Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 4: Safe Spider Bites
• Method 2 of 4: Bites from a Black Widow or Violin Spider
• Method 3 of 4: Bites from the Australian tunnel spider
• Method 4 of 4: Bites from the banana spider
• Tips

They may be painful and itchy, but most spider bites are harmless and can easily be treated at home. In the Netherlands and Belgium, the only spider that gives a painful bite is the water spider. The bite is very unpleasant, but not dangerous, comparable to a wasp sting. In this article, you will learn how to diagnose and treat spider bites. More information is also provided on the four serious types of spider bites in the world, requiring professional help.

To step

Method 1 of 4: Safe Spider Bites

1. Try to find out what kind of spider bit you. Most spider bites are caused by harmless spiders and sometimes something looks like a spider bite, but you were actually bitten or stung by another insect. If you think you have been bitten by a dangerous spider, check later in this article to see if this is indeed the case and then take appropriate measures. Sometimes you can't know what bit you. However, knowledge about the spider species that caused the bite can be very important when seeking professional help.
   • Try to find and keep the animal, even if it is dead. Alcohol can help keep the spider from rotting.
   • If you can't find the spider, proceed to cleaning the skin around the bite.
2. Wash the skin with cold water and soap. This way you clean the wound and prevent infections.
3. Apply a cold compress such as a bag of ice. This soothes the pain and makes the skin less swollen.
4. If the bite is on an arm or leg, hold the limb up. This will reduce inflammation and swelling.
5. If you are in pain, take an aspri. Children or teenagers who have just had chicken pox and have fever symptoms should not take Asperine.
6. Monitor the bite for 24 hours and make sure the symptoms do not get worse. Within a few days the swelling should subside and the pain should subside. If this does not happen, see your doctor.
7. Know when you need a doctor. Some people who are bitten by a harmless spider get an allergic reaction. Call 112 immediately if someone with a spider bite has the following symptoms:
   • Breathing problems
   • Nausea
   • Muscle spasms
   • Lesions
   • A swollen throat that makes swallowing difficult
   • Extreme sweating
   • Feeling faint

Method 2 of 4: Bites from a Black Widow or Violin Spider

1. Find the spider. Black widows and violin spiders are examples of dangerous spiders that can be found in America, but in rare cases have also been reported in Europe. They mainly occur in warm climates and in dark, dry places such as in hives. Descriptions of the spiders:
   • Black widows are large, shiny black spiders with a red circle on their bellies. They are mainly found in North America. A widow's bite feels like a tiny prick and causes red and swollen skin. However, intense pain and stiffening begins within half an hour to a few hours. The victim experiences severe stomach pain, nausea, fever and chills. Black widows are not lethal to humans and an antidote exists to relieve symptoms.
   • Violin spiders come in various shades of brown, have a violin-shaped pattern on their back, and have long spindly legs. The bite of a brown recluse stings in the beginning, but here too severe pain occurs within eight hours. A fluid blister develops at the site of the bite and quickly turns into an open wound. If the skin around the wound turns blue or red, permanent damage has been done. Other symptoms include fever, rash, and nausea. Bites from the brown recluse spider can cause scars, but have never been fatal. There is no antidote, but the bites are treated with surgery and antibiotics.
2. Seek professional medical help right away. Move as little as possible to keep the poison from spreading and making the wound bigger.
3. Clean the wound well. This will help prevent infections.
4. Place a bag of ice on the wound. This will cause the poison to spread more slowly and reduce swelling.
5. Slow down the spread of the poison. If the bite is on an arm or leg, hold the limb up and put a tight bandage over the bite. Make sure that the blood circulation is not cut off!

Method 3 of 4: Bites from the Australian tunnel spider

1. Find the spider. The very aggressive Australian tunnel spider resembles a shiny tarantula and is located in dark, damp places in Australia. A bite from this spider requires immediate medical attention because the poison spreads quickly throughout the body. The very painful bite does not look serious at first, but the victim will sweat, twitch facial movements and feel tingling around the mouth. There is an antidote, so it is important that the victim is hospitalized as soon as possible.
2. Call the emergency number immediately.
3. Splint the limb on which the bite is located and gently wrap it in gauze. Use an elastic bandage to slow the spread of the poison.
4. Make sure the victim moves as little as possible. It is important to slow down the spread of the poison on the way to the hospital.

Method 4 of 4: Bites from the banana spider

1. Find the spider. Banana spiders are large, aggressive nocturnal animals and are found in South America. They do not spin webs, move at night and are often located between bananas or in a dark environment. A banana spider bite causes swelling and severe pain in the chest. A victim may also become nauseous, vomit, have breathing difficulties and high blood pressure. In some cases men get an erection. An antidote is available that reduces symptoms and deaths are rare.
2. Seek professional medical help right away. It is important to treat the bite right away, especially if the victim is a child.
3. Clean the wound with warm water. This will help prevent infections.
4. Apply a warm compress to the bite. This stimulates blood flow and lowers blood pressure.
5. Slow the spread of the poison by raising the limb on which the bite is located. Move as little as possible to stop the poison from spreading.

Tips

• Wipe spiders off your skin. Don't kill them; this can cause the fangs to disappear into your skin.
• Keep your house clean - Many spiders prefer a dark, quiet environment.
• Wear gloves and tuck your trouser legs into your socks when working in basements or other areas where spiders are found.
• Keep beds away from walls or in corners to prevent spiders from hiding in the sheets.
• Shake clothes that have been lying on the floor before you put them on.
• Insulate your home to prevent spiders from entering.
• A bug spray with DEET can help deter spiders.