Luckily in the US there are only two spiders that have poisonous bites. The black widow spider and the brown recluse spider are both dangerous spiders, but the classic symptoms of their bites are different. You need to take a look at these spider bite symptoms so that you can recognize them and seek medical attention if needed.
Both the brown recluse spider and the black widow spider like warm places. They also prefer to hide in dark locations. They like dry places that are undisturbed, such as under the sink, under the house, in woodpiles, and even in closets.
Key Points
- Pain is usually associated with both a brown recluse and a black widow bite.
- If you believe you've been bitten by a brown recluse or black widow, call your doctor.
- Keep your floor free from clutter and shake your shoes out before putting them on to lower your chances of being bitten by either spider.
Symptoms of Brown Recluse and Black Widow Bites
The bite of the black widow spider is the most dangerous of the spider bites. Black widow spider bite symptoms are a bite that feels like a pinprick, a small red mark where the bite occurred, and small swelling that occurs right after the bite. After just a few hours, as the venom acts in your system, the symptoms become even worse. Stiffness and extreme pain begin to set in, and can be accompanied by a high fever, chills, nausea, and severe pain in the abdomen.
The brown recluse spider bite symptoms are different. The first symptoms that appear are the sting of the bite accompanied with intense pain. Soon, a blister filled with fluid will form at the site. Other brown recluse spider bite symptoms may be fever, rash, and listlessness.
It's important to seek treatment if you or a family member are suffering from these symptoms. If you believe that you've been bitten by one of these spiders, call your doctor right away.
Bite Prevention
Preventing a bite from a black widow or brown recluse is important. While you might not be able to avoid a bite in all circumstances, there are steps you can take to protect you and your family.
Avoid leaving piles of clothes on the floor or on the bed. These provide excellent hiding spaces for these spiders. They're dark and undisturbed. If you do leave a pile of clothes on your floor, bed, or elsewhere, be sure to exercise caution in cleaning it up. Keeping a tidy room will leave fewer hiding spaces for these dangerous spiders.
Vacuum in tight spaces. Vacuuming behind appliances, under and behind your bed, and under furniture is important. Spiders may seek these places out as hiding spaces, since if left undisturbed they make perfect habitats for them. Aim to vacuum these areas every other week, or every week if you live in an area with a high population of either spider.
Shake out shoes before putting them on. At times, both brown recluse and black widow spiders will climb into shoes. This is especially true of shoes that haven't been worn in a long time. Before putting on any closed-toe shoes, turn them upside down and shake them vigorously. If there's a spider inside, it will be thrown out of your shoe by this action.
Don't leave woodpiles near your home. Woodpiles are a favorite hiding spot of both spiders. Leaving piles of wood around your home is a great way to bring these creatures close to your house. If you need to have wood piled on your property for whatever reason, try to keep it away from your house. Exercise caution when removing wood from the pile, as a spider may be hiding within.
Be generally cautious. These spiders may appear at any time in your home. While they typically will be found in dark and undisturbed spaces, you can encounter them anywhere. Exercise a healthy amount of caution around your house, and you should be able to avoid a bite. If you find that you're experiencing an unhealthy level of anxiety over these spiders, consider talking to your doctor or to a therapist. Extreme arachnophobia can be paralyzing.
Do not take the content of this article as professional medical advice. It's important to exercise due diligence when obtaining relevant information in matters pertaining to your health. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making any medical decisions.