Misconceptions Surrounding Spiders Unveiled: A Clarification of Six Prevalent Misgivings
Arachnid Encounters in the Pacific Northwest: Debunking Common Myths About Spider Bites
With the onset of fall, an assortment of eight-legged roommates enters homes across the Pacific Northwest. For those averse to spiders, this could signal an unwelcome change in season. However, the spiders one encounters in cooler weather are typically harmless species.
Two species, maturing in late summer and early fall, are commonly found indoors: the giant house spider and the cross orb weaver. These spiders, known for their increasing presence during colder months, cannot cause harm to humans. In fact, only a small fraction of the over 50,000 known spider species are venomous to humans, and none reside in the Seattle area.
Rod Crawford, the curator of arachnids at the University of Washington's Burke Museum, offers reassurance: "Regardless of the spiders present, stop worrying."
Several myths persist about spider bites and their impact on humans, and here are some common misconceptions and the truth behind them:
Myth #1: Spiders Frequently Bite Humans
While spider bites may resemble small bumps or welts, severe bites can develop into pus-filled lesions or blisters. Nevertheless, these bites are rare and are often confused with other types of bug bites or even more serious conditions such as MRSA staph infections. Dr. Paul Pottinger, a physician and director of the Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Clinic at UW Medical Center – Montlake, rarely sees patients with spider bites, stating that most alleged spider bites are caused by other issues. "Spiders have little reason to be aggressive towards humans," says Crawford, who has only been bitten three times in over 50 years of handling thousands of spiders.
Myth #2: Spider Bites are Often Deadly
In the rare case of a spider bite, the good news is that the venom has not evolved to affect vertebrates, and no venomous spiders reside in the Seattle area. Only black widows and brown recluses, two potentially harmful species, are found in the United States, but not in the Pacific Northwest. While brown recluse spider bites have caused harm and death, cases are extremely rare. Proper medical attention can treat most bites, and even severe cases, resulting in tissue damage, will resolve within a few weeks or months.
Myth #3: Bigger Spiders are More Dangerous
Though some notably large spiders may be found in homes, such as the giant house spider, crawling around families' bathrooms, they pose no threat. Giant house spiders are docile and harmless, even if they can seem intimidating due to their size.
Myth #4: Swallowing Spiders During Sleep is Possible
Numerous variations of this old wives' tale exist, but there is no truth to the claim that people swallow spiders as they sleep. "There is no evidence that it's possible to swallow any solid object while you're asleep," explains Crawford.
Myth #5: Releasing Spiders Outside Helps Them
While releasing a spider outside may seem humane, it does not benefit the spider. Most of the spiders commonly found indoors are not species that live in the middle of your lawn or forest. Instead, they can survive in other locations around the house, such as the crawl space, garage, carport, or garden shed.
Myth #6: A Spider Bite is Always a Medical Emergency
While severe reactions to spider bites are rare, proper medical attention should be sought if you suspect a spider bite, especially one from a potentially venomous black widow. Symptoms of a potentially dangerous bite include pain, cramping, spasms, breathing difficulties, and a localized allergic reaction with redness and swelling. In such cases, lightly wash the bite with soap and water, capture the spider (safely) if possible, and seek medical care at the nearest urgent care facility.
As one enters the colder months, spider encounters will generally be peaceful. Remember, the next time you spot an eight-legged cohabitant, there is no need for alarm. Instead, approach them with curiosity and understanding.
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