Ever had an uninvited encounter with a spider that left you with more than just a story to tell? Spider bites – unexpected, annoying, and unfortunately, not uncommon. But don’t let them ruin your day!
Natural remedies for spider bites can quickly soothe and heal non-serious wounds; you may even have some of these products already in your pantry!
Take a look at our blog, where we’ll detail what you should do when bitten by a spider and the remedies that can bring you quick relief.
Spider Bite Care
Natural remedies for spider bites may offer some comfort for mild reactions, but it’s still important to seek medical attention immediately if bitten by a venomous spider, like a black widow or brown recluse, as these pests can cause serious health issues.
Here are some at-home care tips that may help alleviate discomfort from non-venomous spider bites:
Keep It Clean
After a medical professional has cleared you, start your wound care process by thoroughly cleaning the spider bite. With a gentle soap or cleanser, softly wash the area with warm water to remove any lingering dirt or debris near the wound.
While these bites aren’t large, keeping this space clean and preventing infection is essential. Spider bites aren’t a walk in the park, even from non-venomous species, so some natural remedies for spider bites like this may not prevent infection. We recommend frequent but gentle cleaning once or twice a day to promote proper healing and prevent nasty infections.
After washing the spot, pat it dry and apply a bandage large enough to cover the bite. Keeping the spider bite under wraps will help the wound heal and keep potential irritants, like dirt or bacteria, away.
Apply a Cold Compress for Comfort
Is your spider bite itchy or aching? We have the perfect (and simple) solution for you!
Swelling and irritation are unfortunate side effects of most pest bites, and spider bites are no different. Soon after your run-in with these eight-legged pests, you may notice redness, inflammation, and swelling around the bite.
To reduce these symptoms, try out one of these natural remedies for spider bites. We suggest applying a cold compress or ice pack to provide some relief. You can typically find store-bought options at your local convenience or drug store. Or you can make your own!
Fill a plastic freezer bag with ice and water to craft a DIY cold pack. Leave this in the freezer for a few hours to let the water freeze and the bag get nice and cold. Once everything has solidified, take it out, wrap the bag in a dish towel, and place it on the affected area for around 15 minutes.
Avoid leaving the ice on your skin for more than recommended, and never use an ice pack without a towel or other covering, as you could harm your skin or even cause tissue damage with overuse!
Keep an Eye Out For Reactions
You shouldn’t worry about severe reactions unless bitten by a black widow or brown recluse spider. However, everyone reacts differently to pest bites, and it’s always wise to monitor your health in case of new symptoms.
If you experience the following, contact your doctor or an emergency service for prompt care. Remember, it’s always better to be safe!
- Severe pain
- Excessive swelling
- Nausea or vomiting
- Difficulty breathing
- Fever
- Muscle cramps or spasms
- Headache or dizziness
- Blistering or ulceration
- Rapid heartbeat
- Confusion or mental changes
- Localized skin changes
Some symptoms can be addressed at home with over-the-counter pain or fever relief medication. But if your symptoms persist or grow serious, consider contacting a medical professional for guidance.
Natural Remedies for Spider Bites
So, what do you do when a spider bite isn’t severe but still gives you grief? We have a few natural remedies that can remove the persistent itch or even give you quick pain relief.
- Baking Soda Paste: Mix a small amount of baking soda with water to create a paste, and gently apply it to the bite area. This simple combination is believed to help alleviate itching and reduce inflammation..
- Aloe Vera: Extract the gel from aloe vera leaves and apply a small quantity to the bite area. Aloe vera is known for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, which could help ease irritation.
- Witch Hazel: Apply witch hazel to a cotton ball and softly dab it onto the bite area. The astringent nature of witch hazel may assist in addressing itching and inflammation.
- Calendula Cream: Apply calendula cream to the bite area. Derived from marigold flowers, this cream can help soothe irritation and minimize redness, offering a natural approach to relieving discomfort.
- Tea Bags: Moisten tea bags, such as black or green tea, and place them gently on the bite. Tea contains tannins that could reduce inflammation and relieve itching.
- Honey: Apply a small amount of honey to the bite area and cover it with a clean bandage. Honey’s antibacterial properties could support wound healing and offer relief from the bite.
- Oatmeal Bath: For larger bite areas, consider taking an oatmeal bath. Colloidal oatmeal into warm bathwater can provide a soothing experience that helps calm irritated skin and alleviate discomfort.
- Lavender Oil: Dilute a few drops of lavender essential oil with carrier oil, such as coconut or olive oil, and gently apply it to the bite area.
- Epsom Salt Soak: Dissolve Epsom salt in warm water and soak the affected area. Epsom salt may reduce swelling and discomfort, allowing the skin to recover and feel more at ease.
Combatting Spiders With Innovative Pest Solutions
Take charge against spiders and reduce the risk of encounters (and potential bites) with the assistance of our skilled professionals. Natural remedies for spider bites can help after the fact, but we offer proactive solutions to keep your home safe from pests before they invade!
Innovative Pest Solutions offers swift and effective services trusted by homeowners in Raleigh, NC, and the surrounding areas. Contact us today to eliminate spiders in your home!
