SPIDER BITES AND SCORPION STINGS

Are all spider and scorpion bites serious?

Spiders and scorpions belong to the arachnid family. Only a few spiders cause serious bites. Most spider bites are not serious and do not require medical evaluation. There are about 40 different types of scorpions found in the Southwestern part of the United States. Of these, only one type of scorpion can be lethal.

Which spider bites are serious?

Arachnids found in the United States whose bites can be serious are:

the black widow spider
the brown recluse spider
the hobo spider, and
the bark scorpion.

The black widow is a shiny, black spider with a fat body and a distinctive red or orange hourglass figure on its underside. It can be found throughout most of the country in woodpiles, sheds, fruit and vegetable gardens, garages, and bowls of outdoor toilets.

The brown recluse spider has a violin mark on its head and long brown legs. It is most active at night and can be found in cracks, crevices, basements, attics, and dark closets of houses in the Midwestern and Southern parts of the United States. They can also be found outdoors in rock, leaf, or woodpiles.

The hobo spider is brown with grey markings. It is seen more often in mid summer through fall and found in the Northwestern United States. The hobo spider likes dark, moist places such as basements, crawl spaces, and woodpiles.

Scorpions are related to spiders and have a long body and tail that curls up when they are about to sting. The bark scorpion is found in the Southwestern United States. It can be found in junk and wood piles, and in rocky areas.

What are the symptoms of a spider bite or scorpion sting?

Initial symptoms of a poisonous spider bite or scorpion sting are the same as a minor spider bite or scorpion sting:

pain
swelling
tiny red bite marks
tenderness
skin discoloration
numbness
tingling.

Symptoms of a more serious spider bite or scorpion sting may include:

severe pain at the site of the bite
muscle spasms
abdominal pain or cramps
dizziness
convulsions
wheezing or trouble breathing
fever and chills
general weakness
nausea and vomiting
drowsiness
increased saliva
trouble talking
itching of the nose, throat, and mouth.

Symptoms of a minor spider bite usually go away in 2 to 3 days. If symptoms worsen or new symptoms develop within 10 minutes to several hours of the bite or sting, see your healthcare provider right away.

How is a spider bite or scorpion sting treated?

Self-care for a minor spider bite includes the following:

Clean the area with mild soap and water.
Put cold washcloths on the bite to keep swelling down.
Put a nonprescription hydrocortisone cream on the skin to reduce the itching and
Take a nonprescription pain reliever like aspirin or acetaminophen. Children under 18 years of age should not take aspirin or products containing salicylate (such as Pepto-Bismol) because of the risk of Reye's syndrome unless recommended by a healthcare provider. Acetaminophen should not be taken by anyone with liver or kidney disease. Do not drink alcohol when taking more than 1 dose of acetaminophen.

If you know that you have been bitten or stung by a poisonous spider or scorpion, or if you are having any of the symptoms of a more serious bite, put a small ice bag or cold washcloth on the bite. Try not to move the area where you were bitten, and if it is on an arm or leg, raise it to the level of the heart. See your healthcare provider or go to your local emergency room right away. Try to take the spider or scorpion with you for identification. Be sure to check with your healthcare provider to see if a tetanus booster shot is needed. This may be recommended if the skin is broken and infection develops.

How can I prevent spider bites or scorpion stings?

To avoid getting bitten or stung by a poisonous spider or scorpion:

Use traps indoors. They are the safest and most effective way to control spiders or scorpions inside your home. Use pesticides outdoors if the area is infested with spiders.
Wear gloves and heavy clothing when around woodpiles or sheds.
Inspect and shake outdoor clothing and shoes before putting them on.
Inspect outdoor toilets carefully before using them.
Do not go barefoot or wear open sandals around areas where scorpions may be and
Discourage children from playing near spider and scorpion infested areas.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

HIA File SFY4939F.HTM Release 9.0/2006