common in children or very elderly people.

The Hobo Spider

The hobo spider is not native to the United States. It arrived in the northwest from Europe and is now common in California, Oregon, Utah, and Washington. The spider is about one-half inch long and has long legs that allow it to move quickly on the ground. Its upper body is brown and its abdomen is grayish with yellow markings. The hobo likes to live in cracks or holes both inside and outside.

The Hobo Spider Bite

The hobo bite resembles the brown recluse bite, with a central blister that scabs and ulcerates, surrounded by a ring of swollen discoloration. Within an hour after the bite, the hobo spider’s venom can cause a numbing sensation and muscle or joint aches. After about three days, a black scab falls off, leaving an open, slow-healing type of wound.

The Wolf Spider

The wolf spider is common all over the United States. It doesn’t weave webs, and it gets its name from its habit of stalking prey like a wolf. The wolf spider is brown or gray in color and can be 3 to 4 inches across. Because some wolf spiders are large and hairy, they are sometimes mistaken for tarantulas. The female may be identified by a white egg sac that she carries with her. This spider prefers to live outdoors on the ground in loose sand or gravel, but it may wander indoors and be spotted running across the floor.

The Wolf Spider Bite

The wolf spider’s bite can cause pain, redness, and swelling. Its large fangs may tear the skin, which can become infected and cause lymph nodes to swell. Treatment of a wolf spider bite includes cleansing and icing. Swelling and pain can last up to 10 days, but medical attention is usually not necessary unless the victim is a small child or someone who is sick or elderly.

The Camel Spider

Camel spiders are sometimes called wind scorpions or sun spiders, but in reality, they are neither scorpions nor spiders. They belong to a group of desert creatures called solpugids, and they have elongated bodies that make them look more like scorpions than spiders. The name, derived from Latin, means “escape from the sun.” In the United States, camel spiders can be found in the deserts of the southwest. They are light brown in color, can be up to 5 inches long, and can run at about 10 miles per hour — often making a screaming sound while doing so.

The Camel Spider Bite

During the Iraq war, soldiers described huge camel spiders that seemed to run at them in a screaming attack mode. In reality these creatures, though scary in appearance, are not dangerous to humans, and if they run at someone, they are probably just seeking shade in the person’s shadow. They do not have any venom and do not bite except in self-defense. A bite is very unlikely and would not be dangerous to a person if it did happen.

The Banana Spider

The banana spider is found in warm regions of the United States from North Carolina through the Gulf states. It lives in woodlands and forests and produces large, intricate orb webs that glow golden in the sun. The female has a long shape that resembles a banana. She can be about three inches long and has yellow spots on her tan cylindrical body and brown and orange tufts on her legs. The male banana spider is an inconspicuous dark brown and less than an inch long.

The Banana Spider Bite

The banana spider is often confused with the Brazilian wandering spider, which is found among bananas shipped to the United States from South America; neither spider is native to North America. Although the Brazilian spider bite can be dangerous, the banana spider bite is not. Banana spiders will bite only if held or pinched. The bite produces mild stinging and redness (similar to a bee sting) that quickly goes away.

All About Bedbugs

Good night, sleep tight. Don’t let the bedbugs bite.

The popular children’s rhyme gets it right: Bedbugs do most commonly feed on humans at night while they’re sleeping (though they can sometimes bite during the day), and they’re the type of pest you really don’t want to have to deal with. (1)

Bedbugs (or Cimex lectularius and Cimex hemipterus, their scientific names) are blood-feeding parasites that can be found all around the world. You mostly hear about them in urban areas or places with a great deal of occupant turnover, such as hotels, apartment buildings, and college dormitories, because that’s where they spread most easily. (1)

Bedbugs were nearly extinct after World War II thanks to the use of dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethane (DDT). The United States banned DDT in 1972 because of its negative environmental effects, and the less-effective pesticides that came after it, along with a rise in international travel and immigration, has contributed to the bedbug resurgence we’re experiencing today. (3)

What Do Bedbugs Look Like, and How Do I Know I Have Them?

Bedbugs are reddish-brown insects that feed on blood, primarily blood from humans. (4) Bedbugs crawl, but cannot fly or jump like many other insects do. (1) Also unlike cockroaches and flies, bedbugs have no relationship with cleanliness and can be found in the cleanest homes and hotel rooms, says Scott Svenheim, an associate certified entomologist with Truly Nolen Pest Control in Tucson, Arizona.

