5 Common Biting Spiders – Green Pest Services

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5 Common Biting Spiders

5 Common Biting Spiders

There are over 4,000 spiders found in North America, but only a handful of spiders are known to bite humans. Of the spiders that do bite, there are five well-known spiders that can cause any medical problem, and all can be found, scarily enough, around homes. Since these spiders have serious bites, it is important to be cautious if you want to kill it yourself, but pest control is always a viable option for dealing with these dangerous arachnids. 

While spiders do not pose any danger to us, there are some spiders that can produce poison and be harmful for us. With just a look we develop an opinion about spiders, but before concluding if they’re harmful or harmless, it’s important to consider what poisonous spiders in North America looks like so we know which ones we should avoid.

1. Brown Recluse Spider

Brown recluse spiders are found throughout the United States. They are commonly referred to as violin spiders or fiddleback spiders due to a characteristic dark brown violin-shaped mark on the back of the cephalothorax (center portion of spider right behind its eyes). They get their name from their color and reclusive nature. Bites from brown recluse spiders are dangerous because they may not be felt initially, but the venom can slowly destroy human tissue. If the venom get deep enough, it can affect muscles. An untreated bite can lead to an infection combining with the venom to make for a potentially fatal bite. These spiders aren’t aggressive – they just don’t like humans very much, especially when we’re moving around too much for them to be able to build their webs or catch food. They tend to hide in undisturbed spaces such as boxes, shoes, clothes, and bed sheets.

The symptoms of a brown recluse spider bite include itchy skin, nausea/vomiting, fever, and even the destruction of tissues beneath the skin. Most people confuse this spider with common house spiders, which are harmless, so it is important to recognize the difference.  

2. Black Widow Spider

While Black Widow is the name of an awesome comic book superhero, it is also a poisonous spider that is well-known by its red or orange hourglass shape on its abdomen. This mark acts as a warning for other predators, as many birds and other insects avoid red coloring since it’s a warning symbol. The black widow and its sub-species is widely regarded as the most poisonous spider in the U.S. It thrives in warm weather, which explains why we often find them in the summer. But since winter does not kill them and simply makes them dormant, they can begin making themselves known in the spring when they mate. The black widow is quite a small spider, but its venom is about fifteen times stronger than another common venomous creature: the rattlesnake. The bite is not enough to be a high risk for everyone; due to the small size of the spider and its venom release, it is mainly a danger for younger children and the elderly. 

Symptoms of a black widow bite include swelling around the bite, chills, sweating, difficulty breathing, weakness, cramping, and nausea. If you believe you have been bitten by a black widow, seek medical attention immediately. 

3. Hobo Spider

This spider is similar to the brown recluse, in that its bite seems harmless at first but can turn into a problem if left untreated. Hobo spiders are brown and small, ranging from 1/3 to 2/3 inches in length. These spiders like to stay on the ground, and they make their funnel-shaped webs in small crevices, such as cracks in a wall, a shed, or beneath woodpiles. Hobo spiders are also called the Aggressive House Spider because they often bite without being too provoked. It is usually when they are squished or touched in any way. They are also fast, so it is probably best not to catch it as it is almost guaranteed to result in a bite. 

The symptoms of a Hobo Spider bite vary, depending on how quickly you can get it treated. Like the brown recluse, it can also cause tissue death around the bite. Common symptoms after a day include blistering and leaking of the bite area, nausea, blurry vision, fatigue, and a headache that can last several days.  

4. Wolf Spider

Wolf spiders are a bit larger than the other spiders on this list, as they can be over an inch in length. A good way to identify this type of spider is through their eyes: the four smaller ones are in the front and the four larger eyes on in a square on top of its head. Female wolf spiders carry their egg sacs attached to their abdomens, then carries her spiderlings on her back for a while. These spiders can be found under rocks, debris, garden areas, or in burrows underground. They also make funnel-shaped webs in low shrubs, piles of leaves and outdoor furniture such as rockers and swings. Their venom is not fatal like the brown recluse spider’s, but they’re very agile spiders that will run away quickly when disturbed so it can be hard to receive treatment if we get bitten by them – mostly because we don’t know when and where we were bitten!

