What are the symptoms of common spider bites. How to identify bites from household spiders and wolf spiders. When should you seek medical attention for a spider bite. What are the most dangerous spiders in the United States.

Understanding Spider Bites: From Harmless to Dangerous

With over 50,000 spider species worldwide, only a handful pose a significant threat to humans. Most spiders are harmless and will only bite if they feel threatened. However, certain species can cause reactions ranging from mild irritation to severe medical emergencies. This article explores common spider bite symptoms, focusing on household spiders and the wolf spider, to help you identify and respond appropriately to these encounters.

Do all spiders bite humans? No, most spiders cannot penetrate human skin with their fangs. The spiders capable of biting humans and causing notable symptoms include the brown recluse, black widow, hobo spider, and wolf spider. Each of these species has distinct characteristics and potential health impacts when they bite.

The Brown Recluse Spider: A Stealthy Biter

The brown recluse spider, also known as the violin spider or fiddleback spider, is notorious for its potent venom. These spiders are typically found in warm, dry climates across the southern and central United States.

Identifying the Brown Recluse

• Size: 1/2 inch to 1 inch long
• Color: Light brown
• Distinguishing feature: Violin-shaped mark on its back
• Habitat: Dark corners, woodpiles, closets, attics, and basements

Brown Recluse Bite Symptoms

How does a brown recluse spider bite feel? Initially, the bite may cause a stinging sensation or go unnoticed. Within several hours, victims often experience:

• Burning pain
• Intense itching
• A distinctive “bull’s-eye” appearance at the bite site
• Central blister formation
• Potential body aches and fever

Is a brown recluse spider bite dangerous? While most bites heal without complications, some can lead to a condition called necrotic arachnidism, where the venom causes tissue death around the bite area. Children are particularly at risk for severe allergic reactions.

Treating a Brown Recluse Bite

1. Wash the bite area thoroughly
2. Apply an ice pack to reduce swelling
3. Use antibiotic ointment to prevent infection
4. Seek medical attention if symptoms worsen or persist

The Black Widow Spider: A Venomous Beauty

The black widow spider is perhaps the most recognizable dangerous spider in North America. Its striking appearance and potent venom make it a species to be wary of.

Identifying the Black Widow

• Size: 1/2 inch to 1 inch long
• Color: Shiny black
• Distinguishing feature: Red or orange hourglass marking on the underside of the abdomen
• Habitat: Outdoor areas like sheds, barns, and woodpiles

Is every black widow spider dangerous? No, only the female black widow poses a significant threat to humans. The males are smaller and rarely bite.

Black Widow Bite Symptoms

What happens when a black widow spider bites you? The bite is usually felt immediately and may leave visible fang marks. Symptoms can include:

• Immediate pain and swelling at the bite site
• Muscle aches and cramps spreading from the bite area
• Nausea
• Difficulty breathing
• Weakness

Treating a Black Widow Bite

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

1. Clean the bite area
2. Apply ice to reduce swelling
3. Seek immediate medical attention if muscle cramps develop

In severe cases, treatment may include blood pressure medication, muscle relaxants, and rarely, antivenin administration.

The Hobo Spider: An Unwelcome Immigrant

The hobo spider, originally from Europe, has become established in several northwestern states in the U.S. Its bite can cause significant local reactions.

Identifying the Hobo Spider

• Size: Approximately 1/2 inch long
• Color: Brown upper body with grayish abdomen featuring yellow markings
• Distinguishing feature: Long legs enabling quick ground movement
• Habitat: Cracks and holes both indoors and outdoors

Hobo Spider Bite Symptoms

What are the signs of a hobo spider bite? The bite often resembles that of a brown recluse, with symptoms including:

• Central blister surrounded by swollen, discolored skin
• Numbing sensation within an hour of the bite
• Muscle or joint aches
• Formation of a black scab after about three days
• Slow-healing open wound after the scab falls off

The Wolf Spider: A Ground-Dwelling Hunter

Wolf spiders are found throughout the United States and are known for their hunting prowess. While their appearance can be intimidating, their bites are generally not severe.

