Spider Bites - How to Identify and Treat Them
Even when every precaution is taken to rid your home of spiders, one or two may still find their way inside, and you are sure to encounter them when you head outdoors. Spiders prefer to run away from you rather than bite, but if they feel threatened or trapped, they may defend themselves. Best Pest Control at the Lake of the Ozarks wants to make sure that you have a little information about 3 spider bites that could cause you some problems.
Interesting fact - all spiders in Missouri are venomous. Fortunately, there are very few of them that have fangs large enough to actually pierce human skin. If they do, most are harmless and will only leave a small irritation or discoloration on the skin.
The following three spiders are a bit more irritating than that. Extreme reactions to bites from these are rare, but can be dangerous for children, the elderly, and anyone that is already sick.
Brown Recluse
When a Brown Recluse bites, you may feel an immediate sting, but there is also a good chance that you won't know that it happened until the symptoms occur. Within hours of the bite, it could become painful and itchy. The bite itself may appear like a bulls-eye. The center can blister, scab, and fall off, leaving a small ulcer. In extreme cases, skin may turn black, and it may result in a scar. Sometimes you will feel body aches and have a fever too.
If you are bitten, treat it immediately by cleaning it and applying an ice pack. It is wise to use antibiotic ointment to prevent any infection. Symptoms usually go away within 48 hours, but it could take weeks to heal.
Black Widow
This spider bite will definitely be felt when it happens, but may not leave a very large mark. There could just be two small fang marks left behind and a little swelling. Muscle aches and cramps can spread from the bite area to the entire body, and you may experience nausea, trouble breathing, and weakness. If muscle cramps occur, you may need emergency medical treatment and antivenin, but serious reactions are rare in healthy adults.
Clean the bite area well, apply ice, and keep a close eye on your symptoms.
Wolf Spider
Interesting fact - all spiders in Missouri are venomous. Fortunately, there are very few of them that have fangs large enough to actually pierce human skin. If they do, most are harmless and will only leave a small irritation or discoloration on the skin.
The following three spiders are a bit more irritating than that. Extreme reactions to bites from these are rare, but can be dangerous for children, the elderly, and anyone that is already sick.
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| Brown Recluse |
When a Brown Recluse bites, you may feel an immediate sting, but there is also a good chance that you won't know that it happened until the symptoms occur. Within hours of the bite, it could become painful and itchy. The bite itself may appear like a bulls-eye. The center can blister, scab, and fall off, leaving a small ulcer. In extreme cases, skin may turn black, and it may result in a scar. Sometimes you will feel body aches and have a fever too.
If you are bitten, treat it immediately by cleaning it and applying an ice pack. It is wise to use antibiotic ointment to prevent any infection. Symptoms usually go away within 48 hours, but it could take weeks to heal.
 |
| Black Widow |
This spider bite will definitely be felt when it happens, but may not leave a very large mark. There could just be two small fang marks left behind and a little swelling. Muscle aches and cramps can spread from the bite area to the entire body, and you may experience nausea, trouble breathing, and weakness. If muscle cramps occur, you may need emergency medical treatment and antivenin, but serious reactions are rare in healthy adults.
Clean the bite area well, apply ice, and keep a close eye on your symptoms.
 |
| Wolf Spider |
The bite of the Wolf Spider can cause pain, redness, and swelling, and it's possible for the fangs to tear the skin. If this happens, infection is possible and lymph nodes may swell.
Usually, no medical attention is necessary. Clean it well and apply ice when it happens. The discomfort and swelling from this type of bite can last up to 10 days.
If any symptoms from a bite continue to get worse after 24 hours have passed, you should see a doctor. Also seek medical attention if you appear to be having an allergic reaction such as hives, wheezing, or shortness of breath.
For the most part, spiders are our friends. They eat other bugs and generally keep to themselves. If you do notice more than your fair share around the house, have Best Pest Control of the Lake of the Ozarks come by and see what we can do for you.
573-873-1118 in Camdenton
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573-348-1600 in Lake Ozark
I hate imagining myself being bitten by spiders, but I am certain the feeling is tremendously painful. Therefore, I am so prepared to learn how to identify and treat spider bites; just in case I get bitten when out camping or hiking. Your article is just what I need, thanks for sharing. I also learnt important tips from the following site: http://survival-mastery.com/med/health/spider-bites-treatment.html
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