Spiders get a bad rap, but they provide a helpful service by reducing the number of insects on the planet that could destroy crops and land. Spiders really don’t want to bite you. They only bite when they’re trapped or feel the need to defend themselves. Most spider bites are harmless. Your healthcare provider can offer suggestions for alleviating symptoms at home. You should seek immediate medical attention if a black widow, brown recluse or hobo spider bites you.
Spider Bites
Most spider bites only rarely cause serious problems. You may have redness, swelling and pain in the bite area. Bites from black widow, brown recluse and hobo spiders are more serious. They may cause trouble breathing, a severe headache and painful muscle cramps that require immediate medical care. You can take steps to prevent spider bites.
Overview
How serious is a spider bite?
Most spiders are harmless and rarely bite people. All spiders make venom (a poison), but most spiders’ fangs are too small to puncture human skin.
Spiders are arachnids (not insects). They’re in the same class as scorpions, mites and ticks. All of these arachnids have eight legs. Spiders perform a vital function by eating insects that can destroy crops.
Which spiders are dangerous to people?
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.
Black widow spider
- 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.
Brown recluse spider
- 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.
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 the elderly (who may be frail or in poor health). In the U.S., fewer than three people die every year from a spider bite. Most of these deaths occur in children.
Who might get spider bites?
Anyone can accidentally come into contact with a spider and get bitten. Still, some people may be more at risk because their jobs or actions put them in closer contact with places where spiders live. People at risk include:
- Outdoor workers, including landscapers, groundskeepers and farmworkers.
- Children who play in piles of leaves or rocks.
- Hikers.
- Janitors.
- Machine operators.
Symptoms and Causes
What are the symptoms of a spider bite?
Spider bite symptoms vary depending on the type of spider.
Black widow spider bites cause an immediate, sharp, pinprick-like pain. The bite area then becomes numb. Other signs of a black widow spider bite include:
- Difficulty breathing.
- Droopy or swollen eyes.
- Headache.
- Increased saliva production.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Painful muscle cramps and stiffness in the stomach, shoulders, chest and back.
- Profuse sweating.
- Itchy skin rash.
Bites from brown recluse spiders aren’t immediately painful or noticeable. Instead, you might feel pain an hour after the bite. Other signs of a brown recluse spider bite include:
- A blister surrounded by a bruise or reddish skin color (similar to a bull’s-eye). The blister may rupture and form a skin ulcer that later scars.
- Itchy skin in the bite area or all over the body.
Hobo spider bites rarely cause pain. Signs of a hobo spider bite include:
- Severe headache within minutes or hours after the bite. This headache may last for a week.
- Hardened skin in the bite area within 30 minutes of the bite.
- Red, swollen skin.
- Blisters that produce pus.
- Fatigue.
- Nausea.
- Cognitive impairment (memory problems).
Diagnosis and Tests
How is a spider bite diagnosed?
Seeing the spider is the best way to confirm both a bite and the type of spider. Otherwise, there isn’t a way to test for a spider bite or determine what bit you.
Your healthcare provider may make a diagnosis based on symptoms. Your provider may also send a sample of fluid from a blister to a lab to check for skin infections that cause similar symptoms, such as methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).
Management and Treatment
What are the complications of a spider bite?
Some brown recluse bites cause a skin ulcer (wound). If the wound doesn’t heal, you might need surgery.
Black widow bites are the most serious. Children under 16 and people older than 60 may need hospitalization to treat:
- Breathing problems.
- Heart issues.
- High blood pressure.
- Severe muscle pain and cramping.
How is a spider bite managed or treated?
Spider bite treatments vary depending on symptoms. Treatment for black widow spider bites includes muscle relaxers, sedatives and pain medicines.
Treatment for brown recluse and hobo spider bites include:
- Daily cleaning with a povidone-iodine solution to prevent infection.
- Soaking the bite area in sterile saltwater (saline) solution three times a day.
What should I do if a spider bites me?
You should never attempt to suck out or remove venom from a spider bite. Instead, follow these steps:
- Clean the bite area with warm water and soap.
- Apply a cold, damp washcloth or an ice pack to the bite area.
- Elevate the bite area.
- Take an antihistamine (allergy medicine) to ease itching and swelling.
- Take an over-the-counter pain reliever for pain and swelling.
- Seek immediate medical attention for severe symptoms.
Prevention
How can I protect myself from spider bites?
To protect yourself and your family from spider bites:
- Apply insect repellant that’s registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
- Keep firewood outside and check it for spiders before bringing it into the house.
