What do spider bites look like? How can you identify which spider bit you? When should you seek medical attention for a spider bite? Get the answers to these questions and more.

Spider Bites Are Often Misdiagnosed

Many people mistakenly believe they have been bitten by a spider when in fact the culprit is more likely a mosquito or other insect. In fact, “spider bites are really rare,” according to Jonathan Day, PhD, a professor emeritus of medical entomology at the University of Florida. He explains that most “spider bites” are more likely mosquito bites that were scratched and became infected.

Rick Vetter, a retired staff research associate and entomologist at the University of California, Riverside, agrees. “People wake up in the morning and find a red mark, and immediately call it a spider bite,” he says. But the reality is that most skin issues people attribute to spider bites are actually other types of bug bites or skin conditions.

What Do Spider Bites Look Like?

There is no single, definitive appearance of a spider bite. Vetter explains that “there’s no one true spider bite.” Different types of spider bites can provoke very different reactions in different people, even if they’re from the same type of spider.

In general, a spider’s bite tends to resemble a bee sting, with a sharp prick of pain followed by a red, inflamed skin lump that may hurt or itch but eventually goes away. However, bites from venomous spiders like the brown recluse and black widow can cause more serious symptoms.

Identifying the Spider That Bit You

It can be very difficult to determine which specific spider was responsible for a bite. Vetter says, “I’ve had patients contact me saying, ‘This mark on my leg was either from a widow or a recluse,’ but that’s like saying you either got stabbed or trampled to death.” The bites of these two spiders are so distinct that they could never be mistaken for one another.

For common household spiders, hobo spiders, and other domestic varieties, the bite is likely to resemble a bee sting – a sharp pain followed by a red, swollen, painful lump. Bites from venomous spiders like the brown recluse and black widow, on the other hand, can cause a wide range of skin symptoms as well as more severe systemic reactions.

When to Seek Medical Attention for a Spider Bite

If you believe you were bitten by a black widow or brown recluse spider, either because you saw the spider or are experiencing characteristic symptoms, it’s important to seek medical attention. Black widow bites can cause serious symptoms like muscle pain, difficulty breathing, and seizures. Brown recluse bites can lead to skin necrosis and other dangerous reactions.

For other types of spider bites that resemble bee stings, medical treatment is usually not necessary. The bite will typically heal on its own within a few days. However, if the bite becomes increasingly painful, swollen, or shows signs of infection, it’s a good idea to see a doctor.

How to Treat a Spider Bite

For a minor spider bite that resembles a bee sting, the recommended treatment is to clean the area with soap and water, apply a cold compress to reduce swelling and pain, and take an over-the-counter pain medication if needed. Avoid scratching the bite, as this can lead to infection.

If you suspect a black widow or brown recluse bite, seek medical attention right away. These bites require prompt treatment to prevent serious complications. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics, steroids, or other medications depending on the severity of the reaction.

Preventing Spider Bites

To reduce the risk of spider bites, it’s important to eliminate clutter and seal up cracks and crevices where spiders may hide. When spending time outdoors, wear long sleeves and pants, and check for spiders before bringing firewood or other items inside. If you do find a spider in your home, safely remove it or have it professionally exterminated.

While spider bites can be alarming, the vast majority are harmless and require little more than basic first aid. By understanding the characteristics of different spider bites and when to seek medical care, you can stay safe and get the appropriate treatment if you are bitten.

Identifying and Treating Spider Bites

By Markham HeidMedically Reviewed by Mohiba Tareen, MD

Reviewed: October 5, 2022

Medically Reviewed

Spider bites can look very different from person to person, and much also depends on the type of spider.Leonardo Briganti/Alamy

You spot an angry-looking red welt on your leg, and it seems too big to be a mosquito bite. Must be a spider bite, right?

Not so fast. “People wake up in the morning and find a red mark, and immediately call it a spider bite,” says Rick Vetter, a retired staff research associate and entomologist at the University of California, Riverside. But most of the skin issues people pin on spiders are actually other types of bug bites or skin issues, he says.

Other researchers back Vetter up on this. “Spider bites are really rare,” says Jonathan Day, PhD, a professor emeritus of medical entomology at the University of Florida. He explains that most “spider bites” are more likely mosquito bites that were scratched and became infected. “Spider bite is a catchall grouping whenever there’s a severe skin infection; they’re all lumped in as spider bites,” he says.

So the first thing every spider expert in America would like people to know about spider bites is that they’re uncommon and often misdiagnosed. That said, some spiders do bite people, and the result can be ugly.

