Overview
Spider bites — especially bites that can harm humans — are rare. All spiders make venom (a poison) that they use to paralyze and kill their prey. But most spiders aren’t aggressive to people, and their fangs are too small to puncture human skin. Spiders usually only bite humans when they feel threatened, like when you trap them or unintentionally make contact with them.
For the most part, spiders perform a vital function by eating insects that can destroy crops.
When to worry about a spider bite
There are at least 60 different spider species in America, but only a few pose any danger to humans. These more dangerous spiders include:
- Black widows: These black spiders have a red, hourglass shape on their bellies. Black widows like to build webs in woodpiles, building overhangs (eaves), fences and outhouses. They mostly live in the Western and Southern U.S.
- Brown recluses: Sometimes called fiddleback or violin spiders, these brown spiders have a dark, violin-shaped mark on their heads. Brown recluses live in Midwestern and Southern states. They like dry, sheltered areas, such as piles of wood, rocks and leaves. Indoors, brown recluses seek out dark closets, attics and shoes.
- Hobo spiders: These brown spiders have a grey V-shaped (herringbone) pattern on their bellies. They build funnel-shaped webs in dark, moist basements, crawl spaces, window wells and woodpiles. Hobo spiders are mostly found in the Pacific Northwest.
Other types of spider bites
There are almost 50,000 different spider species around the world. While most spiders are too small and their venom too weak to cause any danger to humans, they’ll still bite when they feel threatened. In the U.S., nonpoisonous spider bites include:
- Wolf spider bite: Wolf spider bites may tear your skin and cause redness, pain and swelling. But you usually don’t need to seek medical attention. Wolf spiders can be found throughout the U.S. They get their name from the way they stalk their prey like a wolf. Wolf spiders can be brown or gray and reach 3 to 4 inches long. They can be large and hairy and are sometimes mistaken for tarantulas.
- Camel spider bite: Camel spider bites are very rare. While they look and sound scary, camel spiders don’t usually bite. They can run 10 miles per hour and make a screaming sound while running. Camel spiders have long bodies that make them look like scorpions. They’re light brown and can reach lengths of 5 inches. Camel spiders can be found in the deserts of the Southwestern U.S.
- Jumping spider bite: Jumping spider bites are one of the most common house spider bites. Jumping spiders have short, hairy bodies and range in length from one-fifth to three-quarters of an inch. Jumping spiders get their name because they move erratically and jump from one location to another. They live throughout the U.S. and are usually found outside in gardens and vegetation.
- Banana spider bite: Banana spider bites can feel kind of like a bee sting. The bite may produce mild redness and stinging, but it should quickly go away. Female banana spiders have long, yellow-spotted bodies that look like a banana. They can reach about 3 inches long. Male banana spiders are dark brown and not as long. Banana spiders can be found in warm regions from North Carolina to the Gulf states, typically in woodlands and forests.
How common are spider bites?
Experts aren’t sure how many people get spider bites every year. Most of the time, you may not know a spider bit you. Or you may think an insect bit you, instead of a spider.
Bites from black widows or brown recluses are most dangerous to children (because of their small size) and people age 60 and older (who may be weaker or in poor health). In the U.S., fewer than 3 people die every year from a spider bite. Most of these deaths occur in children.
Symptoms
When to see a doctor
Complications
- High blood pressure.
- Diabetes.
- Heart failure.
- Some types of heart valve disease.
Prevention
- Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
- Don't smoke or use tobacco.
- Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
- Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
- Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Reduce and manage stress.
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