“Many people believe that bedbugs are too small to see with the naked eye,” adds Jerry Lazarus, president of Braman Termite & Pest Elimination. Not so: Adult bedbugs range in size from 1 to 7 millimeters. But they’re very good at hiding. To spot them, you’ll have to catch them moving to or from their hiding spots, which can be hard to do, since they’re most active while people are sleeping. They have six legs and their bodies are small and flat, which makes it easy for them to hide within the cracks and crevices of your home.

Female bedbugs produce about one egg per day. The eggs are white and are very hard to see without magnification, Lazarus says. The eggs take about one week to hatch in rooms that are between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit (F). The nymphs that hatch from those eggs look like adult bedbugs, but they’re smaller and are translucent until they have their first blood meal, Svenheim says. (1) The nymphs take about five weeks to mature, and during those five weeks they shed their skin five times, each time after feeding. (5)

Learn More About How to Know You Have Bedbugs

Bedbug Bites Can Be Intensely Itchy — or You May Not Even Notice Them

Bedbugs are sneaky insects. They bite in the middle of the night (usually about one hour before dawn), injecting an anesthetic and an anticoagulant that makes it painless and unlikely that you’ll feel a thing. After feeding for about five minutes, the bugs will retreat back to their hiding places.

For most people, the first sign of bedbugs is bites on the body. The bites will show up in any place that’s exposed while you sleep, such as the arms, legs, back, and neck.

More on Bug Bites

What Bit Me? Spot These 11 Bug Bites

You could have a single bite, but more often it’s three bites in a row, forming somewhat of a line—what’s colloquially called “breakfast, lunch, and dinner” and is a telltale sign of bedbugs.

Bites can look different from person to person. “In some people, they can cause allergic reactions, although some people don’t react at all,” Lazarus says. In most cases, a bedbug bite looks a lot like a mosquito bite — a red, itchy bump on your skin that appears within 24 hours of your being bitten.

Though the idea of having bedbugs in your home can be troubling, the bugs themselves don’t pose a threat to your health (nor do their bites). (1) “These bites can’t spread disease to humans, but they can be itchy and uncomfortable,” says Steve Durham, president of EnviroCon Termite & Pest in Tomball, Texas.

You likely won’t need to visit a doctor as a result of getting bitten by a bedbug. (6) Usually, the bites will heal within two weeks on their own, though you may want to apply an anti-itch cream or corticosteroid cream to the area to relieve itchiness. (7)

If you experience an allergic reaction or the area shows signs of infection, such as if the area oozes pus, it may be time to visit a dermatologist. He or she will likely prescribe an antihistamine and corticosteroid to treat an allergic reaction, or an antiseptic or antibiotic ointment for an infection.

Learn More About Identifying and Treating Bedbug Bites

Bedbugs Are Notoriously Tough to Get Rid Of (But You CAN Do It)

“One of the main reasons people fear bedbug infestations more than most other pests is because they are notoriously tough to get rid of,” Durham says. That’s why many people turn to professionals for help. “Most do-it-yourself attempts end in failure and frustration, since over-the-counter products can be misapplied and infested areas can be easily missed,” Lazarus says. “Often, this means spending a lot of your own money and time and still having a problem.” (Plus, failure to correctly use DIY extermination products can be dangerous to your health and those you live with.)

If you decide to go the professional route, there are three common treatment options the pest control expert may take:

1. Insecticide Application Use of insecticides is the most common route to get rid of bedbugs. Treating bedbugs this way requires preparation, such as washing bedding and clothing and placing items that can’t be washed in garbage bags out in the hot sun. Sometimes, a few rounds of insecticides are needed to get rid of the bedbug population entirely.
2. Heat Remediation A pest control professional will heat the infected space to temperatures that kill bedbugs, usually between 120 and 130 degrees F. This method requires much less prep work than insecticide application and usually will successfully eliminate the bedbugs and the eggs on the first treatment, so there’s likely no need for a follow-up visit.
3. Fumigation This option is less commonly available. It works by injecting a vacated building with a gas that kills the bedbugs inside.

You can also try to apply insecticides yourself, though the products available to professionals are usually more effective than those available to consumers. When choosing a product, look for one that is registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and specifically lists bedbugs on the label. (8) You’ll likely need to do a few rounds of treatment, because it can be very difficult to find and kill bedbug eggs.

To successfully get rid of bedbugs, you need to be extremely thorough. “Bedbugs are excellent at hiding and will be in places where most people wouldn’t check — behind peeling wallpaper, in the rails of drawers, in hollow curtain rods, and in electronics,” Lazarus says. If even just one bedbug is left behind, you’ll still be in trouble, Durham says.