Symptoms of a wolf spider bite are more mild than the first three spiders, but they are still painful and have the potential to be infected. The symptoms include itchiness and pain around the bite, swelling, nausea, and rapid pulse.

5. Yellow Sac Spider

These spiders, named after their yellowish sacs, are not nearly as dangerous as the others listed here. The Yellow Sac Spider mainly lives in gardens during the summer, but it likes to come inside during the autumn when the temperatures cool down. Due to its light coloring, the spider may go unnoticed for a while while it stays in the corner of a wall or the ceiling of a home. Although these spiders are hunters that search for food at night, their bites on humans typically occur when the spider is disturbed or stuck in an article of clothing that is being put on. They are quite frequent biters and might bite humans more often than other spiders.

Even though they bite humans quite often, the bite of a Yellow Sac Spider does not typically result in medical emergencies. The symptoms include burning on the bite, nausea, fever, and cramps. Just because the bite is not particularly venomous does not mean it should be ignored, so make sure to treat it immediately.

Preventative Measures 

The best way to avoid a spider bite is to make sure your home isn’t welcoming to them in the first place. Trim back any landscaping that touches the house, as it provides an easy way for spiders to get inside. Check clothes and shoes before putting them on if you live in a particularly spider-favorite area. Eliminate their food sources by keeping the home as insect-free as possible. But if you want to be sure that spiders common in your area will not want to enter your home, or if they already have, contact pest control services. The technicians are equipped to handle any spider problem so that you don’t have to make eye contact with a spider while you are relaxing in the comfort of your home. 

Citations 

10 most dangerous spiders of north america (n.d.). North American Nature. Retrieved February 17, 2022, from https://northamericannature.com/10-most-dangerous-spiders-of-north-america/

Machemer, T. (2021, July 7). Eight fun facts about black widows. Smithsonian Magazine. Available at https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/eight-fun-facts-about-black-widows-180978098/ (Accessed February 17, 2022). 

Mekonnen, S. (n.d.). Brown recluse spider bites. Poison Control. Available at https://www.poison.org/articles/brown-recluse-spider-bites (Accessed February 17, 2022). 

Wolf spiders. (2021, August 23). Australian Museum. Retrieved February 17, 2022, from https://australian.museum/learn/animals/spiders/wolf-spiders/

Yellow sac spiders. (n.d.). Michigan State University Plant & Pest Diagnostics. Retrieved February 17, 2022, from https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/yellow-sac-spiders 

Caitlyn2022-04-04T15:40:13-04:00

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Identify What Bit You and Get Proper Help

When a spider bites, it may leave two marks on the skin. Some spider bites can produce severe symptoms, but very few are life threatening, and most spiders cannot bite humans.

In this article, find out how to recognize the symptoms of different spider bites and learn about some spiders that can bite humans.

There are over 3,500 spiders in the United States, but most are not dangerous. Only two species raise significant medical concerns: the widow and the recluse.

Most spiders bite, but their fangs are too small or weak to puncture human skin. Many spiders have weak or prey-specific toxins that are unlikely to affect humans. If they do bite, they may leave itchy, red wounds that heal within a week or so.

However, some spiders can bite through human skin and insert powerful toxins. Bites by these spiders are rarely fatal but can cause health complications, such as tissue death and painful muscle spasms.

Read on to learn:

• what spider bites look like
• what spider varieties leave certain bites
• how to treat spider bites

Identifying a spider bite is easier if you saw the spider that bit you, but you may not notice the wound until hours later.

Look for things like:

• swelling
• a red welt
• skin damage
• any troubling symptoms that accompany the bite

Other possible symptoms that may accompany a spider bite include:

• itching or rash
• pain around the area of the bite
• muscle pain or cramping
• a red or purplish blister
• sweating
• difficulty breathing
• headache
• nausea and vomiting
• fever
• chills
• anxiety or restlessness
• rashes
• swollen lymph glands
• high blood pressure

Spider bites can take longer to heal than other insect bites and may affect skin tissues. Keeping the bite clean can reduce the risk of infection.

