Living in a house infested with spiders can be stressful, and even nightmarish for those with arachnophobia. While most spiders are harmless and even useful to curb the population of flies and mosquitos, there are some spiders that bite and pose a potential threat to humans.
While they might be uncommon, it’s still important to keep an eye out for spiders like Black Widows and Brown Recluses. If you’re worried about dangerous spiders like these in your home or business, contact your friends at Banner Pest Services today. Servicing the greater Bay Area, we have the skills and tools to eliminate any spider infestation, no matter how scary the venom.
Types of Common House Spiders That Bite: A Bestiary
While many spiders bite, they’re often quite non-confrontational. Some are even downright passive, like jumping spiders. The most common spiders that have a more common tendency to chomp include the Brown Recluse Spider, Black Widow Spider, Hobo Spider, and the Yellow Sac Spider. Each of these spiders has distinct characteristics and behaviors, and their bites are far more concerning than the bites of their less ornery cousins.
The Brown Recluse Spider, also known as the Violin Spider due to the violin-shaped marking on its body (also, they’re brown like violins), is one of the most dangerous spiders that can be found in houses. Its bite can cause necrotic skin lesions and other severe symptoms. The Black Widow Spider, on the other hand, has a shiny black body with a red hourglass-shaped mark on its abdomen. Its venom can cause muscle pain, abdominal cramps, and even respiratory distress in severe cases. These dangerous pests are more commonly found in wooded areas, so if you’re a resident of a more urban location, you’re at less risk than rural homeowners.
The Hobo Spider, often mistaken for the Brown Recluse Spider, has a similar appearance but lacks the violin-shaped marking. Its bite can cause tissue damage and ulceration. Lastly, the Yellow Sac Spider is pale yellow or beige in color and is commonly found indoors. Its bite can cause pain, redness, and swelling.
Identifying Common House Spiders That Bite
Identifying common house spiders that bite is crucial for taking appropriate precautions and seeking timely medical attention if necessary. The Brown Recluse Spider can be identified by its light to dark brown color, six eyes arranged in pairs, and the violin-shaped marking on its cephalothorax. The Black Widow Spider, as mentioned earlier, has a shiny black body with a red hourglass-shaped mark on its abdomen.
The Hobo Spider closely resembles the Brown Recluse Spider but lacks the violin-shaped marking. It has a light to dark brown color and a herringbone pattern on its abdomen. The Yellow Sac Spider is small and pale yellow or beige, making it difficult to distinguish from other harmless spiders. However, its distinctive behavior of building sac-like webs near ceilings and corners can help in identification.
Understanding the Behavior and Habitats of Common House Spiders That Bite
Common house spiders that bite have specific behaviors and habitats that can help in identifying and avoiding them. The Brown Recluse Spider prefers dark and undisturbed areas such as closets, attics, and basements. They are nocturnal and tend to hide in cracks and crevices during the day. The Black Widow Spider is commonly found in woodpiles, sheds, and outdoor structures. They prefer dark and secluded areas.
The Hobo Spider is often found in basements, crawl spaces, and garages. They create funnel-shaped webs and are commonly found near ground level. The Yellow Sac Spider is an indoor dweller and can be found in corners, ceilings, and wall voids. They build sac-like webs for shelter and hunting.
Understanding the behavior and habitats of these spiders can help in implementing effective prevention and control methods.
The Dangers and Risks Associated with Common House Spider Bites
Fortunately, you’re not going to get spider bites that put you in the hospital very often, if ever. Most spider bites are mildly irritating at worst, but the more dangerous spiders mentioned earlier have the potential to do some damage. The Brown Recluse Spider bite can lead to necrotic skin damage (aka, killing the cells in your skin with poison) which may require medical intervention and can cause long-term scarring. The Black Widow Spider bite can cause muscle pain, cramps, nausea, and in rare cases, severe reactions such as difficulty breathing and elevated blood pressure. Black widow bites can illicit similar reactions to venomous snake bites, and may require antivenom to counteract. If you get bitten by a black widow, it’s advisable to head to a doctor as soon as you can to avoid long-term damage.
Bites from the Hobo Spider and Yellow Sac Spider can also cause tissue damage, ulceration, and allergic reactions in some individuals. It is important to seek medical attention if bitten by any of these spiders, especially if experiencing severe symptoms.
Prevention and Control Methods for Common House Spiders That Bite
Preventing and controlling common house spiders that bite is essential for maintaining a spider-free environment. Here are some effective methods:
- Keep your home clean and clutter-free. Regularly vacuum and dust to remove spider webs and potential hiding spots.
- Seal cracks and crevices to prevent spiders from entering your home.
- Use spider repellents or natural remedies such as essential oils to deter spiders.
- Remove outdoor debris and vegetation near your home to reduce spider habitats.
- Install screens on windows and doors to prevent spiders from entering.
By implementing these prevention methods, you can significantly reduce the chances of encountering common house spiders that bite.
What To Do If You’ve Been Bitten By Spiders
If you are bitten by a spider, identify the spider to determine if you’re in any immediate danger. Symptoms may vary depending on the type of spider bite but can include pain, redness, swelling. In more severe cases (like with brown recluses or black widows, for instance), you might be feeling muscle pain, cramps, and even swelling or difficulty breathing.
To treat a spider bite, clean the affected area with an antiseptic and warm water. Then, apply a cold compress to help with the swelling, and take an antihistamine to reduce inflammation. If you’re experiencing serious symptoms like these, seriously consider going to the hospital. Venomous spiders can cause long term nerve damage and even restrict breathing in some people, so it’s always best to play it safe.
Myths and Misconceptions about Common House Spider Bites
Spiders have long been a source of fascination in stories and folklore, with many truths about them clouded by rumors and scare tactics. One common misconception is that all spiders are poisonous and dangerous to humans. In truth, most spider bites are not harmful and only result in minor reactions. Another misconception is that spiders purposely target humans for biting. Typically, spiders only bite when they feel endangered or cornered.
Conclusion: Living Harmoniously with Common House Spiders That Bite
If you are experiencing spider problems in your home or business, Banner Pest Services is here to help. Reach out today for your free spider control quote, and start living creepy crawly free, today!
