Before we delve into the wolf spider bite, the first thing that you need to know is to get an introduction about wolf spiders.

As the name suggests, a wolf spider is one of the most common spider species of the world. These are generally dark brown having pale stripes or markings on their back.

As far as their color goes, it depends on where they live as it mainly serves as a type of camouflage for their production.

 

All About Wolf Spiders

Just like traditional spiders, wolf spiders also have a long torso with 8 legs. During their lifetime, they grow up to one quarter to 2 inches. These are found mostly across the U.S. and around the world.

One can easily differentiate between a wolf spider and a normal spider by looking at their body structure. It’s because a wolf spider has unusually 3 rows of 8 eyes each.

In addition to the above, they also have 2 eyes situated in the middle. While moving in the dark, if you suspect there can be wolf spiders, then always try to use a torch.

It’s because a wolf spider bite can harm you in one way or the other which can prove dangerous.

Please also note that wolf spiders look unique to other species as they never spin their webs to catch prey. Instead, they catch them by chasing.

Due to their large size, they often look alarming to people. But in reality, they are nothing more than a nuisance.

 

Habitat of a Wolf Spider

In general, wolf spiders live on the ground and hides in places like

• Inside logs
• Under rocks‌
• Under plants and leaves
• Grass
• Basements
• Windows‌ and doorways
• Sheds
• Garages

All the above places give them ample of space and access to find their prey.

 

Impact of a Wolf Spider Bite On Your Health

A wolf spider bite doesn’t generally pose a threat to your health. Once you go through a wolf spider bite, it may give you a feeling of allergic due to the presence of its venom.

But in reality, they are not poisonous. As they appear to be large, their bite may be quite painful.

In case, you become a victim of a wolf spider bite, you might have a feeling of itchiness, swelling, or mild pain. However, the pain should go away within a few minutes.

After the pain, you can expect the swelling to go down slowly. Similarly, the itching may last only a few days after your skin heals.

There are some signs of a wolf spider bite that you should never ignore. Always see a doctor once you get the following signs:

• Weakness or uncontrollable shaking
• Fever
• Trouble breathing
• Nausea or vomiting
• Sweating whether you feel hot or cold
• A rash spreading outward from the bite
• Headache or feeling dizzy
• Cramping or having tight muscles around the bite

In case, you find your symptoms are not improving with time, you are advised to get an immediate medical help. Your doctor may:

• Give you some stronger medications like antihistamines mainly to relieve itching
• Antibiotics in case of any underlying infection
• Surgery which is recommended only in a rare case
• Booster to a tetanus vaccination for an added protection

 

Benefits of Wolf Spiders

There are some people who don’t take a wolf spider bite seriously and even consider them beneficial species as they eat other insects and bugs that we consider them as pests. Some of them include:

• Beetles
• Mealworms‌
• Cockroaches
• Crickets

 

Risks of Wolf Spiders

In spite of the fact that a wolf spider bite can be painful, they are not poisonous at all.

Even if you have to go through a bite, you can mostly have an allergic reaction due to its venom.

If you have actually bitten by a spider, simply wait and watch for the signs for a severe reaction or infection.

Wolf spiders are not aggressive by nature. They will bite only if they are threatened.

In case, you suspect a wolf spider bite, you can immediately come into action.

All you need to do is wash the wound area and use a cold compress to reduce swelling and inflammation.

In addition to the above, you can also take a pain medication or an anti-inflammatory.

When you are bitten by a wolf spider, you generally have 2 marks because of the spider’s fangs.

They can be red and painful with a swelling. If the condition worsens, call your doctor immediately.

 

How to Prevent Wolf Spider Bite?

If you are a victim of a wolf spider bite, then try the following to prevent it:

• Hire a pest control service
• Clear clutter giving places for wolf spiders to hide
• Shake out items like boxes before picking them up
• Make noise to move them out

 

Also Read: Why Vitamin D Essential In Preventing Osteoporosis?

 

 

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