In some cases, you can treat spider bites at home. For nonvenomous spider bites, follow these steps:

• Apply an ice pack on and off the bite for 10 minutes at a time. Always wrap ice or an ice pack in a cloth.
• Elevate the area to reduce swelling.
• Take an antihistamine, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl), to help with itching.
• Clean the area with soap and water to prevent infection.
• Apply antibiotic ointment to the area if blisters develop.

Seek medical attention if you’re showing symptoms of a spider bite or if the symptoms don’t go away over time.

Always seek medical attention if you suspect one of the following species has bitten you:

• brown recluse
• black widow
• hobo spider
• tarantula
• Brazilian wandering spider

Learn where these spiders hide and what they look like below.

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The brown recluse belongs to the Loxosceles or recluse family of spiders. Brown spiders, like the brown recluse, have a body around one-third of an inch long.

Brown recluse spiders are not usually aggressive but will bite if trapped against a person’s skin. They typically hide in dark, secluded spaces. It’s also called the violin spider because of the dark marking on its back.

The brown recluse is usually found in areas such as:

• Missouri
• Tennessee
• Kansas
• Arkansas
• Louisiana
• Oklahoma
• Eastern Texas

The initial brown recluse bite may be painless, but within 2–8 hours, it’ll begin to itch, hurt, and turn red. A red or purple ring resembling a target or bull’s-eye will develop around the bite.

The bite can blister and grow progressively worse without treatment to the point where it may kill surrounding tissue and cause fever, chills, and headache.

On rare occasions, it can cause:

• coma or seizures
• jaundice
• blood in urine
• kidney failure

There’s no antidote for a brown recluse bite, but keeping the area clean can encourage faster healing.

Your doctor will examine the bite and prescribe antibiotics. People who experience tissue death may need surgery and time in the hospital.

How do you treat a brown recluse spider bite?

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The black widow spider is of the Latrodectus (widow) family of spiders. It is shiny and black with a distinct, reddish, hourglass-shaped mark on its belly. The body is around half an inch long.

Found mostly in the warm Southern and Western United States, the black widow stays in secluded spaces such as:

• piles of fallen leaves
• woodpiles
• boxes in the attic

Only the female black widow is toxic. Black widow bites can feel like a small pinprick or nothing at all, but your skin’s reaction will be immediate. You’ll be able to see the two puncture marks on your skin.

Within an hour, you may start to notice:

• muscle cramping
• pain and burning at the puncture site
• headache
• high blood pressure
• increased saliva and sweating
• nausea and vomiting
• numbness
• restlessness

Prompt treatment is essential, especially in children and older adults. A doctor may prescribe an antivenom.

What happens if a black widow spider bites you?

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Hobo spiders are common in the Pacific Northwest. Their body measures around half to three-quarters of an inch long. They sit up high on long legs and run fast.

Hobo spiders can bite when provoked.

Take care when cleaning:

• behind furniture
• under baseboards
• in closets

You may not notice a bite from a hobo spider at first, but it’ll cause pain and numbness within 15 minutes.

After 1 hour, the site will start to turn red. In 8 hours, it’ll become hardened and swollen. After 24 to 26 hours, the wound may discharge fluids and eventually turn black.

Other signs and symptoms may include:

• a red or purple blister at the puncture site
• visual or aural disruption
• weakness
• joint pain
• headaches
• nausea
• sweating

Hobo spider bites are slow to heal. Seek immediate medical treatment if you suspect a hobo spider has bitten you.

The treatment is similar to that of brown recluse spider bites. It may involve:

• corticosteroids
• antibiotics
• surgery

Treatment works best if administered within 24 hours of the bite.

What else should you know about a hobo spider bite?

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Tarantulas occur in southwestern states with desert climates and as far east as the Mississippi River. They tend to hide under:

• logs or stones
• tree trunks
• in tunnels or burrows

Most tarantula bites in the United States are from pet tarantulas.