RELATED: Everything You Need to Know About Bug Bites and Related Diseases

Identifying a Spider Bite: What Does One Look Like?

A lot of things. “There’s no one true spider bite,” Vetter says.

Spider Bites Can Look Very Different

Different types of spider bites may provoke different reactions in different people, he says. Even if you’re talking about just one type of spider — say, the brown recluse — its bite could cause a range of reactions, “everything from a little pimple-like bump to a rotting-flesh lesion,” he says.

At the same time, Vetter allows that different types of spider bites do produce distinct reactions. “I’ve had patients contact me saying, ‘This mark on my leg was either from a widow or a recluse,’ but that’s like saying you either got stabbed or trampled to death,” he says. His point: Black widow and brown recluse bites are so different that they could never be mistaken for one another.

But when it comes to common household spiders, hobo spiders, and other domestic varieties, a spider’s bite has some predictable characteristics.

How to Identify Which Spider Bit You

Broadly speaking, a spider’s bite tends to resemble a bee sting: a sharp prick of pain is followed by a red, inflamed skin lump that may hurt or itch but that goes away after a few days. (1) But when it comes to venomous spider bites, there are characteristic signs and symptoms.

Brown recluse bites sting, and they can resemble anything from small blisters to large, rotting-flesh sores, Vetter says. “Its bite causes the collapse of the capillary bed” — also known as skin necrosis (2) — “so people who are obese and have poor support of the capillary cells may have a more massive reaction,” he explains. Along with a wide variety of skin symptoms, brown recluse bites can cause chills, fever, nausea, and other flu-like symptoms common to infections. (3) The brown recluse’s bite is poisonous and can result in coma, kidney failure, or even death.

Because of the severe reaction a brown recluse bite can trigger, these spiders are likely blamed for more harm than they actually cause. The reality is that the brown recluse spider is limited in its geographic range: It’s found in the central and southern United States. (4) The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that while venomous spiders are dangerous, they aren’t usually aggressive. (2)

Black widow bites can in some cases cause skin lesions, ranging from small red marks to angry, red, streaky skin patches that are inflamed or contain pus. “But most of the reaction will be on the inside,” Vetter says.

Black widow bites contain potentially deadly amounts of venom and tend to be painful right away. Although that pain starts around the bite site, within an hour, it often spreads to the chest or abdomen, depending on whether the bite occurred on the victim’s upper or lower body. Other symptoms can include everything from headaches, muscle weakness, and difficulty breathing, to seizures, numbness, and painful muscle cramps. (5)

Hobo spiders, wolf spiders, house spiders, and the bites of other domestic types do not contain venoms that are of medical importance to humans, Vetter says. They can bite, he adds. But the result is likely to be similar to a bee sting — meaning a sharp pain, followed by a swollen, red, painful lump at the bite site.

Spider Bites Usually Heal on Their Own. Here’s When to Seek Medical Attention

If you think you were bitten by a black widow or brown recluse spider — either because you actually felt and saw the spider, or you’re experiencing the types of skin or systemic symptoms consistent with their bites — head to the emergency room. (6) Vetter says that recluse bites do usually heal on their own and don’t cause scarring wounds. But it’s better to play it safe.

If your spider bite isn’t causing any internal symptoms, or you’re sure it wasn’t a black widow or brown recluse that bit you, follow these steps:

1. Clean the bite with soap and water.
2. Swab the bite with alcohol to prevent infection, Dr. Day recommends.
3. Apply ice or a cold compress to keep the swelling down.

If pain or itching develops at the bite site, it’s fine to take OTC pain meds or antihistamines for relief. But if pain spreads beyond the site of the bite, or if the swelling, inflammation, or redness are getting worse even a day or two after the bite occurred, get medical attention. You may have a secondary infection — something caused by bacteria getting into the bite — or you may have been bitten by a widow or recluse, Day says.

Why Do Spiders Bite People?

Unlike many other biting bugs, spiders are neither bloodsuckers nor flesh eaters. Vetter says they bite people for one reason only: self-defense.

“Biting is a last-ditch defensive response if a spider is being squashed,” he says. This can happen when someone rolls over in bed on top of a spider — or sits down on one, he says. “I’ve transferred spiders hundreds of times, and they’ll be running all over my arm and have no interest in biting,” he adds.

So while spider bites do occur, they’re far less common than most people assume.

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Editorial Sources and Fact-Checking

1. Spider Bites. MedlinePlus. August 9, 2014.
2. Types of Venomous Spiders. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. May 31, 2018.
3. Brown Recluse Spider. MedlinePlus. July 20, 2021.
4. Brown Recluse Spider. Entomology at the University of Kentucky. July 12, 2018.
5. Black Widow Spider. MedlinePlus. July 20, 2021.
6. Spider Bites: First Aid. Mayo Clinic. June 11, 2021.

