A Guide to Common Wood Spiders and Spider Bite Identification
Venturing into wooded areas brings the chance of encountering different species of spiders that call the forests home. While the majority of wood spiders cause no harm to humans, some do possess a venomous bite that in rare cases can have severe effects.
Learning to identify the web patterns and physical features of venomous wood spiders can help you take precautions if you suspect you may cross paths with them during hikes or other outdoor activities. Familiarizing yourself with the symptoms of dangerous spider bites is also crucial.
This guide covers some of the most common wood spider species, how to recognize their webs and appearance, which types you should give a wide berth, and how to identify and treat spider bites that require medical care.
Common Spider Families Found in Woods and Forests
Woods, forests, and nearby transitional spaces provide ideal habitat for a diverse array of spider species. Here are some of the most prevalent spider families you may encounter:
Orb Weavers
Orb weavers spin beautiful spiraling wheel-shaped webs. There are hundreds of orb weaver species, like the cross spider, garden spider, and furrow spider. They are not aggressive and rarely bite.
Funnel Weavers
Funnel weavers include grass spiders, sheet weavers, and funnel-web spiders. They build flat webs that form a funnel shape where they wait for prey. Most are harmless to humans.
Jumping Spiders
Jumping spiders are compact, hairy spiders that actively hunt instead of building webs. Some common jumping spiders are bold jumpers, twin-flagged jumpers, and zebra jumpers. They rarely bite humans.
Cobweb Spiders
Cobweb spiders spin messy, tangled webs in undisturbed spaces like sheds, eaves, or wood piles. Widow spiders are a type of cobweb spider. Most cobweb spiders have weak venom that only affects small prey.
Wolf Spiders
Wolf spiders are large, hairy spiders that live on the ground and hunt instead of spinning webs. Some have venom strong enough to cause mild symptoms in humans if bitten.
Nursery Web Spiders
Nursery web spiders build thick webs low to the ground to protect their egg sacs and young. The female carries the egg sac with her fangs and legs. They rarely come into contact with people.
Venomous Wood Spiders to Watch Out For
While most wood spiders pose no threat, there are a handful of venomous species that can deliver a serious bite. Here are the main types to avoid:
Brown Recluse Spider
Brown recluse spiders are light brown with a dark violin-shaped marking on their cephalothorax. They inhabit sheds, wood piles, and other sheltered areas. The venom can cause tissue damage at the bite site.
Black Widow Spider
Black widow spiders have a distinctive red hourglass shape on their underside. Females have the most potent venom. They build messy cobwebs outdoors and in wood piles or sheds. Bites cause muscle aches and nausea.
Hobo Spider
Hobo spiders are fast-moving spiders with a herringbone pattern on their abdomen. They live in dark sheltered areas outdoors. Bites can result in mild reactions but are rarely medically significant.
Yellow Sac Spider
Yellow sac spiders have pale yellow bodies and darker yellow heads and abdomens. They are found in woods and near homes in brush and leaf litter. Bites cause mild stinging, redness, and swelling.
Tips for Avoiding Venomous Spider Bites
You can reduce your chances of being bitten by taking these precautions in areas where venomous spiders may live:
Wear protective clothing
Wearing long sleeves, pants, gloves, and boots prevents spiders from accessing your skin. Tuck pant legs into socks or boots.
Use insect repellent
Repellents containing DEET or picaridin applied to shoes, socks, and clothing help deter spiders.
Check before reaching
Check woodpiles, rock walls, tree stumps, and other sheltered areas before placing your hands near them. Be cautious when moving debris.
Clean up clutter
Remove piles of wood, rocks, brush, and excess debris where spiders nest. Keep the ground around your home tidy.
Inspect before bedtime
Check your bedding and sleeping areas thoroughly before going to bed. Spiders sometimes wander indoors and hide in sheets.
Install lighting
Install external lighting around your home’s doors, yard, and outbuildings to deter spiders seeking dark shelter.
Seal outdoor cracks
Caulk cracks in your home’s siding and foundations to discourage spiders from entering living areas.
