Cellar spiders, often found in various household spaces, frequently raise questions about their bites. Understanding their characteristics and typical behavior can help alleviate concerns about their presence in homes.
Understanding Cellar Spider Bites
Cellar spider bites are rare and typically harmless to humans. Despite common myths, their venom is not medically significant. Scientific evidence does not support claims of it being deadly, showing its effect is weak, even on insects.
While they possess fangs, their short length (around 0.25 mm) means human skin penetration is rare. If a bite occurs, the sensation is usually mild, often described as a momentary sting, or it may even go unnoticed.
Unlike more medically significant spiders, cellar spider bites do not result in severe pain or lasting symptoms. The lack of documented adverse reactions in humans underscores their low risk and classification as not medically important.
Identifying Cellar Spiders
Cellar spiders are recognizable by their distinct physical characteristics. They have small, oval-shaped bodies and unusually long, thin legs, which often lead to them being mistakenly called “daddy longlegs.” Their body color typically ranges from pale yellowish to light brown or gray. Like all spiders, they possess eight legs and eight eyes, with the eyes arranged in two widely spaced groups of three and two in between.
These spiders commonly reside in dark, damp environments such as cellars, basements, garages, and crawl spaces, which explains their name. They construct loose, irregular webs, often found in corners near ceilings, windows, or pipes.
Cellar spiders typically hang upside down in their webs. When disturbed, they may rapidly shake their web, a behavior that helps them entangle prey or avoid perceived threats.
Responding to a Cellar Spider Bite
If one suspects a cellar spider bite, the recommended first aid is straightforward. Begin by thoroughly cleaning the affected area with mild soap and water to help prevent infection. Applying a cool compress or ice pack to the site for about 15 minutes each hour can help reduce any minor pain or swelling. Elevating the bitten area, if possible, also aids in minimizing swelling.
Monitoring the bite site for any unusual changes is always advisable. While rare for cellar spider bites, medical attention should be sought if there are signs of an allergic reaction, such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or mouth, or widespread rash. Additionally, consult a healthcare professional if the bite area shows increasing redness, warmth, pus, persistent pain, or if systemic symptoms like fever or severe muscle cramps develop, as these could indicate other issues or a reaction to a different type of bite.