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Insect Bites and Stings and Spider Bites

Have you been bitten or stung by an insect or spider?

Yes

Insect or spider bite or sting

No

Insect or spider bite or sting

How old are you?

Less than 1 year old

Less than 1 year

1 to 11 years

1 to 11 years

12 years or older

12 years or older

Are you male or female?

Male

Male

Female

Female

• If you are transgender or non-binary, choose the sex that matches the body parts (such as ovaries, testes, prostate, breasts, penis, or vagina) you now have in the area where you are having symptoms.
• If your symptoms aren’t related to those organs, you can choose the gender you identify with.
• If you have some organs of both sexes, you may need to go through this triage tool twice (once as “male” and once as “female”). This will make sure that the tool asks the right questions for you.

Do you have a concern about a tick bite?

Yes

Tick bite concern

No

Tick bite concern

Did the bite or sting involve the eyeball?

Yes

Bite or sting to eyeball

No

Bite or sting to eyeball

Could you be having a severe allergic reaction?

This is more likely if you have had a bad reaction to something in the past.

Yes

Possible severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)

No

Possible severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)

Do you have symptoms of shock?

The symptoms in an adult or older child are different than the symptoms in a young child.

Yes

Symptoms of shock

No

Symptoms of shock

Have you ever had a severe allergic reaction to a bite or sting?

A severe allergic reaction affects the whole body. Your doctor may have called it anaphylaxis.

Yes

History of severe allergic reaction to bite or sting

No

History of severe allergic reaction to bite or sting

In the past 2 days, were you exposed to that same allergen, and are you now having symptoms of an allergic reaction?

Even if the symptoms do not start right away or are mild at first, they may quickly become severe.

Yes

History of severe reaction with symptoms now

No

History of severe reaction with symptoms now

Is there any serious swelling?

This could include swelling that is not near the bite or sting area, or swelling that began at the bite or sting site but is expanding well beyond that area. (Some swelling at the site of the bite or sting is normal.)

Yes

New or expanding swelling not near bite or sting

No

New or expanding swelling not near bite or sting

Are the lips, tongue, mouth, or throat swollen?

Yes

Swelling of lips, tongue, mouth, or throat

No

Swelling of lips, tongue, mouth, or throat

Did the lips, tongue, mouth, or throat swell quickly?

Yes

Rapid swelling of lips, tongue, mouth, or throat

No

Rapid swelling of lips, tongue, mouth, or throat

Does swelling involve the palms of the hands, the soles of the feet, or the area from one large joint to another, such as from the ankle to the knee?

Yes

Swelling is across two joints, on soles of feet, or on palms of hands

No

Swelling is across two joints, on soles of feet, or on palms of hands

Is the swelling getting worse (over hours or days)?

Yes

Swelling is getting worse

No

Swelling is getting worse

Did you get an epinephrine shot to treat the reaction?

Yes

Has had epinephrine shot

No

Has had epinephrine shot

Have you been bitten or stung by a poisonous spider (such as a black widow or brown recluse spider), a scorpion, or a caterpillar?

Yes

Bitten or stung by poisonous spider, scorpion, or caterpillar

No

Bitten or stung by poisonous spider, scorpion, or caterpillar

Are there any hives?

Hives are raised, red, itchy patches of skin. They usually have red borders and pale centres. They may seem to move from place to place on the skin.

Yes

Hives

No

Hives

Do the hives cover many places on your body?

Yes

Hives in many places

No

Hives in many places

Did the hives appear within 3 hours after the bite or sting?

Yes

Hives developed within 3 hours of bite or sting

No

Hives developed within 3 hours of bite or sting

Are there any symptoms of infection?

Yes

Symptoms of infection

No

Symptoms of infection

Do you think you may have a fever?

Yes

Possible fever

No

Possible fever

Are there red streaks leading away from the area or pus draining from it?

Yes

Red streaks or pus

No

Red streaks or pus

Do you have diabetes, a weakened immune system, peripheral arterial disease, or any surgical hardware in the area?

“Hardware” includes things like artificial joints, plates or screws, catheters, and medicine pumps.

Yes

Diabetes, immune problems, peripheral arterial disease, or surgical hardware in affected area

No

Diabetes, immune problems, peripheral arterial disease, or surgical hardware in affected area

Have you developed any flu-like symptoms after the bite or sting, such as fever, shaking chills, muscle or joint pain, headache, or a general feeling of illness?

