Last updated on October 23rd, 2023 at 08:56 pm
Many people are afraid of a spider bite. Especially at night, when the eight-legged creatures go hunting, the fear of them is great. But do spiders even bite people in their sleep?
To the point
- Spiders do not attack humans specifically
- at night the animals are on the prowl
- during the hunt they sometimes get lost on beds, sofas and other sleeping places
- if they are crushed or feel threatened by humans, they will bite.
- Bites are similar to mosquito, bee or wasp bites in non-allergic people.
Contents
Do spiders bite people?
If you are wondering if a spider bite is possible during bedtime, unfortunately you will have to settle for a yes. Spider bites can happen through the night, especially if they stray into the house. Bedrooms are not spared from their presence. However, especially in Central Europe, it is very rare that you will be bitten by one of the animals at night. But why are spider bites more common in your own four walls during the night? The reason is the behavior of the animals. They bite people only randomly and not intentionally, when they pursue the following activities:
- Foraging
- Territory defense
- Mating
- Search for new nesting site
Note: Over the mating season, many spider species are more active, increasing the possibility of confrontation overnight.
Causes of a bite
As already mentioned, spiders only bite when the animals feel threatened or can no longer find a way out. It is precisely this defensive behavior that cannot be controlled, especially during sleep. In addition, humans are significantly larger and this can lead to a variety of situations in which a bite is the last resort for the animal. The following are worth mentioning here:
- Animal is hit
- is squeezed
- gets caught in clothing
- is held down
Note: If you keep dangerous spider species such as the Brazilian wandering spider (Phoneutria nigriventer) or Sydney funnel web spider (Atrax robustus), you should keep the terrarium tightly closed overnight. Such dangerous species are often more aggressive, making an even fatal bite a possibility.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most poisonous spider species in Europe ?
Europe is not considered a paradise for dangerous poisonous spiders. Nevertheless, there are specifically two species whose bite can hurt unpleasantly. These are the water spider (Argyroneta aquatica) and the ammendorn finger (Cheiracanthium punctorium). The bite of the garden cross spider (Araneus diadematus) can also hurt a bit. They are dangerous only for allergy sufferers, but do not stray into human dwellings.
Are there spiders that are poisonous to humans that live in houses?
Yes, the trembling spiders (Pholcidae) should be mentioned here. These species are often confused with weaver spiders (Opiliones) because of their appearance. They are considered mildly venomous, but their mouthparts cannot penetrate human skin. Therefore, you do not have to worry about them.
What should be taken care of after a spider bite?
If you are allergic to insect venom, you should see a doctor or hospital as soon as possible. Therefore, pay special attention to allergic reactions. Never scratch the wound, otherwise pathogens can get into it, which in turn can lead to infectious diseases. Cool the bite wounds to suppress the itching.