You can usually identify tarantulas by their appearance.

They have:

• a body one-and-a-half to two inches long
• a hairy texture
• visible fangs that hang down

Tarantulas aren’t aggressive. The venom from the species found in the United States isn’t considered dangerous. Their bite may be painless or feel like a bee sting. The area will become warm and red.

Other potential symptoms can appear several hours or even days later and include:

• rash
• swelling
• itching
• rapid heart rate
• eyelid puffiness
• trouble breathing
• low blood pressure

Seek medical attention immediately if you experience any of these symptoms.

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The Brazilian wandering spider is native to Central and South America. It moves quickly and aggressively. The body of a wandering spider is around one-quarter to one-and-a-quarter inches long. It’s considered one of the most venomous spiders in the world.

The bite of a Brazilian wandering spider is extremely painful. It can quickly result in heavy sweating and drooling. The skin around the bite will usually swell, turn red, and get hot.

In severe cases, the bite can result in dead tissue or death.

Seek emergency treatment immediately. Antivenom is available for this spider’s bite.

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Common all over the country, wolf spiders have a body length of one-quarter to one-and-a-third inches and look similar to tarantulas. They like to stalk their prey by hunting on the ground.

You’ll find them:

• in sand and gravel
• around the bases of doors and windows
• in house plants

Look for two large eyes in the middle of their faces, accompanied by six smaller eyes.

A wolf spider’s bite may tear the skin and cause pain, redness, and swelling. You may also experience swollen lymph nodes as a result of the bite.

For some people, healing can take up to 10 days. In rare cases, the bite can lead to tissue damage.

What do you need to know about a wolf spider bite?

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One of the most common household spiders, the jumping spider exists throughout the United States. Around one-fifth to three-quarters of an inch long, it has a stout, hairy body.

The most common type is black with white spots on top. It moves erratically and actually jumps as a method of moving between locations. You’re likely to find it outside in gardens and near other vegetation.

The jumping spider’s bite is usually no worse than a wasp sting. It can be dangerous if you’re allergic to spider venom.

Serious symptoms include:

• pain
• itching
• redness
• swelling
• headaches

They’ll attack if threatened, so use gloves when gardening.

How do you treat a jumping spider bite?

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The sand-colored camel spider lives in desert climates and has a powerful pincer on its head. They occur in central and southern Mexico and the western United States.

A camel spider will always seek the coolest place around, which just may be your shadow. A fast runner (up to 10 mph), some can grow to over 2 inches long.

Because of its large jaws, a camel spider can leave a significant wound in human skin. These spiders don’t produce venom, but you may get an infection due to the open wound.

You may also experience swelling around the bite wound and mild to intense bleeding.

Always seek medical attention if you suspect you or someone else has symptoms of a spider bite.

Call 911 if the person has:

• an allergic reaction, including hives, swelling, and breathing difficulty
• shock or breathing problems, even if these do not appear to be an allergic reaction
• muscle cramps
• fever
• loss of consciousness
• severe or rapidly worsening pain, swelling, or other symptoms

If you see the spider, try to take a photo in case you need to show it to a doctor later for identification.

You may need a tetanus booster if you haven’t had one in the last 10 years.

For the best outcome, seek treatment for a spider bite within 24 hours of being bitten.

What can you do at home to ease the effect of a spider bite?

Spiders may be present in the home, in yards, outdoors, and in workplaces.

Here are some tips to reduce the risk of a spider bite:

• known how to identify venomous spiders in your local area
• take care when outdoors hiking or camping or at home working in the yard
• be vigilant when disturbing items or places that have not been disturbed for some time, such as a log pile or an attic
• inspect or shake out any clothing, shoes, boots, and equipment before use, especially if stored in sheds and outhouses
• wear protective clothing, with long sleeves, gloves, and so on, during yard work and on hikes
• keep the yard clear of debris, as far as possible
• ensure you have a tetanus booster every 10 years

How do you know if a spider bit you?