This could happen within minutes of the bite or sting or up to 3 weeks later.

Yes

Flu-like symptoms

No

Flu-like symptoms

Did these symptoms begin within minutes after the bite or sting?

Yes

Flu-like symptoms began within minutes after bite or sting

No

Flu-like symptoms began within minutes after bite or sting

Do you have other symptoms, such as belly pain, vomiting, or diarrhea?

Yes

Has other symptoms, such as belly pain, vomiting, or diarrhea

No

Has other symptoms, such as belly pain, vomiting, or diarrhea

Did these symptoms begin within minutes after the bite or sting?

Yes

Other symptoms began within minutes after bite or sting

No

Other symptoms began within minutes after bite or sting

Have tiny red or purple spots or bruises appeared suddenly?

Yes

Sudden appearance of red or purple spots or bruising

No

Sudden appearance of red or purple spots or bruising

Is there a blister, a painful sore, or a purple discoloration at the site of a bite or sting?

Yes

Blister, painful sore, or purple discoloration at bite or sting site

No

Blister, painful sore, or purple discoloration at bite or sting site

Are you having new muscle spasms or stiffness?

Yes

Muscle spasms or stiffness after bite or sting

No

Muscle spasms or stiffness after bite or sting

Do you have pain at the site of the bite or sting?

The pain may feel like a burning pain. It may be very bad for several minutes right after the bite. You may still have some pain hours later.

Yes

Pain or burning pain at site of bite or sting

No

Pain or burning pain at site of bite or sting

How bad is the pain on a scale of 0 to 10, if 0 is no pain and 10 is the worst pain you can imagine?

Signs of pain in an adult or child are different than signs of pain in a baby or toddler.

8 to 10: Severe pain

Severe pain

5 to 7: Moderate pain

Moderate pain

1 to 4: Mild pain

Mild pain

Has the pain lasted for more than 8 hours?

Yes

Pain for more than 8 hours

No

Pain for more than 8 hours

Is the pain getting worse?

Yes

Pain is getting worse

No

Pain is getting worse

Have you tried home treatment for more than 2 days?

Home treatment includes things like using ice on the area, taking an antihistamine, and taking pain medicine such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin).

Yes

Home treatment for more than 2 days

No

Home treatment for more than 2 days

Did you get more than one bite or sting?

This does not include mosquito bites.

Yes

More than 1 bite or sting

No

More than 1 bite or sting

Was there more than one bite or sting from bees, wasps, hornets, yellow jackets, or fire ants?

Yes

2 or more bites or stings from bees, wasps, hornets, yellow jackets, or fire ants

No

2 or more bites or stings from bees, wasps, hornets, yellow jackets, or fire ants

Did you get at least 5 bites or stings from bees, wasps, hornets, yellow jackets, or fire ants?

Yes

5 or more bites or stings from bees, wasps, hornets, yellow jackets, or fire ants

No

5 or more bites or stings from bees, wasps, hornets, yellow jackets, or fire ants

Did you get at least 10 bites or stings from bees, wasps, hornets, yellow jackets, or fire ants?

Yes

10 or more bites or stings from bees, wasps, hornets, yellow jackets, or fire ants

No

10 or more bites or stings from bees, wasps, hornets, yellow jackets, or fire ants

Do you think you may need a tetanus shot?

Yes

May need tetanus shot

No

May need tetanus shot

Have symptoms lasted for more than a week after the bite or sting?

Yes

Symptoms for more than 1 week after bite or sting

No

Symptoms for more than 1 week after bite or sting

Many things can affect how your body responds to a symptom and what kind of care you may need. These include:

• Your age. Babies and older adults tend to get sicker quicker.
• Your overall health. If you have a condition such as diabetes, HIV, cancer, or heart disease, you may need to pay closer attention to certain symptoms and seek care sooner.
• Medicines you take. Certain medicines, such as blood thinners (anticoagulants), medicines that suppress the immune system like steroids or chemotherapy, or natural health products can cause symptoms or make them worse.
• Recent health events, such as surgery or injury. These kinds of events can cause symptoms afterwards or make them more serious.
• Your health habits and lifestyle, such as eating and exercise habits, smoking, alcohol or drug use, sexual history, and travel.

Try Home Treatment

You have answered all the questions. Based on your answers, you may be able to take care of this problem at home.

• Try home treatment to relieve the symptoms.
• Call your doctor if symptoms get worse or you have any concerns (for example, if symptoms are not getting better as you would expect). You may need care sooner.

Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction can start within minutes of eating or being exposed to an allergen. While symptoms usually occur within 2 hours, in rare cases the time frame can vary up to several hours after exposure. Do not ignore early symptoms. When a reaction begins, it is important to respond right away.

Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction can vary from person to person. The same person can have different symptoms each time they have a severe allergic reaction. Symptoms can include any of the following:

• Skin: hives, swelling (face, lips, tongue), itching, warmth, redness
• Respiratory (breathing): coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, chest pain or tightness, throat tightness, hoarse voice, nasal congestion or hay fever-like symptoms (runny, itchy nose and watery eyes, sneezing), trouble swallowing
• Gastrointestinal (stomach): nausea, pain or cramps, vomiting, diarrhea
• Cardiovascular (heart): paler than normal skin colour/blue colour, weak pulse, passing out, dizziness or lightheadedness, shock
• Other: anxiety, sense of doom (the feeling that something bad is about to happen), headache, uterine cramps, metallic taste

A severe reaction can take place without hives, so make sure to look out for all of the signs of an allergic reaction.

Adapted from: Anaphylaxis in Schools and Other Settings, Copyright 2005-2009 Canadian Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology

Symptoms of infection may include:

• Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness in or around the area.
• Red streaks leading from the area.
• Pus draining from the area.
• A fever.

Pain in adults and older children

• Severe pain (8 to 10): The pain is so bad that you can’t stand it for more than a few hours, can’t sleep, and can’t do anything else except focus on the pain.
• Moderate pain (5 to 7): The pain is bad enough to disrupt your normal activities and your sleep, but you can tolerate it for hours or days. Moderate can also mean pain that comes and goes even if it’s severe when it’s there.
• Mild pain (1 to 4): You notice the pain, but it is not bad enough to disrupt your sleep or activities.

Pain in children under 3 years

It can be hard to tell how much pain a baby or toddler is in.

• Severe pain (8 to 10): The pain is so bad that the baby cannot sleep, cannot get comfortable, and cries constantly no matter what you do. The baby may kick, make fists, or grimace.
• Moderate pain (5 to 7): The baby is very fussy, clings to you a lot, and may have trouble sleeping but responds when you try to comfort him or her.
• Mild pain (1 to 4): The baby is a little fussy and clings to you a little but responds when you try to comfort him or her.

Certain health conditions and medicines weaken the immune system’s ability to fight off infection and illness. Some examples in adults are:

• Diseases such as diabetes, cancer, heart disease, and HIV/AIDS.
• Long-term alcohol and drug problems.
• Steroid medicines, which may be used to treat a variety of conditions.
• Chemotherapy and radiation therapy for cancer.
• Other medicines used to treat autoimmune disease.
• Medicines taken after organ transplant.
• Not having a spleen.

Shock is a life-threatening condition that may quickly occur after a sudden illness or injury.

Adults and older children often have several symptoms of shock. These include:

• Passing out (losing consciousness).
• Feeling very dizzy or light-headed, like you may pass out.
• Feeling very weak or having trouble standing.
• Not feeling alert or able to think clearly. You may be confused, restless, fearful, or unable to respond to questions.

Shock is a life-threatening condition that may occur quickly after a sudden illness or injury.

Babies and young children often have several symptoms of shock. These include:

• Passing out (losing consciousness).
• Being very sleepy or hard to wake up.
• Not responding when being touched or talked to.
• Breathing much faster than usual.
• Acting confused. The child may not know where he or she is.

You may need a tetanus shot depending on how dirty the wound is and how long it has been since your last shot.

• For a deep or dirty wound that has things like dirt, saliva, or feces in it, you may need a shot if:
  • You haven’t had a tetanus shot in the past 5 years.
  • You don’t know when your last shot was.
  • You have not received 3 doses of the tetanus vaccine series.
• For a clean wound, you may need a shot if:
  • You have not had a tetanus shot in the past 10 years.
  • You don’t know when your last shot was.
  • You have not received 3 doses of the tetanus vaccine series.

Sudden tiny red or purple spots or sudden bruising may be early symptoms of a serious illness or bleeding problem. There are two types.

Petechiae (say “puh-TEE-kee-eye”):

• Are tiny, flat red or purple spots in the skin or the lining of the mouth.
• Do not turn white when you press on them.
• Range from the size of a pinpoint to the size of a small pea and do not itch or cause pain.
• May spread over a large area of the body within a few hours.
• Are different than tiny, flat red spots or birthmarks that are present all the time.