Learn More About How to Get Rid of Bedbugs

The Insecticides Used to Kill Bedbugs Can Be Harmful to People (and Pets), Too, if Used Incorrectly

It’s important to approach bedbug treatment carefully, because insecticides that are used to kill bedbugs can also be harmful to you if you’re exposed to unsafe levels. Symptoms of unsafe pesticide exposure include vomiting, dizziness, headaches, and trouble breathing. (9)

More on Safety

Insecticides and Autoimmune Disease: What Women Should Know

When they’re used safely and according to the label, insecticides shouldn’t pose a threat to you or any other family members or pets you live with, Lazarus says. Insecticides are sold as dusts, liquids, aerosols, and foggers. There are also organic and natural products on the market, though some research has found they’re not as effective at killing bedbugs as traditional insecticides. (10)

If you hire a professional to treat the bedbugs in your home, you’ll want to ask them a few safety-related questions, including:

• What insecticides do you plan to use? You can look up the products yourself (or consult your doctor or vet about them) to see if there are any precautions you need to take. (11)
• Do you have a list of references? Call the references to ask about their experience working with this company.
• Are you a certified, licensed pesticide applicator or a licensed technician?
• Do you use integrated pest management techniques? This effective approach attacks bedbugs from all angles and treats them with a combination of heat, steam, and insecticides. (12)

Watch out for insecticide products sold over the internet that come from outside the U.S. — they may contain ingredients that have been banned by the EPA, which could mean health (and potentially legal) issues for you. (13)

Learn More About How to Deal With Bedbugs Safely

To Prevent Getting Bedbugs, Be Smart About How They Spread

Bedbugs are excellent hitchhikers. They grab onto luggage and purses or find hiding spots within folded clothes to make it back to your home. Getting them is just bad luck. “There is no real reason one person would get bedbugs over someone else,” Svenheim says. “It’s just being in the wrong place at the wrong time where bedbugs exist.”

And they can exist everywhere, from restaurant booths to seats at the movie theater to changing rooms at the mall. “It’s really about being educated about what they are, how you can get them, and doing things the right way to prevent you from bringing them back to your house,” says Eric Braun, a board-certified entomologist and technical services manager for the national pest control company Rentokil.

There are some precautions you can take to minimize the chances that you’ll end up taking home a bedbug on your next trip.

• When you check into a hotel room or settle into a home rental, inspect the space for pepper-like stains on the bedsheets and mattress seams, Lazarus says. That’s a sign of bedbug activity. If you think your room may have bedbugs, ask for a new room that’s not next to or directly above or below your original room, Lazarus suggests.
• Keep your luggage away from the bed and off the floor. Braun says not to use luggage racks or unpack your clothing into the hotel room drawers. He says it’s safest to keep your luggage stored in the bathtub.
• If you notice bedbug bites while on your trip, be sure to wash the clothing from your suitcase (whether you wore it or not) and dry on hot for at least 30 minutes for the best chances to kill the bugs before they infest your home — and use a portable steamer to apply heat to suitcases and any items that cannot go in the dryer, Lazarus says.

Frequent travelers aren’t the only ones at risk of picking up a hitchhiking bedbug. People who live in apartment buildings and dormitories also have an increased risk (because higher rates of turnover and closer living quarters increase the chances bedbugs will have the opportunity to spread). Because of this, many universities recommend students wrap their mattress and box spring with a protective cover or mattress encasement to keep bedbugs out. (14) Look for ones made of high-quality cloth, which won’t tear as easily as plastic.

People living in apartments should also consider adding a door sweep to their front door to minimize the chances that bedbugs will sneak in from the communal hallway. (15) Keeping cracks around electrical work or plumbing filled also gives the bedbugs fewer places to break in. (16)

Finally, be careful not to bring bedbugs into your home through secondhand furniture by inspecting the items before you purchase them.

Learn More About How to Prevent Bedbugs

Having Bedbugs Can Come With an Emotional Toll.

Here’s What to Do About It

Bedbug infestations are treatable, and the bugs themselves don’t pose a threat to your health, but having to deal with bedbugs can be very stressful.

“Having an actual bedbug infestation is pretty psychologically traumatizing in general,” says Katherine Maloy, MD, a clinical assistant professor of psychiatry at NYU Langone Health in New York City. “It’s extremely overwhelming — even just the logistics of getting your home cleaned — and it takes a very long time because the bugs have a long dormancy period in which they can go without food.” In the right conditions, bedbugs can live for more than a year without feeding.

