Tarantula spider bite

This article describes the effects of a tarantula spider bite.

This article is for information only. DO NOT use it to treat or manage a tarantula spider bite. If you or someone you are with is bitten, call your local emergency number (such as 911), or your local poison center can be reached directly by calling the national toll-free Poison Help hotline (1-800-222-1222) from anywhere in the United States.

Poisonous Ingredient

The venom of tarantulas found in the United States is not considered dangerous, but it may cause allergic reactions .

Allergic reactions

Allergic reactions are sensitivities to substances called allergens that come into contact with the skin, nose, eyes, respiratory tract, and gastroin...

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Where Found

Tarantulas are found across the southern and southwestern regions of the United States. Some people keep them as pets.

Symptoms

If a tarantula bites you, you may have pain at the site of the bite similar to a bee sting. The area of the bite may become warm and red.

If you are allergic to tarantula venom, these symptoms may occur:

• Breathing difficulty

  Breathing difficulty

  Breathing difficulty may involve:Difficult breathingUncomfortable breathingFeeling like you are not getting enough air

  

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• Loss of blood flow to major organs (an extreme reaction)
• Eyelid puffiness
• Itchiness
• Low blood pressure
• Rapid heart rate

  Rapid heart rate

  A bounding pulse is a strong throbbing felt over one of the arteries in the body. It is due to a forceful heartbeat.

  

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• Skin rash
• Swelling at the site of the bite
• Swelling of the lips and throat

Home Care

Seek medical help right away.

Wash the area with soap and water. Place ice (wrapped in a clean cloth or other covering) on the site of the sting for 10 minutes and then off for 10 minutes. Repeat this process. If the person has blood flow problems, reduce the time the ice is used to prevent possible skin damage.

Before Calling Emergency

Have this information ready:

• Person's age, weight, and condition
• Type of spider, if possible
• Time of the bite
• Area of the body that was bitten

Poison Control

Your local poison center can be reached directly by calling the national toll-free Poison Help hotline (1-800-222-1222) from anywhere in the United States. They will give you further instructions.

Poison Help hotline

For a POISON EMERGENCY call:1-800-222-1222ANYWHERE IN THE UNITED STATESThis national hotline number will let you talk to experts in poisoning. This ...

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This is a free and confidential service. All local poison control centers in the United States use this national number. You should call if you have any questions about poisoning or poison prevention. It does NOT need to be an emergency. You can call for any reason, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

They will tell you if you should take the person to the hospital.

If possible, bring the spider to the emergency room for identification.

What to Expect at the Emergency Room

The health care provider will measure and monitor the person's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure. The wound and symptoms will be treated.

The person may receive:

• Blood and urine tests
• Breathing support, including oxygen
• Chest x-ray
• EKG (electrocardiogram, or heart tracing)
• Intravenous fluids (through a vein)
• Medicines to treat symptoms

Outlook (Prognosis)

Recovery usually takes about a week. Death from a tarantula spider bite in a healthy person is rare.