Wolf Spider Bite – Pictures, Symptoms, Causes, Treatment

The main areas where you can find a wolf spider is in the garden, although it is also known to wander into the house at times. The wolf spider is a very hairy spider and is large, reaching a length of up to 3 to 4 inches long. The spider has several white stripes down its back, set against a grayish brown color which is mottled. This is probably where it got its name from; and the colors also help the spider to hide in leaves, sand and other ground debris. Wolf spiders do not spin webs, except for one of its species. Wolf spiders burrow into the ground and hide there. These spiders are very aggressive and will attack their prey and any adversary. They are also fast runners making them a formidable predator. Their large size and ferocious nature is one of the reasons why people tend to go into a panic when they see wolf spiders. Although the bite can sometimes be painful, wolf spider bites do not produce severe symptoms, but the bite has been known to become necrotizing.

What are the symptoms of a wolf spider bite?

People have likened the symptoms of a wolf spider bite to those produced by a brown recluse spider bite, but to a lesser extent. The symptoms are characterized by swelling, itching, pain. For some people, allergic reactions may flare up, and these could also come with a lot of dizziness and nausea. If you get any serious reaction to a wolf spider bite, then you should get to a doctor as quickly as possible. In some cases, the bite will not elicit any measurable symptoms, and the victim may consider himself to be lucky, but in other cases, the wound takes a long time to heal, and may become necrotizing. The pain produced by a wolf spider bite is intense and may last for up to 10 days. When a wolf spider bites a child or an elderly person, medical attention should be sought immediately. The effects of most spider bites depend a lot on the physical condition of the victim. The stronger a person is; the less severe the symptoms.

What is the treatment of a wolf spider bite?

The wolf spider bite is treated as you would any other bite from a spider with less toxic venom. You must first wash the areas of the bite with antibacterial soap. You should ensure that the area is well cleaned, and kept clean to avoid infection. You should also use antibiotics, or apply an antibiotic cream to the site to prevent the spread of infection. A cold compress will go a long way towards reducing the swelling on the bite. The antibacterial cream will also reduce the itching on the site, if it has some corticosteroids. You may lift the area that has been bitten to help in reducing the swelling. Over-the-counter painkillers can be taken to help with the pain. If the pain increases, then you can get prescription painkiller from your doctor.

Like all spider bites, the physical condition of the victim will affect the severity of the symptoms. A healthy person will heal in a very short period, but if you see that the symptoms have gone on for too long then you should see a doctor. Ideally, you should not wait for the symptoms top persist, and you should seek the help of a doctor after the bite, but you can opt to wait, and see the doctor when the symptoms persist.

What to do when bitten by a wolf spider

There are a few facts that you should know when you are bitten by a wolf spider. The spider will only bite if it is provoked, so if you find one of its burrows, you should not insert sticks and twigs in it. Also advise your children against this practice. Secondly, although the spider boasts of venom that is deadly to insects and small rodents, it is not harmful to humans. Thirdly, most of the symptoms of the wolf spider bite can be easily treated and are not severe.

When a person is bitten by a wolf spider, they go into a panic and a lot of fear sets in. You should remain calm when you are bitten, and simply follow the treatment protocol. You should think clearly about the cleaning, and sanitization of the bite area, and also getting some medication to deal with mild symptoms. If the skin becomes too dark, and the swelling does not subside, even after using cold compresses, then you should see a doctor immediately.

Common sense should always prevail, so you should avoid disturbing spiders when you see them. Try and use a pest control service so that they can help reduce the spider population at home.