- Shake your shoes, hats and gloves to check for spiders before putting them on.
- Treat clothing and shoes with permethrin, an insecticide.
- Wear gloves when carrying wood, working in the garden, moving rocks or in other outdoor settings.
- Wear long sleeves and pants in wooded areas.
Outlook / Prognosis
What is the prognosis (outlook) for people who have spider bites?
Most people with spider bites experience mild symptoms like pain and swelling. These symptoms gradually go away with at-home care.
You may have more painful and severe symptoms if a black widow, brown recluse or hobo spider bites you. With proper medical care, most people recover from venomous spider bites.
Living With
When should I call the doctor?
You should call your healthcare provider if you experience:
- Difficulty breathing.
- Heart palpitations, a racing pulse or other heart problems.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Severe muscle pain, cramps, weakness or paralysis.
- Signs of infection, such as fever or yellow discharge from the bite area.
- Vision problems or severe headache.
What questions should I ask my doctor?
If you have concerns about a spider bite, you may want to ask your healthcare provider:
- What is the best treatment for my symptoms?
- How can I prevent future spider bites?
- Am I at risk for other problems?
- Should I look out for signs of complications?
A note from Cleveland Clinic
Spiders get a bad rap, but they provide a helpful service by reducing the number of insects on the planet that could destroy crops and land. Spiders really don’t want to bite you. They only bite when they’re trapped or feel the need to defend themselves. Most spider bites are harmless. Your healthcare provider can offer suggestions for alleviating symptoms at home. You should seek immediate medical attention if a black widow, brown recluse or hobo spider bites you.
Brown Recluse Spider Bite
Though many spider bites aren’t serious, a brown recluse spider bite may cause severe side effects or require immediate medical attention. Properly identifying the bite can lead to better management of symptoms to treat different stages of the bite under the care of your healthcare provider.
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Overview
What is a brown recluse spider?
The brown recluse spider is an eight-legged arachnid that is tan to dark brown in color, with a violin marking on its back that can range anywhere from 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch long. Younger spiders or those that have just molted won’t have the violin marking.
Where does a brown recluse spider live?
Brown recluse spiders can be found in the southeastern and midwestern U.S. The brown recluse spider prefers to live in warm, dry and dark places.
Outdoors, brown recluse spiders can be found near rocks, utility boxes, near woodpiles and under bark.
Indoors, brown recluse spiders could live in any area that has not been disturbed. They can be found in boxes, in unworn clothing and shoes, in corners of a home and in crevices such as in an attic, crawl space, basement or closet.
Who do brown recluse bites affect?
The brown recluse spider is not aggressive but will bite anyone if it feels threatened. Children, the elderly and those with preexisting medical conditions are most likely to have a severe reaction to the bite.
How common is a brown recluse spider bite?
Almost all spiders have the ability to bite, but the fangs of most spiders are too small to penetrate human skin. Spider bites, including bites by the brown recluse, cause only a few deaths per year in the U.S., usually in children.
How does a brown recluse bite affect my body?
Brown recluse bites can cause redness, itchiness, pain and wounds. If the wound is untreated, it could lead to bruising, a blister, an open sore and scarring.
Symptoms and Causes
What would cause a brown recluse spider to bite?
A brown recluse could bite you if you disturb its home. Though the spider will not pursue a person, if you come in close contact with a brown recluse, it may bite to defend itself. Spiders like to hide in dark spots like beds and clothing. Spider bites tend to occur indoors when you unknowingly come into contact with it.
What happens when a brown recluse bites you?
A bite from a brown recluse spider will not be instantly noticed because its bite is painless. Bite reactions vary from mild irritation to a potentially dangerous reaction.
What are the symptoms of a brown recluse bite?
- Pain.
- Ache at the site.
- Pain surrounding muscles near the bite.
- Pain in your abdomen, back, chest and legs.
- Blister at the site.
- Swelling.
- Bruising.
What are severe symptoms of a brown recluse bite?
- Rash.
- Fever.
- Dizziness.
- Vomiting.
- Chills.
- Restlessness or difficulty sleeping.
If you experience any severe symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.
What are the stages of a brown recluse spider bite?
Hours after a bite
- The area of the bite becomes sensitive and red about three to eight hours after the bite.
- The bite site feels like it is burning.
- The bite site changes color. It can have a bullseye look or can bruise and have a blueish color.
Three to 5 days after a bite
- If the spider injected a small amount of venom, immediate discomfort should disappear.
