House spiders are a common sight in many homes. While they generally do not intend to, under given circumstances there is always the possibility of a house spider biting humans. They are aggressive and territorial against other spiders, but would only attack humans if they feel scared.
That is why even if they may seem harmless, it’s helpful to know how to deal with spider bites and how to avoid them. In this blog post, we will discuss why house spiders bite humans and how to avoid being in this freaky situation.
What Do You Need to Know About House Spider Bites
For starters, it is important to understand that not all house spiders are capable of biting humans. In fact, most house spiders pose no threat whatsoever to humans. The vast majority of house spiders have fangs that are simply too small to penetrate human skin. So unless you have a house spider with very large fangs, you’re probably not going to get bitten.
There are, however, a few house spiders whose fangs are large enough to penetrate human skin. And spider bites can range from being completely harmless to causing serious health problems. It all depends on the type of spider and the amount of venom that is injected.
Again, most house spiders are non-venomous but not all spiders you will find in your house are actual house spiders. There are instances where outdoor spiders wander indoors, especially during wintertime when they seek warmth and usually camp in places such as your warm, cozy home.
Common Types of House Spider You Should Avoid
Most common house spiders are not aggressive and will only bite humans if they feel threatened. But it is still good to know which one we can be friends with and which ones we should stay away from. Here’s a quick list you can check out the next time you’ll see a spider hanging around:
Garden Spiders
Garden spiders are not venomous and their bites usually only cause redness, swelling, and itching. They are commonly found in gardens (hence the name) but can also be seen indoors especially during autumn when they look for a warm place to overwinter.
Wolf Spiders
Wolf spiders are not venomous but their bites can still be painful, especially on kids. Their bites can be itchy and stingy but eventually gets better after a few hours. Swelling also commonly happens and takes a few days to fully heal.
Black House Spiders
This type of house spider is venomous and its bite can cause health problems in humans. They typically prefer living in dark, humid places but can also relocate indoors usually in openings like windows and doorways. Their bites cannot go unnoticed as they are painful and will exhibit symptoms such as swelling, redness, dizziness, and vomiting in bad cases.
Brown House Spiders
These are not as dangerous as the black house spider but their bites can still be painful and cause redness and swelling. They are also venomous but not fatal to humans.
Hobo Spiders
This type of spider with a brown appearance and significantly long legs is also venomous and its bites can cause serious health problems in humans, including necrosis (tissue death). They are commonly found in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. They are pretty much dangerous so it’s best to know their physical characteristics and avoid them at all costs.
Jumping Spiders
Jumping spiders are not venomous but their bites can still be painful and cause redness, swelling, and itching. They get their name from their ability to jump long distances. They are commonly found in gardens and homes where they hunt for small insects so next time you see spiders that leap long distances in your garden, you’ll know what they are.
Please note that there are more species of house spiders that we haven’t listed here. Some of them are harmful and some of them are not. It’s always best to ask a professional if you’re not sure about a certain type of spider you see in your home.
Common Effects of House Spider Bites
- Pain
- Swelling
- Redness
- Itching
- Burning sensation
- Nausea
- Allergic reaction
In some instances, it can be worse than those listed above. Different people have different tolerance and each body responds differently so it is best not to rely on others’ experiences. We highly recommend seeking urgent medical assistance from your nearest hospital if you or anyone else experiences the following symptoms:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Muscle cramps
- Breathing difficulties
- Unconsciousness
- Anaphylactic shock
How to Avoid House Spider Bites
The best way to avoid house spider bites is to simply be aware of their presence and take precautions accordingly. If you see a house spider, there is no need to panic. Just be cautious and avoid disturbing it. Here are some tips you can follow:
- Keep your house clean and clutter-free. House spiders love dark, humid places so by decluttering and regularly cleaning your house, you make it less attractive to them.
- Inspect your house for cracks and openings. These are entry points for house spiders so make sure to seal them off.
- Use a spider repellent. You can either buy a commercial spider repellent or make your own using essential oils like peppermint, lavender, eucalyptus, and tea tree oil.
- Seek professional help. If you have a house spider problem that you can’t seem to solve, it’s best to ask for professional help. Pest control experts know how to get rid of house spiders and prevent them from coming back.
What to Do If You Get Bitten by a House Spider
If you get bitten by any type of spider, the first thing you should do is wash the area with soap and water. This will help prevent infection. If the bite is painful, you can also take an over-the-counter pain reliever and apply basic topical creams that are specifically made to relieve swelling and itchiness.
Once first aid has been done, the following minutes are crucial. Observe how your body will react and if you experience any of the serious symptoms we mentioned earlier, seek medical attention immediately. Don’t wait for the symptoms to get worse. It’s best to inform someone about what happened so they can assist you in case you will be needing medical help.
Final Thoughts
Now that we know that certain species of house spiders can actually bite, it is helpful to be aware of their presence and take the necessary precautions to avoid getting bitten. It may be harmful or not, getting bitten by house spiders and worrying about whether are we going to be okay or not is not a pleasant experience.
