Bites from black widow (Latrodectus) and brown recluse (Loxosceles) spiders can pose serious health risks and should be treated right away.
This guide will walk you through the steps to take if you’re bitten and offer tips on how to avoid these dangerous spiders in the first place.
How to identify the bite of these spiders?
Black Widow Spider:
It has a shiny black body with a red hourglass shape on its belly.
At first, you might not feel much from its bite, but after about 15-60 minutes, it can cause really bad pain, muscle spasms, sweating, nausea, and trouble breathing.
Violinist Spider:
This spider is brown with a violin-shaped mark on its back.
The bite usually doesn’t hurt at first, but over time, it can lead to skin damage, fever, chills, and other serious symptoms.
What to do if you are bitten by a black widow or brown recluse spider?
- Stay calm: Try not to panic, as it can help slow the spread of poison in your body.
Wash the affected area: Clean the bite with soap and water to lower the chance of infection. - Apply cold: Use a cold pack or ice wrapped in a cloth for 10 minutes to reduce swelling.
- Keep the limb still: If the bite is on your arm or leg, keep it as still as possible to slow down the venom absorption.
- Seek immediate medical attention: Go to the emergency room or call 911 for proper treatment, like antidotes or pain relief.
Treatment and recover
For black widow spider bites, doctors might give antivenom if the symptoms are really bad.
For brown recluse spider bites, if there’s tissue damage, doctors may treat it with corticosteroids and antibiotics.
It’s important not to try home remedies like sucking out the venom or applying heat directly to the bite.
How to prevent spider bites?
- Keep your home tidy and avoid dark corners where spiders can hide.
- Shake out clothes, shoes, and bedding before using them.
- Wear gloves when touching items that have been stored for a while.
- Seal up cracks in walls and ceilings to stop spiders from getting inside.
Conclusion
Black widow and brown recluse spider bites can be dangerous, but if you respond quickly and correctly, you can avoid serious problems. Stay aware and take steps to reduce your chances of running into these spiders.