- If the venom spread beyond the bite area, discomfort could continue for several days and an ulcer would appear on the bite site.
Seven to 14 days after a bite
- In severe cases, the skin around the ulcer breaks down and becomes a wound that could take several months to heal completely.
Three weeks after a bite
- The majority of bites will heal after three weeks.
- A thick, black scab will cover the wound.
Diagnosis and Tests
How is a brown recluse bite diagnosed?
It can be difficult to identify a brown recluse bite unless you saw the spider bite you, especially since the brown recluse’s bite cannot be felt until hours after the bite occurred.
If you suspect you have been bitten, call a healthcare professional or visit the emergency room and bring the spider for identification purposes, if possible.
Can my doctor test for a brown recluse spider bite?
There is no test available to identify a brown recluse spider bite. But your healthcare provider may test for skin infections or other conditions based on the wound or blister as a result of the bite.
Management and Treatment
What are the effects of a brown recluse bite?
Brown recluse spider bites can cause wounds. If the wound is left untreated, the wound could result in an infection or scarring.
How do I manage symptoms of a brown recluse spider bite?
- Immediately clean the bite area with soap and water.
- Apply a damp cloth with cold water or ice to the bite area to reduce swelling.
- Elevate the bite area, if possible.
- Seek medical attention for severe symptoms.
- A healthcare provider may prescribe antibiotics to prevent infection.
How soon after treatment for a brown recluse bite will I feel better?
The majority of brown recluse bites will heal after three weeks if the bite is not severe. Seeking treatment at the first sign of a brown recluse bite will ease recovery time.
What happens if a brown recluse bite goes untreated?
If the area around the bite continues to grow and your pain increases, the wound may be infected, especially if the wound begins to drain a cloudy liquid. Infections could be dangerous and spread further from the wound. In serious cases, an untreated and infected wound could be life-threatening.
Prevention
How can I reduce my risk of being bitten by a brown recluse?
Awareness and understanding where brown recluse spiders live are the first steps in reducing your risk of a bite. However, brown recluse spiders frequently go unnoticed due to their habitat and sneaky nature.
How can I prevent brown recluse spider bites?
There are steps you can take to prevent bites from a brown recluse spider. These include:
- Stop spiders from entering your home by sealing small openings with caulk.
- Remove spider webs from homes.
- Keep firewood at least 20 feet away from your home.
- Wear gloves when moving wood.
- Wear long sleeves and pants in areas with spiders.
- Shake clothing and shoes before wearing.
- Contact a pest control professional if you notice your home has a brown recluse spider infestation.
Outlook / Prognosis
What can I expect if I am bitten by a brown recluse spider?
If you are bitten, you can expect the following:
What it feels like
There may be delayed pain after the bite occurs.
What it looks like
- A blister.
- Swelling at the site.
- An ulcer (wound).
With proper care, most people will recover from a brown recluse spider bite.
Living With
When should I call the doctor about a brown recluse bite?
Call your doctor or visit the emergency room immediately if you experience any of the following:
- Fever.
- Dizziness.
- Chills.
- Nausea.
- Your wound looks like it’s infected. It may be red, swollen, drain cloudy fluid or be painful to the touch.
What questions should I ask my doctor about a brown recluse spider bite?
- How do I treat my symptoms?
- What are the signs of infection?
- Am I at risk for any complications?
A note from Cleveland Clinic
Unfortunately, a bite from a brown recluse spider will not turn you into a comic book superhero. Discomfort from a bite is temporary and can be alleviated with quick treatment and proper wound care hygiene. If you live in an area with brown recluse spiders, take precautions in garages, basements and closets, and reach out to a pest control specialist if you feel that there is an infestation.
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 05/06/2022.
References
- American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Spider Bites. (https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/from-insects-animals/Pages/Spider-Bites.aspx) Accessed 5/6/2022.
- American Osteopathic College of Dermatology. Spider Bites. (https://www.aocd.org/page/SpiderBites) Accessed 5/6/2022.
- Merck Manual. Spider Bites. (https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/injuries-and-poisoning/bites-and-stings/spider-bites?query=recluse) Accessed 5/6/2022.
- National Pest Management Association. Brown Recluse Spiders. (https://www.pestworld.org/pest-guide/spiders/brown-recluse-spiders/) Accessed 5/6/2022.
- All About Pests. The Bite Stages of a Brown Recluse Spider. (https://pestguide.org/pest-guide/the-bite-stages-of-a-brown-recluse-spider-an-infographic) Accessed 5/6/2022.
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