If you’ve ever been bitten by a spider, you know how annoying (and sometimes dangerous) it can be. Spiders are defensive creatures, which means they bite when they feel threatened (as opposed to seeking humans out). Unlike ticks and fleas, spiders do not feed on blood but will bite to send a warning to protect themselves. 

To figure out whether or not you’ve been bitten by a spider, there are a few common symptoms to look out for. Familiarize yourself with these signs, as well as the types of spiders that are most likely to bite.

Most often, a spider bite leaves a small red patch on the skin. The most common signs of a spider bite are similar to those of other insect bites, making it a bit tricky to identify the culprit. You may notice itching, inflammation, or a rash surrounding the affected area. For some spider bites, you can see small fang marks at the site as well.

Along with redness and itching, there are several other possible  symptoms of a spider bite :

If you experience any of these symptoms, consult with your doctor right away. You are likely experiencing an allergic reaction to spider venom or have possibly encountered one of the more dangerous spider species.

Some spider bites lead to infection, so it’s important to thoroughly clean and bandage any broken skin. You may end up needing antibiotics, steroids, or a combination of over-the-counter treatments.

Not all spiders can bite humans because their fangs are either too small or too weak. However, there are a handful of spider species that do bite humans when threatened. 

The spiders you most often see in your home are capable of biting you, but common house spider bites typically heal within a week. These bites look like small red spots.

Hobo spiders are often mistaken for brown recluse spiders. Hobo spider bites can be painful and irritating, but they don’t typically lead to medical complications. These bites may leave broken skin and a red rash.

Jumping spider bites result in  minor pain , similar to a bee sting. These bites can leave fang marks and redness and should clear up after a few days.

Yellow sac spiders account for some of the most common spider bites among humans. You might encounter a sac spider while gardening, and its bite is painful, leaving a burning sensation that can last for hours. These bites often cause bruising.

 These fast-moving spiders deliver a painful bite that often leaves behind fang marks. The red swelling should heal within a few days with proper treatment. 

Camel spiders don’t produce venom, but they have large powerful pincer jaws that can leave a painful wound. Camel spider bites are usually larger than other spider bites. These spiders are most often found in desert landscapes.

A brown recluse spider bite can be extremely dangerous. These spiders produce necrotic venom that can kill tissue and result in hospitalization if not treated. At first, a brown recluse bite will appear red and swollen but can change in appearance over the course of a day or two. Watch for blistering, open wounds, scabbing, and spread.

Probably the most famous venomous spider in the United States, black widow spiders leave painful bites with distinct symptoms including muscle aches and sweating. Although symptoms can be severe, black widow bites don’t look as menacing as some other spider bites. They typically leave a small red bump on the skin.

Although there are several species of spider that can bite humans, other  insect bites or skin ailments can be easily mistaken for a spider bite. 

Flea bites and bedbug bites show up as small red spots on the skin and are often mistaken for spider bites at first. These bites are itchy, extremely irritating, and are usually part of a much bigger problem. Fleas and bedbugs are parasites that actively seek out hosts to feed on, so you will notice their bites in much larger numbers than a solitary spider bite. 

Most people are familiar with mosquito bites, but they can still be mistaken for spider bites. Mosquito bites can be very itchy and bothersome but usually cause slight welting of the skin, unlike common spider bites.

Shingles is a reactivation of the chickenpox herpes virus and forms a painful rash on the skin. When shingles first appear on the skin there may only be one or two irritating, itchy bumps that could be mistaken for spider bites. However, these bumps will multiply and follow a distinct nerve path, making them easier to distinguish from a spider bite.

MRSA, also known as a staph infection, is a skin condition resulting from antibiotic-resistant bacteria. MRSA can show up as a small, red, irritated patch of skin and cause flu-like symptoms which is why people might confuse the reaction to a venomous spider bite. MRSA requires medical diagnosis and treatment and often spreads more aggressively than a spider bite.

If you’ve been bitten by a spider, there are a few steps you should take in order to prevent infection and get rid of the arachnid. Along with disinfecting the area on your body that’s been bitten, you’ll want to monitor any changes in the bite’s appearance and call a professional to help rid your home of these unwanted pests.

As soon as you notice a spider bite, it’s important to thoroughly clean the area with soap and water to prevent infection. Apply first-aid antibiotic ointment to the wound and a bandage if the skin is broken. You may also want to elevate the affected area to reduce swelling. 

If you suffer from severe allergies, monitor your symptoms for a reaction. Watch for rapid swelling, difficulty breathing, or tightness in the throat, and seek medical care immediately if these symptoms arise. A spider venom allergy can lead to a life-threatening allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis, just like a bee venom allergy. 

After a spider bite—especially if you’re unsure which species bit you—it’s important to keep an eye on the affected area. If the bite was inflicted by a brown recluse spider, you may begin to see a large blister form, followed by dark scabbing. 

Any open wound can develop an infection, so continue monitoring your bite, even if it wasn’t a brown recluse or black widow spider that bit you.

If you’ve been bitten by a spider in or around your home, professional pest control experts can help you get rid of these pests. At Joshua’s Pest Control, we get rid of bothersome spiders and keep them away. Along with targeting problem areas like attics, crawl spaces, and basements, we also treat the exterior perimeter of your home to prevent spiders from crawling back inside.