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How to identify, treat and prevent spider bites.

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Spider

Of the nearly 700 spider species found in NC, only four are known to bite, potentially causing painful and sometimes dangerous reactions. From spider species to symptoms, discover how to spot, care for and avoid spider bites below.

What does a spider bite look like?

Most spider bites resemble red, swollen bumps similar to mosquito bites but they typically don’t appear in clusters. Although two puncture marks may be visible, they are often too close to distinguish, making it hard to identify a spider bite if you didn’t see it happen.

Symptoms and risks of spider bites.

Spider bite symptoms can vary significantly by species. Here’s a breakdown of the most common venomous spider bites in North Carolina, ranked from least to most dangerous:

House spiders

  • Bite Symptoms: Mild itching, swelling, and redness.
  • Risk Level: Generally harmless to humans and pets.

Carolina wolf spiders

  • Bite Symptoms: Moderate pain, redness, itching and swelling; may occasionally cause mild nausea.
  • Risk Level: Can be dangerous to small pets if left untreated; humans and large animals only occasionally experience severe symptoms that require medical attention.

Brown recluse spiders

  • Bite Symptoms: Redness, swelling, blister formation, necrosis (i.e., tissue death) and potentially fever-like symptoms.
  • Risk Level: Seek treatment for pets; human bites can be monitored for worsening symptoms first.

Black widow spiders

  • Bite Symptoms: Severe muscle cramps, radiating pain, nausea, difficulty breathing, weakness and potentially death in extreme cases.
  • Risk Level: Immediate medical attention is crucial for both humans and pets.

How to treat a spider bite.

For most spider bites, simple home remedies are effective. Remember, never attempt to suck out or cut open the venom injection. Instead,

  1. Clean the bite: Wash the affected area with soap and water to prevent infection.
  2. Apply a cold compress: Use a cold cloth or ice pack to reduce swelling and numb the pain.
  3. Apply topical ointments: Use hydrocortisone cream or an antihistamine to reduce itching and swelling.
  4. Take over-the-counter pain relievers: Ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help ease discomfort.

Instead of treating yourself after a bite, it’s best to treat your home so run-ins with spiders can be avoided in the first place. As part of our professional pest control services, we can identify and deal with spider hotspots, creating a safer environment for everyone. Get started with a free quote!

When to seek medical attention for a spider bite.

Most spider bites don’t require an ER visit, but seek medical care if:

  • You suspect a black widow bite.
  • The bite area shows signs of infection (e.g., pus, warmth or spreading redness) or tissue death.
  • The bitten individual develops severe pain, fever, difficulty breathing or faintness.
  • The bitten individual is especially vulnerable (e.g., a child, elderly,  immunocompromised or allergic to insect bites and stings).

Preventing spider bites.

Preventing spider bites starts with reducing their presence. DIY methods—such as sealing cracks, using repellent oils and decluttering—may offer temporary relief, but professional pest control is the most effective long-term solution.

At Terminix Triad, our pest control plans deal with up to 20 common pests, including spiders. We identify their hiding spots—such as attics, crawl spaces and basements—eliminate infestations, remove webs and implement preventive measures. All these steps significantly reduce spider populations and lower any airborne allergens they create.

Stay safe from spiders with Terminix Triad.

Knowing how to identify and treat spider bites is important, but the best strategy is to avoid bites altogether.  Contact us today for your free quote and take the first step in protecting your home or business.

Get a free quote today

Call now
(877) 372-9696

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