Purpura (say “PURR-pyuh-ruh” or “PURR-puh-ruh”):

• Is sudden, severe bruising that occurs for no clear reason.
• May be in one area or all over.
• Is different than the bruising that happens after you bump into something.

Seek Care Now

Based on your answers, you may need care right away. The problem is likely to get worse without medical care.

• Call your doctor now to discuss the symptoms and arrange for care.
• If you cannot reach your doctor or you don’t have one, seek care in the next hour.
• You do not need to call an ambulance unless:
  • You cannot travel safely either by driving yourself or by having someone else drive you.
  • You are in an area where heavy traffic or other problems may slow you down.

Call 911 Now

Based on your answers, you need emergency care.

Call 911 or other emergency services now.

Sometimes people don’t want to call 911. They may think that their symptoms aren’t serious or that they can just get someone else to drive them. But based on your answers, the safest and quickest way for you to get the care you need is to call 911 for medical transport to the hospital.

Seek Care Today

Based on your answers, you may need care soon. The problem probably will not get better without medical care.

• Call your doctor today to discuss the symptoms and arrange for care.
• If you cannot reach your doctor or you don’t have one, seek care today.
• If it is evening, watch the symptoms and seek care in the morning.
• If the symptoms get worse, seek care sooner.

Make an Appointment

Based on your answers, the problem may not improve without medical care.

• Make an appointment to see your doctor in the next 1 to 2 weeks.
• If appropriate, try home treatment while you are waiting for the appointment.
• If symptoms get worse or you have any concerns, call your doctor. You may need care sooner.

Seek Care Now

Based on your answers, you may need care right away. The problem is likely to get worse without medical care.

• Call your doctor now to discuss the symptoms and arrange for care.
• If you cannot reach your doctor or you don’t have one, go to the emergency room now. You may have a reaction after the epinephrine wears off.
• You do not need to call an ambulance unless:
  • You cannot travel safely either by driving yourself or by having someone else drive you.
  • You are in an area where heavy traffic or other problems may slow you down.

Eye Injuries

Tick Bites

8 most poisonous spiders in Russia: tell where they are found

• Health

Fear of spiders is one of the most common phobias. And although many of the representatives of these terrible insects are not dangerous, it is impossible to consider arachnophobia completely unfounded. Some spiders, even in our country, can be dangerous.

June 25, 2022

Source:

IStockphoto

These arthropods can be found everywhere except for the North and South Poles. They are distributed everywhere, and a considerable part of them lives on the territory of our country. Spiders can be found in homes and offices, on the street, in forests and steppes. Most representatives are harmless non-poisonous arthropods that feed on flies, mosquitoes, midges.

But there is also a small group of spiders that can put a person in a hospital bed for a long time with one bite or even kill them. There are few poisonous spiders in our country, but it is worth knowing about them in advance in order to avoid meeting. “Doctor Peter” and Elena Paretskaya found out if contact could not be avoided, what would happen and how to provide first aid in order to minimize the negative consequences.

Not to death, but it hurts: the yellow-bag piercing spider

In the south of Russia – in the Astrakhan, Rostov and Volgograd regions, also in Bashkiria, you can meet with the yellow-bag piercing spider. Its size is no more than 1.5 cm, but it is quite aggressive if disturbed, so it bites immediately.

Due to the fact that this spider has a modest size, it will not kill a person to death and will not even cause significant harm to him. But at the site of the bite, a sharp pain of a stabbing character will be felt for several days, there will be discomfort with every movement. Gradually, the poison is resorbed and the bite site will heal without a trace.

A cool compress and treatment with any antihistamine gel is indicated as first aid to reduce itching and inflammation.

See also

With a cross on the back: crosses

The most famous spiders in our country are crosses. On the territory of the country from Kaliningrad to Vladivostok, there are more than 30 different species of these arachnids. They live in forests and gardens, vegetable gardens and parks, and some of the representatives have found places for themselves to live in abandoned buildings and dilapidated buildings. Spiders reach a length of about 3-4 cm, they are very hardworking, constantly sorting out their web, patching it up and restoring it again. Therefore, they are very jealous of troublemakers and can bite. The venom of the cross is not life-threatening, but large spiders can, when bitten, provoke a burning sensation in the wound and temporary malaise, like with a cold.

First aid includes cleaning the wound with soap and water, cooling the bite, and using an antihistamine gel.

The main thing is not to touch it: a waterfowl

Serebryanka is the only Russian spider that lives under water and emerges to the surface only to take in more air and take it to its home, in a cocoon. This spider reaches a length of about 2 cm, distributed in water bodies in the Caucasus, Siberia or the Far East region.

