Do All Spiders Bite?
Many spiders do have the ability to bite, but not all spiders do. Out of more than 50,000 species, about 25% can deliver a bite to a human. Most spider bites are minor, with some irritation and itching, but others can lead to severe pain and concerning reactions. Many people may notice a red bump on their skin and assume it is a spider or a mosquito, but every home in Chicago has eight-legged spiders in and around their home. Most spider bites are harmless because of the amount of venom they can deliver in a bite. Spiders bite to subdue their prey, and even a big spider can’t take down a human, nor would they want to. Most humans are too big to be affected by a small amount of spider venom.
In the summer, Chicago can have a wide variety of spiders, and activity increases in warmer months. People with small children or pets or elderly parents living with them may. Consider training the area for spiders to minimize. Bites and the risk of anyone getting sick from spider activity. Knowing what to look for after a spider bite is essential, and determining if it’s better to treat it at home or seek medical attention.
Common Spiders and Their Bites
After a spider bite, in addition to recognizing a raised red bump, the area may be irritated, swollen, and itchy. The most common sign is when two holes in the middle of the bump are visible – this is where the spider’s fangs enter the skin. The symptoms of a spider bite are similar to other insect bites and are rarely severe. However, it may not just be spiders. If you feel you are getting bitten frequently, the best way to handle that is to hire a reputable pest control company that uses low-toxicity products that are effective and safe in and around the home. A quality pest service will minimize the amount of spiders, ants, bed bugs, fleas, and mosquitoes that get near your home. As summer hits and humidity kicks in, residents may choose to treat their yards, pool areas, and the perimeter of the house.
Spiders are often blamed for the mysterious red bumps that pop up, but they don’t bite as much as people think. The easiest way to be sure that a spider bite is from a spider is when you see it happen; if you don’t, it could be another biting insect. If you see spiders in your home and are being bitten, you probably need to get your house treated.
Spiders to Avoid
Although most spiders are harmless, some are known to be dangerous, leaving their victims with severe symptoms that may require medical treatment. Spiders usually only bite when they are afraid or feel threatened. Some common spiders to avoid are the Black Widow with a shiny black body and a red hourglass shape on the belly. Red Widow’s venom is a neurotoxin. The other spider to avoid is a Brown Recluse, a lighter brown shade with a violin-shaped marking on its back. This venom can affect blood cells and lead to necrosis. If either of these spiders is found in or around your home, do not hesitate to get a reputable pest control company to come out and exterminate the nests, eggs, and adults of both spider species. Bites from either species can make a person or animal ill.
Most people don’t think about a spider’s species unless they see a Black Widow. Many spiders are common in the area, including Wolf Spiders and Tarantulas. Although the venom from these species is not a significant threat to humans, it is not something you want to see in your home. Due to their sheer size, tarantulas can be incredibly intimidating, and even if they don’t bite you, you don’t want to find one above your door frame. Low-toxicity pest control can create a spider-free perimeter around your home so that they will stay away.
Serious Spider Bite Symptoms
If symptoms appear after being bitten, getting to a facility with medical professionals who can treat dangerous spiders or insect bites is imperative. A fever is a sign that the body is not processing the venom, as well as body aches, headaches, stomach pain, throwing up, cramps, increased heart rate, difficulty breathing, rising blood pressure, and intense pain. If you see a Black Widow or Brown Recluse spider bite you, it is better to get to an emergency room or urgent care as soon as you begin to experience intense reactions.
If you get an itchy bump with mild symptoms, you can likely treat the bite at home with soap, water, ice packs, and an antihistamine.
To minimize the risk of spider bites for your family and pets this summer, contact Bigfoot Pest Control today for a free consultation and quote! Nobody knows Cook and DuPage County better than Bigfoot – they are spider experts!