How to Identify a Spider Bite
Spider bites share some common symptoms, though specific effects vary by species. Here are general signs of a spider bite:
Mild to intense pain
Bites cause initial pain ranging from a pinprick sensation to a severe stabbing feeling depending on the type of spider.
Puncture marks
Fang punctures are visible on the skin, either as individual marks or a double puncture from the spider’s jaws.
Redness and swelling
The bite area reddens and swells, sometimes significantly. The swelling may form a raised bump.
Itching and tingling
Venom and bodily reactions can cause itching, tingling, burning, and numbness around the bite.
Skin lesions
Some spider bites lead to blisters, sores, bruising, and damaged skin tissue appearing hours to days later.
Symptoms of Venomous Spider Bites
In addition to the above localized symptoms, dangerous spider bites cause concerning systemic effects. Seek immediate care if you experience:
Nausea, vomiting, sweating
Venom can stimulate nausea, vomiting, sweating, and increased salivation shortly after a bite.
Muscle cramps and spasms
Spider venom may cause painful muscle contractions and spasms near the bite site or throughout the body.
Difficulty breathing
Respiratory distress can occur as muscles near the diaphragm and airways are affected by toxins.
Abdominal pain
Some venoms cause cramping, appendicitis-like pain, and intense abdominal discomfort.
Dizziness and fainting
Neurotoxins in venom can disrupt signals between the brain and body, resulting in lightheadedness and loss of consciousness.
Racing heart rate
Venom sends the heart into overdrive, speeding your pulse. Heart palpitations and irregular heartbeat may occur.
First Aid for Spider Bites
For suspected spider bites that cause concerning symptoms, immediately take these actions while awaiting medical care:
Wash the bite
Use soap and water to gently cleanse the bite area and remove any remaining venom on the skin’s surface.
Apply cold compress
Wrap an ice pack or cold cloth in a thin towel and apply to the bite to reduce swelling, inflammation, and spread of toxins.
Elevate the bite
If on an arm or leg, keep the bitten limb elevated above heart level to slow venom absorption.
Loosen restrictive clothing
Remove any tight clothing or jewelry near the bite to allow normal circulation and reduce discomfort.
Monitor symptoms
Observe bite symptoms and vital signs. Breathing issues, intense pain, nausea, and dizziness all warrant prompt medical evaluation.
Take over-the-counter pain medication
For significant pain, adults can take acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen while waiting for medical treatment.
Seek emergency care for severe symptoms
Call 911 or go to the ER immediately if symptoms are rapidly progressing or life-threatening, suggesting a dangerous amount of venom received.
Medical Treatment for Spider Bites
Doctors assess spider bite severity and tailor treatment based on symptoms and examination findings. Treatment may include:
Cleaning and bandaging
Thoroughly cleansing the bite and applying sterile bandages to prevent infection.
Antibiotics
Prescribing oral or intravenous antibiotics if bite wounds appear infected.
Tetanus shot
Administering a tetanus vaccine booster if your last shot was over five years ago.
Antihistamines
Giving antihistamines like Benadryl to manage swelling and itching.
Corticosteroids
Prescribing corticosteroid creams, oral medications, or injections to reduce severe inflammation.
Antivenom
Administering spider-specific antivenom via injection to neutralize venom toxins for severe bites.
Pain medication
Providing prescription painkillers for moderate to severe bite pain.
Hospitalization
Admitting patients with unstable vital signs and respiratory, circulatory, or neurological impairment for close monitoring and treatment.
Preventing Spider Bites When Enjoying the Outdoors
You can take the following sensible precautions to lower your risk of accidental spider bites when spending time outside:
Stay on designated paths
Avoid contact with overgrown areas by sticking to maintained trails when hiking or camping.
Wear protective clothing
Cover exposed skin with tightly woven long pants and sleeves to create a barrier.
Seal entry points
Tuck in shirt tails and pant cuffs so spiders cannot crawl inside clothing.
Check before reaching into crevices
Thoroughly inspect rock walls, wood piles, tree hollows, etc. before placing hands near potential spider shelter spots.
Wear gloves when moving objects
Use sturdy gloves when lifting debris spiders may inhabit, like logs, tree branches, and rocks.
