Spiders have hollow fangs containing venom, but most spider bites are harmless to humans. Some species, such as the black widow and recluse, have potentially dangerous bites. Treatment is similar to other insect bites, but bites from dangerous spiders require immediate medical attention. It’s important to be able to identify dangerous spiders and know the symptoms of a serious reaction.
Spiders, like other insects, have the ability to bite. Rather than teeth, spiders have hollow fangs containing varying degrees of potent venom, which they use instinctively to kill their natural prey, mostly other insects. These bites on humans can occur when a human unknowingly comes into contact with certain spiders.
Since all spiders have the ability to bite, many people mistakenly think that any spider can bite them. However, most spider fangs are too small or too delicate to break through human skin. There are some exceptions, which make spider bites a potential cause for concern.
Bites can occur from contact with numerous species and in many cases are classified as dry bites, or a bite when the spider is merely defensive and not injecting venom. Most bites are harmless to humans, and typical reactions are similar to those of other insect stings, including a small, red or swollen bump accompanied by irritation or itching. Many people don’t feel the bite and may not even notice a reaction. In rare cases, people may experience a more severe allergic reaction to a spider bite.
While most spider bites are harmless to humans, there are some spiders around the world whose bites are considered dangerous. These spiders include the black widow, the recluse, the Brazilian wandering spider, the funnel spider, some species of tarantulas, and sand spiders native to parts of Africa. Those spiders with neurotoxic venom, including widow, funnel-web, and wandering spiders, are considered the greatest threat, although fatalities have been reported with spiders containing both neurotoxic and necrotic venom.
Treatment for most of these stings is not all that different from other insect bites and includes washing the area thoroughly to prevent infection, a cool compress to relieve pain and swelling, and applying a topical analgesic. In the case of a venomous bite, swelling and redness may be accompanied by adverse reactions, such as muscle pain and immobility, severe swelling, fever, nausea, and surrounding tissue death.
Most spider bites are minor and require no medical attention. However, bites from spiders known to be potentially harmful to humans should receive immediate medical attention. An antivenom is available to counteract the neurotoxic venom of bites from known species, but it is important that the victim knows what type of spider bit them. The potential for a serious or fatal reaction is greatest in children and in those people who may actually have an allergy to a specific poison.
While the risk of harmful spider bites is small, it’s important to be aware of those spiders indigenous to your area that are considered dangerous and to be able to identify them. Keep in mind that spiders typically deliver a single bite, not multiple bites, so if you find small, red, swollen bumps causing skin problems, your home may be infested with fleas, mites, or bedbugs rather than spiders.
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