Spider bites are no fun, especially during the warm months of spring and summer. Whether you plan to clean outside or bug out in the wilderness, encounters with spiders are unavoidable. Take some precautionary steps to limit your contact with spiders and learn how to treat the most common spider bites and when to seek medical attention.
How to Protect Yourself from Spider Bites
Wear protective clothing while working outdoors, camping, hiking or cleaning out any part of your property, such as lightweight trousers and long-sleeved tops, a hat, gloves, high socks, and closed-toe shoes. To prevent spiders from coming into your house, install tight-fitting window and door screens.
Be sure to review all your camping supplies when you go on your camping trip. Spray insect repellent around your tent and your campsite’s perimeter. Store and tightly seal all food and food-contaminated products in containers. Before you go to sleep, shake out your sleeping bag and pillow to help get rid of spiders that may have crept in. Shake your shoes before putting them on, just in case if there are any spiders inside them.
Types of Spider Bites to Watch Out For
Jumping Spider and Wolf Spider Bites
The two most common spiders are the jumping spider and the wolf spider. Usually, these bites don’t hurt more than a bee sting. Treat these at home by cleaning the bite area with soap and water and pressing a cold compress.
Tarantula Bites
Most North American tarantulas are harmless; while their bites are painful, their venom won’t cause many long-term issues. Tarantula bites can lead to swelling, scratchiness, and discomfort. Tarantulas can even flick hairs from their body onto the skin. It is normally fine to treat them by washing, using ice and taking ibuprofen. Go to the emergency room if you have a more serious reaction.
Brown Recluse Spider Bites
One of the most venomous spiders in America is the Brown Recluse. They are only found in south-central and Midwestern United States. However, bites occur and are sometimes characterized as “sharp burning pain”. The area of the bite becomes discolored and forms an ulcer that can take several weeks to heal.
There is no antivenin, but the symptoms can be treated with a cold compress and an antibiotic cream. Get medical care right away if you display serious symptoms, including increased swelling, irritation, fever, rash, or other signs of infection.
Hobo Spider Bites
The hobo spider is another common venomous spider in the United States. According to the U.S. Forest Service, it’s not aggressive and can bite only when threatened. About half of the hobo bites are “dry,” but they do not include toxin.
If you get a venomous bite, it’s red and rough like a mosquito bite. The wounds may become necrotic and often last for years. There is no antivenin; however, antibiotics can manage the symptoms.
Black Widow Spider Bites
Black widow spiders are tough to identify as only females have the red hourglass-shaped markings and male and young black widow spiders have tan and white stripes. Regardless, their bites can be deadly.
A black widow bite looks indistinguishable from any other household spider bite, but they appear redder and more swollen. If your muscles cramp and if you experience abdominal and chest pain, high blood pressure, a rapid heartbeat and/or vomiting within two hours, go to the emergency room right away.
Your Fellow Patriot,
Steven Bryant
