The false widow spider is notable due to concerns about its bite. These spiders are common in and around homes, and while they are venomous, the effects of their bite are often misunderstood. Most encounters are accidental, with bites occurring when a spider is trapped in clothing or bedding. This article provides information on identifying these spiders, understanding the symptoms of a bite, proper treatment, and how to prevent them from becoming unwelcome houseguests.
Identifying the False Widow Spider
The most prevalent false widow species is the noble false widow, or Steatoda nobilis. Females can reach a body length of up to 15mm. They have a distinctive globular, glossy abdomen with cream or pale markings that can resemble the shape of a skull. This pattern helps distinguish them from other spiders. Their webs are not the classic spiral shape but a tangle of irregularly placed strands.
It is often confused with the black widow spider because both have dark, rounded bodies. However, black widow spiders possess a clear, red hourglass-shaped marking on their underside, a feature absent on false widows. The markings on a false widow are on its back and abdomen.
Symptoms and Bite Appearance
A false widow bite often feels like a small pinprick, and for most people, is similar to a bee or wasp sting. Pain at the bite site may radiate from the wound and lasts between one and 12 hours, rarely persisting beyond 24 hours. In many instances, the spider may perform a “dry bite,” where no venom is injected at all.
Small puncture marks may be visible and can develop into a red, swollen bump. Common symptoms are localized and include mild pain, redness, and swelling around the affected area. These reactions are self-limiting and resolve within a few days.
These can include a general feeling of being unwell, headache, nausea, and lethargy. In very rare cases, individuals might experience more significant reactions such as tremors, dizziness, or impaired mobility. Severe outcomes reported in the media are often a result of secondary bacterial infections rather than the venom itself.
Bite Treatment and Medical Attention
First aid for a false widow bite focuses on cleaning the wound and managing local symptoms. Wash the affected area with soap and water to minimize infection risk. Applying a cold compress for about 10 minutes can help reduce swelling and discomfort. It is important to avoid scratching the bite area, as this can introduce bacteria and lead to a secondary infection.
Over-the-counter medications can be used to manage pain and itching. While most bites heal without professional medical intervention, know when to seek it. Consult a doctor if the wound shows signs of infection, such as increasing warmth, spreading redness, pus, or blistering. A bacterial infection may require treatment with antibiotics.
Seek urgent medical attention if systemic symptoms develop, which could indicate a severe allergic reaction. These include:
- Difficulty breathing or wheezing
- Nausea and vomiting
- A rapid heart rate
- Dizziness
- Swelling of the face and throat
Debilitating pain or developing hot or cold flushes are also signs that professional medical evaluation is necessary.
Preventing Encounters in Your Home
Simple preventative measures can reduce encounters with false widow spiders in your home. These spiders seek shelter indoors, especially as temperatures drop. Sealing cracks and gaps in walls, floors, and foundations can block potential entry points. Reducing clutter in storage areas like sheds, garages, and attics removes potential hiding spots.
Check shoes and clothing before putting them on, particularly if they have been left in areas where spiders are likely to be, such as a shed or porch. Wearing gloves when gardening, moving firewood, or clearing out sheds and other outdoor structures provides a physical barrier and can prevent accidental contact with a spider.