Identifying the Wolf Spider

• Size: Can be 3 to 4 inches across
• Color: Brown or gray
• Distinguishing feature: Large, hairy appearance; females often carry white egg sacs
• Habitat: Outdoor areas with loose sand or gravel; may wander indoors

Why are wolf spiders sometimes mistaken for tarantulas? Their large size and hairy appearance can make them look similar to tarantulas at first glance.

Wolf Spider Bite Symptoms

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

• Pain at the bite site
• Redness and swelling
• Potential skin tearing due to large fangs
• Risk of infection if the wound is not properly cleaned

Preventing Spider Bites: Creating an Inhospitable Environment

How can you reduce the risk of spider bites in and around your home? Implement these preventive measures:

• Seal cracks and crevices in walls and foundations
• Keep storage areas clean and organized
• Remove clutter from basements, attics, and garages
• Wear gloves when handling firewood or working in garden areas
• Shake out shoes and clothing that have been stored in dark areas before wearing
• Use sticky traps in corners and along baseboards to catch spiders
• Consider using natural spider repellents like peppermint oil or vinegar

Can spiders be beneficial to have around? Yes, spiders play a crucial role in controlling insect populations. When possible, it’s best to relocate spiders outdoors rather than killing them.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Spider Bites

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

• Severe pain or swelling that spreads beyond the bite site
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Rapid heart rate or blood pressure changes
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fever or chills
• Muscle spasms or rigidity
• A spreading rash or ulceration at the bite site

How quickly should you seek medical attention after a suspected dangerous spider bite? If you believe you’ve been bitten by a brown recluse, black widow, or another potentially dangerous spider, it’s best to seek medical advice within the first 24 hours.

Dispelling Spider Bite Myths and Misconceptions

Many misconceptions surround spider bites, leading to unnecessary fear and improper treatment. Let’s address some common myths:

Myth: All Spider Bites Are Dangerous

Is this true? No, the vast majority of spider bites cause only minor symptoms and heal on their own. Only a small number of spider species worldwide can cause medically significant bites.

Myth: You Can Always Identify a Spider Bite by Its Appearance

Can you always tell a spider bite from other insect bites? Not necessarily. Many spider bites are indistinguishable from other insect bites or skin irritations. Unless you see the spider bite you, it’s often difficult to confirm the cause without professional assessment.

Myth: Spiders Are Aggressive and Actively Seek to Bite Humans

Do spiders hunt humans? Absolutely not. Spiders generally bite humans only as a defensive measure when they feel threatened or are accidentally pressed against the skin.

Myth: You Should Always Catch the Spider That Bit You

Is it necessary to capture the spider for identification? While it can be helpful, it’s not always possible or safe to catch the spider. Focus on treating the bite and seeking medical attention if necessary rather than risking another bite.

Advanced Treatment Options for Severe Spider Bites

In cases of severe spider bites, particularly those from black widows or brown recluses, advanced medical interventions may be necessary. These can include:

Antivenin Administration

What is antivenin and how does it work? Antivenin is a biological product created to counteract the effects of spider venom. It’s typically reserved for the most severe cases of black widow spider bites and is administered intravenously in a hospital setting.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

How can hyperbaric oxygen therapy help with spider bites? This treatment involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized room or chamber. It’s sometimes used for severe brown recluse bites to promote healing and reduce tissue damage.

Surgical Intervention

When might surgery be necessary for a spider bite? In rare cases of severe tissue necrosis from brown recluse bites, surgical debridement or skin grafting may be required to remove dead tissue and promote healing.

The Role of Spiders in Ecosystem Balance

Despite the fear they often inspire, spiders play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance. Understanding their importance can foster a more nuanced perspective on these arachnids.

Natural Pest Control

How do spiders contribute to pest control? Spiders are voracious predators of insects, including many species that are considered pests to humans and agriculture. A single spider can consume hundreds of insects in a year, helping to keep populations in check naturally.

Biodiversity Indicators

What can spider populations tell us about ecosystem health? The presence and diversity of spider species in an area can be an indicator of overall ecosystem health and biodiversity. Changes in spider populations can signal broader environmental shifts.

Scientific and Medical Research

How are spiders contributing to scientific advancements? Spider venom is being studied for potential medical applications, including pain management and treatment of neurological disorders. Additionally, spider silk’s unique properties are inspiring innovations in materials science.