You will not always know if a spider has bitten you, although some bites cause pain, like a sting. You may notice two puncture marks on the skin. In some cases, there will be a reaction either at once or after some hours, but it depends on the type of spider.

A bite from a wolf spider, for example, can tear the skin and cause pain, redness, and swelling. The bite of a jumping spider may cause pain similar to a wasp sting, and people with an allergy can have a reaction.

How do you tell if you were bitten by a venomous spider?

Symptoms vary widely and depend on the type of spider but include:

• itching, pain, and a rash
• muscle pain or cramps
• sweating, fever, and chills
• breathing problems
• anxiety
• high blood pressure

You may not notice a bite from a brown recluse spider at once, for example, but pain and itching may occur after some hours. A bite from a black widow spider may feel like a pinprick at the time, but puncture marks will be visible, and other symptoms will likely follow, such as muscle cramps and a fever.

How long after a spider bite do symptoms occur?

It will depend on the spider. Some spider bites cause an immediate reaction. Others are painless at the time, while others cause immediate pain and swelling. Symptoms of some venomous spider bites may not appear for several hours. A reaction from a brown recluse spider bite may develop after 2 to 8 hours. Cramping and other symptoms of a black widow spider bite usually start within an hour. A tarantula bite may be painless, but symptoms can appear several hours or days later.

What can be mistaken for a spider bite?

Spider bites often look like other bug bites, but sometimes two puncture marks will be visible. Further reactions can occur, such as swelling, pain, fever, and other symptoms, depending on the spider.

Why is it bad to squeeze a spider bite?

Squeezing a spider bite will not help reduce the risk of symptoms but may spread the venom or any infection further. Instead, wash the area with soap and water and keep it raised, if possible. Apply a damp cloth to reduce swelling, and seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Most types of spiders in the U.S. will not bite a human. Their mouths are too small, and their fangs are not strong enough to pierce the skin. Some do bite, but their toxin is not strong enough to cause a serious reaction in humans.

However, the bite of a few spiders — such as the black widow and the tarantula — can cause serious harm to humans. Anyone with a severe reaction to a spider bite should seek immediate medical help.

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.

Read also

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.

Read also

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

Is the bite of a house spider dangerous?

Many people feel disgust or even panic when a spider suddenly appears in their house, but is the bite of a house spider dangerous? t-online shares how to recognize such a bite and what are its consequences.

See also: How to get rid of spiders at home or in an apartment.

How to recognize the house corner spider

Ten different species of corner spider live in Germany, including the wall corner spider (Tegenaria parietina), the house corner spider (Tegenaria domestica), and the field corner spider (Tegenaria agrestis).

The best known, house corner spider, also known as basement spider or big corner spider, is mostly harmless. It often appears in home bathrooms or dark corners and intimidates many people simply because of its size – 10 to 16 millimeters without legs.

When a house spider bites

Spiders rarely bite. They usually pretend to be dead. Since humans are not part of the spider’s prey spectrum, they only bite defensively when they feel strongly threatened.

The corner house spider does not tend to approach a person, it only bites if you reach for it, step on it, or otherwise chase it. However, when bitten, a spider, unlike other species, can penetrate human skin with its chelicerae and transmit poison.

What are the symptoms of a house spider bite?

For most people, the bite itself feels like a small sting. It is painful, but not comparable to a bee or wasp sting.

After this, redness and slight swelling may appear at the site of the bite, which usually disappear after a few hours.

How to treat a spider bite

As with mosquito bites, cooling the affected area or applying a cooling gel may help. A fresh chopped onion placed cut side down on a wound can also provide relief.

This refers to aloe vera or bite healer used for mosquito bites.

Is the bite of a house spider dangerous and in what cases

A spider bite can become dangerous if it develops into a bacterial infection. Like all wild animals, the house spider carries bacteria that can be transmitted by bite and cause skin infections.

This can usually be recognized by spreading, painful redness, severe swelling, and the development of a fever. Such a bacterial infection should always be treated by a doctor.