Spider Bites – 6 Natural Treatments + Tips to Avoid Getting Bit

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Spider bites are generally uncomfortable but not dangerous, and may be difficult to confirm as spider bites because they look similar to other bug bites and the spider wasn’t caught in the act. A typical non-poisonous spider bite will commonly present as a raised welt – like a big mosquito bite. It itches and may burn or sting a little, but the pain is not incapacitating or severe. Symptoms may last from a few hours to a few days, and can be safely treated at home.

Poisonous spider bites are different, and may require medical attention. About Health notes:

Victims should be concerned when a local reaction continues to get worse for more than 24 hours. Look for redness spreading away from the bite, drainage from the bite, increase in pain, numbness/tingling, or a discoloration around the bite that looks like a halo or bulls-eye.

Victims should seek medical treatment if symptoms appear in parts of the body away from the location of the bite. Black widow spiders have a toxin that affects muscle contraction and nerve function. Severe brown recluse spider bites can also cause some symptoms over the entire body. Look for:

• sweating
• chills
• headache
• body aches
• stomach cramps
• leg cramps
• rapid pulse
• exhaustion

In cases where the victim is feeling extremely tired or weak, call 911.

Black widow bites will commonly present with two red fang marks. Brown recluse bites may initially present like any other bite, but may develop into necrotic arachnidism – the flesh starts to be eaten away by the venom. View brown recluse range.

Some people have more severe reactions to bites or stings. Babies and children may be more affected by bites or stings than adults.

Spider Bite Treatment #1 – Plantain

If you have been stung by a bee or bitten by an insect or even an animal like a snake, plantain poultices can help. Plantain poultices can draw out venom before it has a chance to do damage, can reduce swelling, prevent anaphylactic shock, or delay a severe reaction until medical care can be reached. Read Grandma Called it Medicine Leaf to learn more about plantain.

Spider Bite Treatment #2 – Baking Soda

Baking soda is an effective treatment for spider bites. This alkaline substance can help draw out the venom, which will help reduce pain, itching and inflammation.

Spider Bite Treatment #3 – Activated Charcoal

Activated charcoal has absorption properties that help draw out and remove toxic substances from the body.

Spider Bite Treatment #4 – Comfrey

Comfrey in the form of a poultice for external application is a remarkably effective treatment for wounds that do not heal, such as decubitus ulcers (bedsores), diabetic ulcers, the bites of brown recluse spiders, and the terrible staph infections that affect people living on tropical beaches. (Source)

Learn more about comfrey in Comfrey – Weekly Weeder #40.

Spider Bite Treatment #5 – Meat Tenderizer

Meat tenderizer contains papain, an enzyme that breaks down proteins (like the ones in your T-bone steak). But papain can also break down toxins from bug bites and cut back on itching. Use tenderizer only on mosquito bites, bee stings, and nonpoisonous spider bites. (Source)

Spider Bite Treatment #6 – Herbal Insect Bite/Sting Salve

This soothing salve is great to have on hand for bites and stings of all types.

Ingredients

• 1/2 tsp Calendula Powder
• 1/2 tsp Comfrey Powder
• 1/2 tsp Chamomile Powder
• 1 tsp Plantain Powder
• 1 tsp Bentonite Clay
• Vodka, Witch hazel or Rubbing Alcohol
• 5 drops Tea Tree oil
• 5 drops Lavender Essential Oil

Directions

Mix all dry ingredients and store until needed. When you have a bite or sting, add the essential oils and enough liquid (vodka, alcohol or witch hazel) to make a thick paste. Apply salve to bite and leave on until dry. Reapply as needed.

Mountain Rose Herbs stocks a wide variety of quality herbs, essential oils and salve making products at affordable prices.

Tips to Avoid Getting Bit by Spiders Inside Your Home

• When you put things in storage make sure everything goes into sealed plastic bags and include a stick of cinnamon, a bay leaf or a sprig of mint.
• Turn the light on in the closet before reaching your hand inside to grab your clothes
• Always shake out shoes and boots before sliding your foot in
• Turn gloves and hats inside outside out and check for spiders or their eggs
• Wash or shake out any bedding that has been stored
• Thoroughly inspect sleeping bags before and after camping
• Avoid using bed skirts and dust ruffles
• Vacuum curtains weekly to remove spiders, eggs and webbing
• Keep your bed away from the wall
• Keep under your bed clean
• Give all your clothes a good a shake before putting them on even if they have been hanging up
• Don’t leave piles of clothes on the floor
• Don’t keep firewood stored inside

Spider Identification

Although the chance of getting bit by a venomous spider is very rare, it does happen. Brown Recluse spiders are common in South Carolina and I have actually had three friends who suffered greatly from their bite. If you do get bitten by a spider, it is imperative that you are able to identify the type of spider that bit you, ideally you should bring the spider to the doctors or hospital with you for accurate treatment.

Here is a list of typical spiders you will find in North America for you to familiarize yourself with and become knowledgeable at identifying.

Common Household Spiders

• Wolf Spider
• Sac Spider
• Fishing Spiders
• Sow Bud Spiders
• Jumping Spiders
• Parson Spiders
• Crab Spiders
• Cellar Spiders
• Orb Weaver Spiders
• Garden Spiders
• Barn Spiders

Venomous Spiders

• Brown Recluse
• Black Widow
• Hobo Spider
• Mouse Spiders
• Black House Spiders
• Wolf Spiders

Image courtesy of termite.com

Are spider bites a problem in your area? Have any tips for treating bites or avoiding getting bit? We’d love to hear them – just leave a comment below.

You may also find useful:

• Natural Spider Repellents – 8 Ways to Get Rid of Spiders
• Green Home Pest Control Tips
• Natural Garden Pest Control

This is a guest post by Amber Bradshaw of The Coastal Homestead. Amber is a environmentalist, homesteader, garden and outdoor enthusiast. She is a wife, mother of three. Amber owns a contracting business with her husband, was President of the local Herb Society for the last three years, a 4-H Leader, Blogger and runs a CSA. Amber strives to get back into nature with a more sustainable and self-reliant lifestyle that fits a busy schedule and a tight budget. She lives on the east coast with her family on a little over 1/4 acre and encourages others to do big things with small spaces.

When not out in the garden you can find her sharing her latest homestead tips at The Coastal Homestead, on Facebook, on Pinterest or Instagram.

Posts may contain affiliate links, which allow me to earn a commission to support the site at no extra cost to you. Thank you!

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