Do House Spiders Bite? Identification, Symptoms & Treatment

Yes, many types of spiders do have the ability to bite humans. Many bites will cause minor irritation, but in some cases, they can lead to severe pain and a reaction.

How many times have you noticed a red bump on your skin and assumed it was a spider bite without knowing where it came from?

Almost every home has these creepy-crawly pests, and most human-spider contact happens at home with a house spider. That being said, their bites are not as common as you may think, and they are often harmless to humans. While these pests have venom to subdue their prey, their prey is usually much smaller than people, so bites often have little to no effect on us. For most spider species, people are simply too large to be seriously affected. According to the Burke Museum, there are about 50,000 different species of spiders, and of those, only 25 have venom that may cause illness to humans.

That means bites from certain venomous spiders can be dangerous due to the potency of their venom, though most common house spiders cause only mild reactions. This is why it’s important to learn how to identify a spider bite, the symptoms you should look for, and how to quickly treat them at home if medical attention is not needed.

How to Identify Common Spider Bites

Possible signs of a spider bite include (but are not limited to):

• Itching
• Swelling
• Raised red bump at the bite area
• Redness or irritation
• Two holes in the middle of the bump

The signs are often very similar to those of other insect bites or skin irritations. If you have noticed an abundance of these pests in your living environment, you might be quick to assume that any skin irritation is caused by a spider.

They are often blamed for mysterious red bumps or itchy spots on a person’s body, but spiders don’t bite people as often as you may think. When they do, it usually goes unnoticed until after the fact. Identifying a bite from a spider is easiest if you see it happen. If you don’t see it happen, then it could very well be a bee sting, mosquito bite, or irritation caused by a different insect.

Knowing which common house spiders are dangerous will spare you from some stress and worry. If you spot one in your home and notice skin irritation, you should have it checked out if you are experiencing symptoms of an allergic reaction.

Spider Species to Be Aware Of

As previously mentioned, most spiders are harmless. However, there are some that can have dangerous bites, leading to severe symptoms and reactions. Most of the time, they will only bite out of fear when they feel threatened.

Spider Species Whose Bites Require Medical Attention
These are the species that could be dangerous to humans:

• Black Widow Spider – This type is shiny black with a red hourglass shape on its belly. Its venom is considered a neurotoxin.
  
• Brown Recluse Spider – This type is usually a lighter shade of brown and sometimes will have a violin-shaped marking on its back. Their venom typically affects the blood cells around the site, leading to necrosis.
  

The following spiders have venom that is not a major threat to humans. Their bites can cause mild discomfort but rarely result in serious reactions:

• Hobo Spider – This is a large, brown spider most often found on the west coast of the US. It is known to have yellow markings on its abdomen.
  
• Tarantula – They are large, hairy spiders known for their imposing appearance and general docile nature unless provoked.
• Wolf Spider – They have robust bodies, hairy exteriors, and typically brown or gray coloration. They exhibit hunting behavior rather than web-spinning.

Spider Bite Symptoms

Some spider species are more likely to cause noticeable or severe symptoms if a bite occurs. If you think you’ve been bitten by one of these, here are some symptoms of a spider bite to look for:

• Fever
• Body aches or headaches
• Stomach pain, sometimes accompanied by nausea and vomiting
• Chills
• Sweating
• Muscle cramps, spasms, or pain
• Increased heart rate
• Difficulty breathing
• Increased blood pressure
• Intense pain at the bite site
• Skin lesion

Go to the ER or call 911 immediately if you experience:

• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Severe muscle cramping or rigidity
• Rapid heart rate or chest pain
• Loss of consciousness or confusion
• Signs of a severe allergic reaction (throat tightening, widespread hives)

Schedule a doctor's visit if you experience:

• A bite that isn't improving after 48–72 hours
• A growing or discolored lesion around the bite site
• Fever, chills, or body aches following a bite

Seek medical attention right away if you believe you’ve been bitten by a dangerous spider or if you are experiencing any of the symptoms above or a skin infection at the bite area. If you believe you’re having some sort of allergic reaction to a house spider bite, this is also a sign to visit a doctor. While they’re rarely life-threatening, it’s best to get it checked out rather than waiting to see what happens.

How to Treat A Spider Bite at Home

This information is for general guidance only and should not replace professional medical advice. Additional medical resources are available online, so use these helpful first-aid tips at your discretion. For mild symptoms or skin irritation from a spider bite, try the following at-home treatments:

• Start by cleaning the affected area with soap and water
• Use an ice pack or a cool compress to relieve inflammation
• If possible, elevate the area to reduce swelling
• Try an oral or topical antihistamine to combat itching
• If a blister appears, antibiotic ointment may help
• Seek medical care if local or systemic symptoms continue

It’s also worth mentioning that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends keeping your tetanus boosters up-to-date (every 10 years), as spider bites can become infected with tetanus spores.

If you’re looking for natural home remedies to help relieve bug bites, options like basil leaves, peppermint, and cucumbers may help reduce swelling and inflammation, though results may vary. Aloe vera can also help soothe itching and support skin health.

How Long Will a Bite Last?

A bite may go unnoticed at first, but eventually, the itchy red bump becomes hard to ignore. Here's a general timeline for what to expect from a minor, non-dangerous bite:

• Days 1–2: Redness, mild swelling, and itching appear around the bite site
• Days 3–5: Irritation is typically at its peak; a small blister may form
• Days 5–7: Symptoms begin to resolve, and the skin starts to heal

Most harmless spider bites clear up completely within a week. Avoid scratching — breaking the skin increases the risk of secondary infection and can extend healing time.
Bites from medically significant spiders like the Black Widow or Brown Recluse follow a different pattern. Symptoms often appear within 1–8 hours of the venomous spider bite, and skin damage or systemic symptoms can persist for 10 days or more without treatment.
If your symptoms are worsening rather than improving after 48 hours, don't wait — see a healthcare provider.

Prevent These Pests in Your Home

While some spiders can be dangerous, most are actually beneficial and will help with other types of insect and pest control. Maintaining a pest-free home will lower the odds of getting bitten inside your house.

Being proactive about preventing these pests from entering your home is a reliable way to help avoid this issue. Frequent cleaning to reduce clutter (especially in the places they tend to hide, like basements and closets) and dusting to remove cobwebs is the first line of defense to help get rid of spiders. Remember to shake out clothes and other stored items in attics and garages before moving them indoors.

Lastly, use a botanical spider deterrent like Fresh Cab® Plant-Based Spider Deterrent to discourage these pests from taking shelter in your home! Buy online or in-store.