Introduction
Since I live in a place filled with Huntsman spiders—both inside and around my house—I’ve had countless encounters with them. I know their behavior, their size, and most importantly, the reality of their bite. Many people assume that because they are large and fast, they must be dangerous. But is that really true? In this article, I’ll explain everything about Huntsman spider bites based on my personal experiences and knowledge.
Do Huntsman Spiders Bite Humans?
From my observations, Huntsman spiders are not aggressive toward humans. They prefer to run and hide rather than bite. However, I know that a bite can happen in certain situations, such as:
- Accidental contact – If I accidentally touch or press against one (like reaching into a dark corner or picking up an object they’re hiding under), they might bite as a defensive reaction.
- Feeling threatened – If a Huntsman spider is trapped or handled roughly, it may resort to biting.
- Mating season aggression – During certain times of the year, I’ve noticed some Huntsman spiders are more active and defensive, especially males searching for mates.
Even though they can bite, they don’t actively seek out humans as prey, and they don’t inject potent venom like some other spiders.
Symptoms of a Huntsman Spider Bite
While I personally haven’t been bitten (I’m always careful!), I have seen cases where others have been bitten by Huntsman spiders, and here’s what they experienced:
Mild Symptoms (Most Common)
- A small red bump at the bite site
- Slight pain or discomfort (similar to a bee sting)
- Minor swelling around the area
- Itchy skin, similar to a mosquito bite
Moderate Symptoms (Less Common)
- More noticeable swelling that spreads around the bite
- A burning or tingling sensation
- Numbness or stiffness near the affected area
Rare but Possible Severe Reactions
- An allergic reaction (difficulty breathing, dizziness, or rash spreading beyond the bite site)
- An infection (if the wound isn’t cleaned properly and bacteria get in)
Most Huntsman spider bites are harmless and cause only mild irritation. However, just like with any insect or animal bite, reactions can vary depending on a person’s sensitivity.
First Aid and Treatment for a Huntsman Spider Bite
If I or someone I know ever gets bitten by a Huntsman spider, here’s exactly what I would do:
Immediate Steps to Take
- Wash the bite area – I’d clean it thoroughly with soap and water to reduce the risk of infection.
- Apply a cold compress – A cold cloth or ice pack can help reduce swelling and discomfort.
- Keep the limb elevated – If the bite is on my hand or foot, I’d try to keep it raised to prevent excessive swelling.
When to Seek Medical Attention
I know that in most cases, medical treatment isn’t necessary, but I’d go to a doctor if:
- The pain gets worse instead of improving.
- There are signs of an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing, swelling beyond the bite area).
- The bite becomes infected (pus, extreme redness, fever).
Home Remedies & Pain Relief
If I had minor symptoms, I’d treat them at home using:
- Over-the-counter painkillers (like ibuprofen) to reduce discomfort.
- Antihistamines (like Benadryl) to stop itching.
- Aloe vera or hydrocortisone cream to soothe irritation.
How Dangerous Is a Huntsman Spider Bite?
A lot of people assume that because Huntsman spiders are big, their bite must be serious. But from everything I’ve seen and learned, they are not dangerous to humans. Unlike venomous spiders like the Black Widow or Brown Recluse, Huntsman spiders do not inject strong venom.
A bite might be painful, but it’s not deadly. There are no known cases of a fatal Huntsman spider bite. At worst, it’s comparable to a mild bee sting.
Preventing Huntsman Spider Bites
Since I live around so many of these spiders, I’ve learned a few ways to avoid accidental bites:
How to Avoid Bites
- Always check shoes and clothes – Huntsman spiders sometimes hide inside shoes, jackets, or gloves. I always shake them out before putting them on.
- Be careful when moving objects – I’ve found them hiding behind furniture, under boxes, and inside storage containers.
- Watch for them at night – They are most active at night, so I try to be mindful when reaching into dark spaces.
How I Keep Huntsman Spiders Away From My Living Space
- Sealing entry points – I block any gaps in windows and doors where they might sneak in.
- Reducing insects inside – Since Huntsman spiders eat bugs, fewer insects mean fewer Huntsman spiders in my house.
- Using safe removal techniques – If I find one inside, I use a cup and paper to catch and release it outside rather than kill it.
Pictures of Huntsman Spider Bites & Identification
Since I see these spiders all the time, I know how important it is to identify a real Huntsman bite versus another type of spider bite. Here’s what a typical Huntsman bite looks like:
- A small, red, swollen bump, sometimes with a slight white center.
- No ulceration or black tissue (unlike a Recluse bite).
- No fang marks—usually just a single raised spot.
Huntsman Spider Bite vs. Other Spider Bites
- Huntsman bite: Small red bump, mild swelling, pain fades quickly.
- Black Widow bite: Severe pain, muscle cramps, sweating.
- Brown Recluse bite: Starts as a red blister, turns into an open ulcer.
Conclusion
After living around so many Huntsman spiders, I’ve come to respect them rather than fear them. Yes, they are big and fast, and yes, they can bite, but the reality is that they are not dangerous. If you ever get bitten, treating it like a mild insect bite is usually enough. There’s no need to panic. Instead, take it as an opportunity to appreciate these fascinating, helpful creatures that keep the insect population in check.