Wondering if they’re truly gone or not can cause a lot of anxiety. People dealing with bedbugs may also experience: (17,18)

• Difficulty sleeping
• Nightmares
• Depression
• Social isolation
• Flashbacks

RELATED: When Doctors Diagnose ‘Bedbug Psychosis’

Additionally, dealing with bedbugs can make existing mental health issues worse. Researchers say the toll the experience takes on one’s mental health is similar to post-traumatic stress disorder. (19)

Dr. Maloy says if you’re dealing with bedbugs, talk to someone you trust, and visit a professional if it’s really taking a toll on your life. “It’s the same as with anything else that’s causing distress,” Maloy says. “If it’s interfering with your functioning, if it’s interfering with your life, it’s interfering with your relationships and your work, if you’re not able to function because you’re not sleeping,” she says — it’s time to seek help.

Learn More About Getting Over the Mental Distress Bedbugs Can Bring

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Pain like a bullet wound.

Insects with the most painful bites

https://ria.ru/20171011/1506632576.html

Pain like a bullet wound Insects with the most painful stings

Pain like a bullet wound. Insects with the most painful bites – RIA Novosti, 10/12/2017 Insects with the most painful stings

Some people panic at the sight of a wasp, a bee, a spider, and even a seemingly harmless ant. However, this panic is due to an instinct that … RIA Novosti, 10/11/2017

2017-10-11T17:22

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MOSCOW, Oct 11 — RIA Novosti. Some people panic at the sight of a wasp, a bee, a spider, and even a seemingly harmless ant. However, this panic is due to an instinct that warns of danger, because for many thousands of years people have been in contact with insects, gradually remembering the degree of their toxicity.

Scorpion sting saves from pain

April 26, 2017, 5:23 pm

Of course, the stings of most of the listed insects are not fatal, unless there are too many of them, and the person is not allergic to their venom. But any bite is often accompanied by discomfort, and in some cases severe pain. At the same time, pain, as practice shows, is not an indicator of the danger of a bite, since even the most deadly of them are carried out with the use of special “painkillers”.

Our rating focuses on the degree of pain from bites, and not their consequences.

7. halict bee occupied the seventh place modestly. It is often called a sweat bee, since the salt of human sweat is a kind of “caffeine” for it, which enhances activity. The halict bee is a completely non-aggressive creature, it only bites if it sees a real danger, such as a palm trying to slap it. The bite is similar to a needle prick.

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Alvesgaspar / A female bee (Halictus scabiosae)

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Alvesgaspar / A female bee (Halictus scabiosae)

6. The bite of the next “laureate”, who received the sixth place, is dangerous not because of its pain. The tsetse fly, or Glossina palpalis, is a carrier of single-celled trypanosomes, the causative agents of sleeping sickness. Tsetse is a rather aggressive insect, constantly thirsting for blood, and in the literal sense, she will try to bite with her last strength and even try to attack the car, mistaking its hot body for a warm-blooded animal. The venom of the fly is not dangerous, although it causes painful red bumps to appear in the stung area.

CC BY-SA 2.0 / Oregon State University / Tsetse fly Tsetse

CC BY-SA 2.0 / Oregon State University / Tsetse fly

Almost all species of these insects use acids that are injected in one way or another. Fire ants use their stingers to inject the toxic poison solenopsin under the skin, causing chemical burns. The sensations from such a bite are comparable to a fire burn – it is a sharp, sharp, sudden pain. A blister appears on the affected area.

© Photo : public domain Red fire ant

© Photo : public domain

People say that the pain caused by its bite starts ringing in the ears. Moreover, this pain lasts for several days, and around the bite site there is redness with a diameter of about ten centimeters. It is worth noting that, in general, hornets bite less often than the same wasps. Hornet venom is not intended for attack, but for defense.

CC BY-SA 2.5 / Richard Bartz / Vespa crabro germana with prey characterized by pain acute that it simply paralyzes a person. It is also called the “tarantula hawk” because it eats and eats tarantula spiders for breakfast and dinner. Her bite is compared to an electric shock, only this shock lasts for several minutes. The pain is so strong and excruciating that a person can hardly control his actions.

© Photo : public domain Wasp Pepsis

© Photo : public domain

These reddish-yellow insects have an average body length of about two centimeters, and their jaws are up to five millimeters long. No wonder they were called bulldogs! A stranger who dares to approach the anthill is in for a painful and poisonous bite. Severe pain may last for several days. Good thing they only live in Australia!

CC BY-SA 2.0 / JJ Harrison / Myrmecia forficata Bulldog Ant

CC BY-SA 2.0 / JJ Harrison / Myrmecia forficata

u gets Paraponera clavata, or ant -bullet . By the way, he does not bite immediately, even if he considers the situation dangerous. First, the insect warns the enemy with a loud hiss and an unpleasant smell, and only then sets its jaws in motion.