Global Perspectives on Dangerous Spiders

While this article has focused primarily on spiders found in the United States, it’s worth noting that dangerous spider species exist worldwide. Understanding the global context can provide valuable perspective.

Australian Funnel-Web Spider

What makes the Australian funnel-web spider so dangerous? This spider is considered one of the most venomous in the world. Its bite can cause severe pain, vomiting, difficulty breathing, and potentially death if left untreated. Fortunately, an effective antivenin is available.

Brazilian Wandering Spider

Why is the Brazilian wandering spider feared? Also known as the banana spider, this species is highly venomous and known for its aggressive behavior. Its venom can cause severe pain, breathing problems, and in rare cases, priapism in men.

Six-Eyed Sand Spider

What makes the six-eyed sand spider unique? Found in southern Africa, this spider’s venom is potently cytotoxic, causing tissue death around the bite area. However, bites to humans are extremely rare due to the spider’s reclusive nature.

Future Directions in Spider Bite Research and Treatment

As our understanding of spider venom and its effects on the human body continues to evolve, new avenues for research and treatment are emerging. These developments hold promise for improved management of spider bites and potential medical applications.

Venom-Specific Treatments

How might future treatments for spider bites be more targeted? Researchers are working on developing treatments that specifically target the components of spider venom, potentially leading to more effective and rapid relief from symptoms.

Genetic Analysis for Species Identification

Can DNA testing help identify spider species from bite samples? Emerging technologies in genetic analysis may soon allow for rapid and accurate identification of spider species from small tissue samples taken from bite sites, enabling more precise treatment protocols.

Venom-Derived Therapeutics

What potential medical applications could spider venom have? Components of spider venom are being studied for their potential in treating conditions such as chronic pain, epilepsy, and even certain types of cancer. These studies may lead to novel pharmaceutical developments in the coming years.

In conclusion, while spider bites can be concerning, understanding the species involved, recognizing symptoms, and knowing when to seek medical attention can significantly improve outcomes. As research progresses, our ability to treat and even benefit from these fascinating creatures continues to expand, reshaping our relationship with spiders from one of fear to one of respect and scientific curiosity.

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

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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

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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. It is better to listen carefully and leave in time, because the bitten person will experience terrible pain that does not subside even for a minute for several days. Thanks to her, the insect earned its nickname, since the pain from a bite is comparable to the pain from a bullet wound.

CC BY-SA 2.0 / Bernard DUPONT / Bullet Ant (Paraponera clavata) Bullet Ant

CC BY-SA 2.0 / Bernard DUPONT / Bullet Ant (Paraponera clavata) iation, when “conversion” of boys into men. They also used the powerful jaws of ants to “sew up” open wounds on the body: the two edges of the wound were pressed against each other and an ant’s head was applied to them like a stapler. The insect immediately tightly compresses the jaws, squeezing the edges of the skin. A few bites – and the “seam” is ready. The main thing is not to die from a painful shock.

Local reaction to insect sting

You have been stung or bitten by an insect. Insect venom or bodily fluids cause a skin reaction at the site of the bite. The bite often causes redness, itching, and swelling. This reaction may disappear within a few hours. But it may take several days.

Common stinging insects whose stings cause reactions include wasps, bees, folded wasps, fire ants, and hornets. Common bites come from spiders, mosquitoes, fleas, or ticks. Other types of insects may be more common in different parts of the country or the world.

Insect venom causes “local” toxic reactions in any person. A local reaction means that the symptoms only affect the part of the body where you were bitten. The reaction has not spread to most of your body. Allergic reactions occur only in those who are sensitive to the poison. The severity of your reaction to an insect bite depends on the dose of the venom and how sensitive you are to it. When a rash or itchy skin appears, most people think of an allergic reaction. But bites tend to cause local symptoms that are not allergic. These symptoms may include:0003

• Rash, redness, welts or blisters around the bite site

• Itching, burning, stinging or pain

• Swelling around the bite site, which may spread and cause discomfort

After 1-3 days, the insect bite site may become infected. So watch out for the following symptoms. Sometimes it is difficult to distinguish a local reaction to an insect bite from an early infection. Your healthcare provider may prescribe antibiotics for you.

