Hobo Spiders, often called Aggressive House Spiders, are quite common in the Pacific Northwest. Generally, they’re harmless. However, a bite from one can cause a range of symptoms. So, if you think a Hobo Spider has bitten you, it’s vital to identify it and take the right steps.
This article will show you how to tell if it was a Hobo Spider bite and what to do next:
Symptoms of a Hobo Spider Bite
Hobo spiders may bite when they feel threatened, but they don’t always inject venom. If there is venom, medical treatment isn’t often necessary. It’s important to know the signs of a hobo spider bite and seek medical help if needed.
Typical symptoms include:
- Pain at the bite spot, from mild to a burning or pulsing sensation
- Redness near the bite
- Blistering or sores on or near the bite
- Infection around the bite, with discoloration or swelling
- Nausea, fever, chills
- Itching, muscle twitching, dizziness
- Anxiety or fear without proof of a hobo spider bite.
How to Identify a Hobo Spider
The hobo spider, also known as the aggressive house spider, hails from the Pacific Northwest of North America and parts of Europe. They tend to lurk in dark indoor areas such as basements and garages.
A hobo spider bite looks like an intense red/purplish patch with a pale yellow center. It may feel really painful and often described as burning. After 24-48 hours, you’ll see 3 blisters on each side, forming a upside-down letter U on the skin. This area can be sore or itchy and take from 1 week to 3 months to heal.
Other symptoms that may occur after a hobo spider bite include:
- Fever/chills
- Nausea
- Sweating/shaking
- Joint pain/swelling
- Dizziness/disorientation
- Numbness/tingling in the body
If you experience any of these, seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Treatment for Hobo Spider Bites
A hobo spider bite? Scary. Get medical help immediately if you think you’ve been bitten. North America’s most dangerous spider, the hobo spider, has venom that can cause huge swelling and immense pain.
Let’s look at the best treatments for hobo spider bites:
Clean the Wound
Clean the wound straight away if you think a hobo spider has bitten you. This will lower your risk of infection. Wash your hands with soap and warm water first.
Next, put some antimicrobial soap on the skin round the spider bite. Take a clean cotton swab and put some rubbing alcohol on it. Gently clean the wound like you would a cut or scrape. Pat dry with a soft, sterile cloth. Cover with a clean bandage if you can.
If the area around the bite gets redder, more irritated, or painful and swollen, see your doctor for proper medical care.
Apply an Antiseptic
If bitten by a hobo spider, clean the wound straight away. Use rubbing alcohol or mild soap and water. After that, apply an antiseptic cream or ointment. Some people use antibiotic ointments, like Polysporin. Others use natural treatments, like tea tree oil or witch hazel.
- Don’t scratch or pick at the bite.
- Don’t disturb it before seeing a doctor.
Take Pain Medication
If you’ve been bitten by a hobo spider, take ibuprofen or acetaminophen. These medications can come in tablet or syrup form (for kids). Taking doses regularly will keep discomfort away and prevent symptoms from getting worse.
Check if your wound is infected. Look out for inflammation and redness. If the area is warm and tender, it’s likely infected.
Alongside medications, use cold compresses. 15 minutes at a time, as often as needed, until your symptoms ease. This will help reduce swelling and the pain of the bite.
Seek Medical Attention
Suspect a hobo spider bite? Seek medical attention immediately! Untreated, the bite can cause serious discomfort and even be dangerous. Get relief from the pain and discomfort by getting medical attention. Do it right now!
When to Seek Medical Attention
If you think a hobo spider bit you, seek medical attention. Symptoms like nausea, sweating and muscle weakness could occur. Worse symptoms include breathing difficulties and skin irritation with swelling and pus-filled blisters. Contact your local poison control or the CDC.
It is hard to determine if a hobo spider bit you. Your doctor will decide based on your symptoms and the presence of that species in the area. See a health care provider if you think you were bitten. To accurately identify the bite, tests, biopsies, and imaging studies could be used. This will help manage potential toxicity of hobo spiders’ venom.
What to Expect at the Doctor
Suspect a hobo spider bite? Get help right away. It may become itchy and painful. A healthcare professional will check the wound, watch for an allergic reaction, and treat any infection.
At the doctor’s, they’ll look for skin inflammation. They’ll ask about health history, environmental exposure, chronic skin diseases, weakened immunity, recent insect bites, and exposure to insecticides.
Medical imaging or blood tests may be needed. After tests and underlying conditions are addressed, your doctor can suggest a treatment plan. This includes medications like antibiotics, pain relievers, and antihistamines.
Prevention
Take precautions to avoid hobo spider bites. Hobo spiders like clutter and dark places, so keep your house tidy. Wear long clothes and gloves when working in tight spaces. Check outdoor spaces for webs before enjoying outdoor activities. Prevention is the best way to protect yourself from hobo spider bites!
Tips to Prevent Hobo Spider Bites
Hobo spiders can be a hazard in the home. Most people don’t know they’re there, until they get bitten. To avoid hobo spider bites, follow these precautions:
- Keep your living areas clear of clutter, debris, and trash. Hobo spiders like dark places to hide.
- Make sure your windows and doors have strong screening. This’ll stop spiders from getting inside.
- Seal off cracks outside and around door frames and windows. This will stop them entering from outside.
- Eliminate moisture levels around foundations. This’ll stop them from finding water sources.
Inspect your home often for webs near window sills, corners, and baseboards. Early detection is important.
How to Get Rid of Hobo Spiders
Have you seen a hobo spider near your home? Don’t worry, there are simple steps to get rid of them:
- Seal any entry points around windows and doors with caulk or other materials.
- Install door sweeps at the bottom of outside doors.
- Reduce clutter around your house, like stacks of wood, piles of leaves and stone or brick walls.
- Check items like boxes or furniture for spider eggs before bringing them into the house.
- Finally, spray insecticides like those containing permethrins around areas where hobo spiders hide, like cracks in walls. Always follow the guidelines on the labels to ensure safety of household members and pets!
Conclusion
Be watchful of your vicinity! Particularly if you’re in a zone where Hobo Spiders can be found. Comprehend the symptoms of a Hobo Spider bite. Take appropriate measures if you think you’ve been bitten.
This portion finishes our article on what to do if you suspect you have been bitten by a Hobo Spider.
