7 Home Remedies to Treat a Spider Bite
Spiders are among the most common pests that we all encounter on a nearly regular basis. Some species of spiders like the brown recluse and black widow are not just creepy, but they can also bite you if they feel threatened.
You can feel some pain as soon as a spider bites you or perhaps several hours after the bite. The resulting pain usually is sharp, localized, and gets more severe with time.
What to Do After A Spider Bite
Although you can see a doctor, various home remedies can treat a spider bite. This depends though on the involved spider species or the severity of the related symptoms.
You should visit a doctor immediately if a brown recluse, hobo, black widow, tarantula, or a Brazilian wandering spider bites you because their bites can be extremely poisonous and painful.
As for a bite by any other spider, you can use a home remedy to treat it.
Try to identify the spider that has bitten you to make an informed decision on whether to see a doctor or use home treatment.
There are a few things you should do as soon as possible after a spider bite:
Natural Remedies for A Spider Bite Treatment
If you find out that the spider responsible for the bite is not among the five mentioned above, you can treat the bite with a natural remedy. Here are some of the natural remedies that have been proven to treat spider bites:
#### Ice Cubes
You can use ice to reduce the swelling and pain resulting from the spider bite. Get a handful of ice cubes, wrap them in a cloth, and place them on the wound.
Allow the wrapped ice cubes to stay on the wound for at most 15 minutes and then remove them. The ice will relieve your pain and cool down the wound instantly.
#### Baking Soda Paste
We all know that baking soda can be used for various purposes in our homes, but only a few people know about its importance in the treatment of spider bites. In fact, it is among the most cost-effective spider bite treatment options. Draw a little amount of baking soda, a spoonful of it should be enough, then pour some water and make a thick paste.
The ratio of baking soda and water should be roughly 3:1. Apply the baking soda paste on the wound, and wash it off after five minutes. Repeat this multiple times every day. This will relieve the spider bite symptoms like itching, pain and stinging sensations significantly.
#### Salt Solution
Salt has been acknowledged as an ultra-effective poison remover over the years. Make some salt water, dip a piece of cloth into it, and then cover the wound with the soaked cloth for a couple of hours. The salt will remove the venom that was injected by the spider.
#### Activated Charcoal
Activated Charcoal is an effective remedy for spider bite treatment, especially for a bite by a brown recluse spider. The charcoal reduces the effect of the spider's poison and helps the victim heal faster.
Other than treating spider bites, activated charcoal is also beneficial in the treatment of bee stings as well as fire ants and scorpion bites.
Mix equal parts of charcoal and water to make a paste. Then apply the paste on the wound, wrap a bandage on it, and allow it to sit on the wound for one to four hours.
Repeat the procedure several times per day. Two or three times are enough, and this will significantly reduce the severity of the symptoms.
#### Turmeric Powder
Turmeric is rich in compounds that fight toxins, including the poison ejected by a spider when it bites. The germ-killing properties and the anti-inflammatory compounds in the turmeric relieve the redness, pain, and inflammation caused by a spider bite.
Make a paste of turmeric powder and olive oil and apply it on the spider bite area. Allow the paste to rest on the bite spot for about an hour and then rinse it off using lukewarm water. Do this numerous times per day until the spider bite symptoms lessen.
#### Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera has been mentioned countless times for the treatment of various skin problems. This includes spider bites. The plant's leaf contains numerous vital components such as vitamins, enzymes, minerals as well as fatty acids.
These components are helpful in the reduction of the inflammation and itchiness resulting from a spider bite. Aloe vera gel has been proven to heal a bite from a black widow or white-tailed spider. The gel also offers instant cooling effect on the area bitten by a spider.
However, you should be a bit careful while buying the product as some may not be of much help due to the low quantities of aloe vera in them. Purchase the product with the highest amount of aloe vera and the least additives. Apply aloe vera gel/product to the spider bite spot numerous times per day until you feel remarkably better.
#### Potato
Maybe you only know potato as delicious food, but it is more important than just that; it can be of great help in the lessening of the pain and swelling occurring as a result of a spider bite. Researchers have found out that there are some compounds in potato peels that can counteract the inflammatory effect of a spider bite.
Get a potato and slice it without removing its peels. Take one slice of the potato with its peel still intact and then rub it on the spider bite. Then, place the flesh of the potato on the bite area and wrap it against your body with a bandage. Replace the potato slice with another one after a couple of hours.
Don't panic if by bad luck a spider bites you. Use any of the above natural remedies, and you will be okay. And, if you can't handle your spider infestation, just call Organic Pest Control NYC.