Avoid walking barefoot
Wear closed toe shoes or hiking boots to protect feet and ankles from ground-dwelling spiders.
Keep living areas tidy
Control clutter inside and outside your home to discourage spiders from taking up residence.
Apply insect repellent
Spray clothing with repellent containing DEET or picaridin, as this may deter spider bites.
What To Do if You are Bitten by a Spider
If you suspect a spider bite, take these steps:
Wash with soap and water
Clean the bite area thoroughly with mild soap and water to rinse off any remaining venom.
Apply cold compress
Wrap a cold pack or cloth-covered ice cubes in a towel and apply to bite for 10 minutes to reduce swelling and slow venom spread.
Monitor for severe symptoms
Observe bite for 30-60 minutes. Seek prompt medical care if you experience concerning muscle, respiratory, or cardiovascular problems.
Elevate the bite
If on a limb, keep it raised above heart level to slow venom absorption while en route to the hospital.
Take over-the-counter pain reliever
For significant pain, adults can take acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen while awaiting medical treatment.
Call your doctor
For moderate reactions, contact your healthcare provider to determine if you need evaluation and treatment.
Go to the emergency room
If bite symptoms are severe or progressing rapidly, call 911 or go to the nearest ER immediately.
Preventing Spider Infestations Around Your Home
Reduce the chances of encountering spiders in and around your living space by taking these proactive measures:
Install screening
Ensure windows and doors have tight fitting screens to block spider entry into your home.
Seal cracks
Caulk or seal openings around your home’s foundation, windows, pipes, and siding to discourage spiders.
Manage moisture
Fix plumbing leaks, improve ventilation, and dehumidify damp areas of your home to deter moist-loving spiders.
Remove clutter
Get rid of stacks of materials like firewood, debris piles, and unused items where spiders can establish nests.
Install lighting
Position exterior lights near entryways and yards to make your property less inviting to light-averse spiders.
Cut back vegetation
Trim bushes, shrubs, and tree limbs away from the walls of your home to eliminate protective hiding spots.
Vacuum regularly
Frequently vacuum cobwebs and corners inside your home to remove spiders and egg sacs before they grow.
When to Call a Pest Control Professional
If you have a severe spider infestation or continue to spot venomous spiders around your property, contact a qualified exterminator for professional treatment and removal services.
A pest control expert has the tools and training to:
Inspect your home
Thoroughly assess entry points, crawl spaces, and potential harborage areas to locate nests.
Identify species
Determine what types of spiders have settled around your home based on web patterns, egg sacs, skins, and specimen samples.
Treat infested areas
Use specialized insecticides and spider deterrents in targeted areas inside and outside your home.
Remove webs and egg sacs
Vacuum up existing webs and spider egg masses.
Implement preventive measures
Caulk cracks, install lighting and screens, trim foliage, and make other improvements to discourage future infestations.
Offer professional advice
Provide guidance on keeping spiders away through ongoing organizational, sanitary, and maintenance habits.
Staying Safe from Spider Bites When Enjoying the Great Outdoors
Venturing outdoors always carries some risk of encountering spiders, but a few simple precautions go a long way towards bite prevention. Avoid disturbing natural hiding places, dress protectively, and inspect areas before placing bare hands. Learn to identify spider bite symptoms
FAQs
What are some venomous spiders found in woods and forests?
Some venomous wood spider species include the brown recluse, black widow, hobo spider, and yellow sac spider. Familiarize yourself with their appearance and webs to avoid accidental contact.
How can I prevent spider bites when spending time outside?
Wear protective clothing, use insect repellent, avoid reaching into dark crevices, seal clothing entry points, and inspect areas before placing bare hands to prevent spider bites outdoors.
What should I do if I am bitten by a spider?
Wash the bite with soap and water, apply a cold compress, elevate the bite, and monitor for severe symptoms. Seek medical care promptly if you experience concerning muscle, breathing, or circulatory problems.
When should I call pest control to deal with spiders?
Contact a professional exterminator if you have a severe infestation of spiders inside or outside your home, or if you continue to spot dangerous spiders like black widows and brown recluses on your property.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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