Home care

Medicines

Your doctor may prescribe medication to relieve swelling, itching, and pain. Follow your doctor’s instructions when taking these medicines.

• Diphenhydramine is an oral antihistamine available in stores. You may take this medicine to relieve itching and swelling. The medicine may make you drowsy. So be careful when using it during the daytime, or when you go to school, work or drive. Do not take diphenhydramine if you have glaucoma or urinary problems due to an enlarged prostate. Other antihistamines may cause less sleepiness. They are best taken during the day. Ask a pharmacist for advice.

• If you have large areas of localized swelling, you may be given oral corticosteroids such as prednisone. They will help reduce swelling and discomfort.

• Do not apply diphenhydramine cream to the skin. In some people, this can cause a localized skin rash due to an allergy to the cream.

• Calamine lotion or oatmeal baths sometimes help with itching.

• Acetaminophen or ibuprofen can be used for pain unless another pain medication is prescribed. If you have chronic liver or kidney disease, talk to your doctor before taking these medicines. Also check with your doctor if you have had a stomach ulcer or gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding.

• If you have had a serious reaction, your doctor may prescribe an epinephrine auto-injector. Epinephrine is a rescue medication that will stop an allergic reaction from getting worse. Before you leave the hospital, make sure you understand when and how to use this medicine.

General care

• If itching is annoying, do not take hot showers or baths. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight whenever possible. Warming up the skin will increase the itching.

• Apply an ice pack to reduce redness, swelling and itching. You can make an ice pack by putting ice cubes in a top-seal bag. Wrap the bag in a thin towel. Do not apply ice directly to the skin as this may damage the skin. Apply an ice pack for 5-10 minutes.

• Avoid scratching affected areas to prevent skin damage or infection.

• If oral antibiotics or corticosteroids have been prescribed, be sure to take them as directed until the end of treatment.

Advice for insect bites

• Be aware that honey bees nest in trees. Wasps and fold-winged wasps build nests on the ground, trees, or roof eaves.

• Do not wear perfume, cologne, sandals or bright clothes when outdoors. Don’t go barefoot. Do not spank flying insects. Be careful when eating outside. Close food and drinks.

• If you are stung by a bee, the sting may remain in your skin. Wasps, fold-winged wasps and hornets do not leave stingers behind. Move away from the nest immediately. The sting of a honey bee releases a substance that will attract other bees to you. As soon as you move away from the nest, remove the stinger as quickly as possible. One suggested method is to pick up the sting with a thin, blunt edge. It could be the edge of a credit card or the dull side of a thin table knife. Do not pinch the stinger with your fingers or tweezers. This releases more poison into the skin.

• Ice may be applied after the bite and diphenhydramine or another antihistamine may be taken. If you experience any of the danger symptoms listed below, get help right away.

• If you feel dizzy, faint, or have trouble breathing or swallowing, ask your doctor if you need epinephrine autoinjectors.

Follow-up

If your symptoms persist, contact your healthcare provider after 2 days or as directed. You may be referred to an allergist for further evaluation and treatment.

Call 911

Use an epinephrine auto-injector if you have one and call 911 immediately in the following cases:

• Problems with swallowing and difficulty or wheezing

• New or worsening swelling in the mouth, throat, face or tongue

• Hoarse voice, tightness in throat or speech problems

• Confusion

• Extreme sleepiness or trouble waking up

• Fainting, dizziness or loss of consciousness

• Rapid pulse

• low blood pressure,

• Feeling of approaching death

• Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain or diarrhea

• Vomiting blood or large amounts of blood in the stool

• Convulsions

When to seek medical help

Call a doctor immediately or seek medical attention in the following cases:

• Spreading itching, redness or swelling

• New or worse swelling of the face, eyelids or lips

• weakness or dizziness,

Also call your doctor immediately if you have signs of infection:

• Increasing pain, redness or swelling

• Temperature 38°C (100. 4°F) or higher, or as directed by a physician

• Discharge of fluid or pus from the area of ​​the bite

© 2000-2022 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional’s instructions.

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