The insect is not aggressive and avoids encounters with large opponents as much as possible. A bite can only be obtained if you provoke an insect, creating a real threat to it or its nest. There is little poison in this spider, it does not kill to death. The bite site can hurt for several days, similar to a wasp sting. First aid is to rinse and use an antihistamine.

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Southern inhabitant: wasp spider

Scientifically, this bright spider is called Argiope Brünnich, the stripes on the body vaguely resemble a wasp, but such brightness is typical only for females. This insect lives in the southern regions of the country, but is gradually being mastered in the middle lane. The length of the insect is up to 2 cm, and it has enough poison for extremely painful bites. The poison is not fatal, but severe itching and swelling at the bite sites are guaranteed.

Mizgir — domestic tarantula

Lives in the south of Russia and Siberia. The spider does not exceed 3 cm in length, lives in burrows up to 40 cm deep, lining it with a puddle. He does not attack people himself, he bites in self-defense. It will not kill you to death, but it will be very painful: the poison is toxic, extensive swelling and yellowness of the skin form in the bite area.

Masquerading as a black widow

Steatoda spider or false widow settled in the south of Russia, the Black Sea region and the Caucasus. It settles near people’s dwellings, especially preferring gardens and orchards, garages and old houses. The size, color and shape outwardly very much resemble a black widow, but in terms of toxicity, our domestic spider is much inferior to it. When bitten, people do not die, with the exception of allergy sufferers, in whom spider venom can provoke Quincke’s edema or even anaphylactic shock. Bitten people usually experience severe burning pain, they have a fever, redness and blisters appear at the site of the bite. The malaise lasts up to 3-4 days.

First aid is a cold compress, oral antihistamine and immediate visit to the tram station.

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Spider – ladybug

Bright and impressive black eresus spider can meet you both in the Rostov and Novosibirsk regions. Lives in a mink all his life, crawling out to breed and search for a female. Also, mothers with spider eggs can bask on the surface. They can bite in self-defense, the consequences are unpleasant, but not fatal. When bitten, severe pain is felt, then the tissues become numb. For a long time, pain will be felt when pressed.

Deadly dangerous karakurt

One of the most dangerous – lives in the Southern Urals, Altai, Rostov and Volgograd regions. The body reaches a length of 3 cm, and there is so much poison in it that it can kill a camel or a horse. Poison also has a deadly effect on humans, but it is almost not dangerous to dogs.

A couple of seconds after the bite, a sharp pain occurs, covering the entire body, breathing is disturbed, vomiting, diarrhea, tachycardia occur. Without the introduction of antitoxins and resuscitation, a person can die.

Text author: Alena Paretskaya

How to get rid of spiders at home – Dr.Klaus

Arachnophobia is one of the most common fears. Many people on a genetic, subconscious level are afraid of spiders. And among them are not only women and children, but also often adult, brutal men. Although in our climate it is very difficult to find a potentially dangerous arachnid in a house or apartment, irrational fear often makes it impossible for a comfortable coexistence of a person and a spider. Let’s talk about these frequent companions of people.

Why do spiders appear in the house?

Spiders, or rather their webs, are not in vain a sign of a neglected, old dwelling that is not cleaned for a long time. It takes a long time for you to have such tenants:

• do not ventilate the rooms;
• leave curtains on windows;
• do not fight flying insects;
• Do not vacuum or wipe corners under ceilings, places behind eaves, the top of tall furniture (eg cabinets) with a cloth.

In general, spiders need affordable food, a dry and warm area, and less disturbance. If they fail to find such conditions, then they will not gain a foothold in the home. Spiders appear most often in the summer, making their way into apartments and houses on their own. You can bring them with you from the suburban area, with some things from the garage, shed or store.

Only one thing is good in “communication” with spiders – there are rarely very many of them. They both give a few offspring, and do not tolerate a dense neighborhood with fellow tribesmen. Therefore, real invasions and accumulations of domestic spiders are an infrequent phenomenon, although there are enough webs even from several individuals.

Do I need to get rid of spiders?

If you are ready for long days (and nights) to explain to a child whose bed has a cobweb that spiders are harmless and do not threaten him in any way, then perhaps you should not fight them. You can also tell guests that a cute spider hiding in a corner and busily wrapping up another fly is just your pet. It probably happens like that. However, most people still try to get rid of spiders.

Although their fear is mostly unexplained, the presence of such tenants leads to the appearance of webs in almost all more or less suitable places. It not only spoils the appearance of housing, but also contributes to the accumulation of dust, as well as all kinds of debris, for example, parts of the chitinous covers of insects. This, in turn, already causes physical discomfort to the same allergy sufferers.

We have already said that there are not so many truly dangerous types of spiders. Theoretically, in the houses located in the southern regions, can get:

• karakurt;
• phalanx.

Another serious representative of arachnids, the tarantula rarely enters dwellings. There are, of course, other species, for example, the same cross, in which a bite is dangerous only for extremely sensitive people. The rest of the spiders, although they can bite, are similar to the bites of mosquitoes, horseflies or gadflies, in rare cases wasps (wasp spider or Brünnich’s argiope). And yes, to force a spider into such active self-defense, you need to literally drive it into a corner with no chance of salvation.

How to get rid of harmless spiders

If you don’t suffer from arachnophobia and can, albeit with a fair amount of disgust, but take a spider in your hands, then the easiest way is to simply catch it with a rag or towel. As a rule, the owners of trapping nets are removed by such improvised means, along with their cobwebs.

Of course, you will have to demonstrate some skill, because spiders are not at all eager to be caught. Such fishing is complicated by the fact that the web is often located on the ceiling and you have to use chairs or stepladders.

How to get rid of venomous spiders

Poisonous species should be handled with care. The main thing is to use improvised means that will protect you to the maximum from their bite.

In particular, you can take:

• powerful vacuum cleaner;
• large glass, jar or container, into which to shake the spider with a piece of cardboard, plastic or spatula;
• fly swatter with long handle.

In the fight against poisonous spiders, one thing can console you – they are all extremely rare in large numbers, especially in housing, since it is not a typical habitat for arthropods.

Precautions

When mechanically killing spiders, it is best to follow basic safety precautions. Even if you have representatives of non-toxic species, wear gloves to catch them. For these purposes, simple household rubber ones are suitable – their thickness protects against the poisonous or ordinary bite of any spiders. Just in case, it is worth putting on a shirt or jacket with long sleeves and tight-fitting cuffs.

But if you doubt your abilities, have never caught spiders and, moreover, deal with poisonous individuals, use non-contact methods of struggle or call professional exterminators.

How to get rid of spiders forever?

Forever is, of course, some exaggeration, but you can get rid of spiders for a long time. At the very least, there are ways that will secure your home at least this season.

Spider Remedies

The easiest way is to use factory remedies. These are effective drugs that do not require you to have hunting or sports skills. These include in particular:

• sprays;
• aerosols;
• traps.

If you decide to get rid of spiders with insecticides, contact preparations, for example, based on pyrethroids, are suitable. So, Dr.Klaus aerosol not only quickly destroys spiders after processing their cobwebs, nests, but also leaves the treated surfaces dangerous for arthropods for up to a month and a half. That is, in the warm season, only 2-3 treatments of the most attractive places for spiders are enough to no longer think about this problem.

The aerosol, unlike many other products, is colorless, odorless and does not stain surfaces.

As a preventive measure, offline glue traps can be used to kill arthropods. After removing the protective layer, simply spread them on cabinets, behind radiators and in other places that are the habitat of spiders or other insects. After 1.5-2 months, simply collect the traps with the caught spiders and discard them. By the way, in addition to arachnids, such traps attract and catch other frequent unwanted guests – cockroaches and ants.

Natural ways to get rid of spiders

You can try to repel spiders with natural repellents. They sometimes work if you remember to update them regularly. It can be both fresh parts of plants and essential oils based on them.

Natural remedies include:

• peppermint;
• fir;
• citrus fruits;
• eucalyptus.

The strength of the scent is decisive in their use. As soon as it weakens, efficiency also decreases. The cardinal folk remedies that can scare away almost any pests include household chemicals with a sharp aroma – vinegar, kerosene, ammonia.

However, they should probably be resorted to only in the most extreme cases. Being in a room that “smells” with such smells is very difficult. Also, these funds can adversely affect furniture or interior items. Sometimes it is recommended to use powdered boric acid, salt, diatomaceous earth, tobacco dust, etc.

But these are the most ineffective products, because due to their shape they can only be used on horizontal surfaces. And spiders located in the corners under the ceiling may not visit such places for days and even months. That is, they simply will not be in contact with such “protection”.

Preventive measures

Spiders are, in general, completely random guests in the apartment. And if it’s not very comfortable there, then they usually don’t stay for a long time. The main preventive measure is regular and thorough wet cleaning. The spider will not over and over again restore the web that you stubbornly destroy, and leave your house or simply die.

Just don’t be lazy, and while cleaning you need to look into all secluded places:

• for furniture, hanging TVs;
• near batteries;
• at the eaves.