Spider bite or mosquito bite – how to recognize them?

Spider bite or mosquito bite – what are the differences and how to recognize them? The summer season is the period when it is almost impossible to avoid insect bites. People spend a lot of time outdoors. Bites from insects cause an inflammatory reaction and most often people feel pain, itching or swelling. Multiple cells are directed to the spot. Usually, this is the reaction of every organism. Sometimes the insect is harmless and sometimes dangerous. It is important to be able to recognize what insect has bitten us and what measures to take.

Spider bite or mosquito bite – what is the difference?

Mosquitoes live all over the world and there are different species of mosquitoes. As you know, it is only female mosquitoes that bite. Unlike ticks and spiders, mosquitoes do not inject venom into the skin. They punch a hole and drink blood. The skin’s reaction is a result of mosquito saliva going into the human body. An inflammatory reaction occurs and the bites look like swollen red spots. Most bites from mosquitoes are harmless, yet in tropical countries, they can be a serious problem due to the fact that the insects carry malaria.

Spiders inject venom into the human body from one or two “fangs”. When the marks disappear it is difficult to recognize whether it is a mosquito or a spider that bit you. Spider bites are more unpleasant than dangerous except for the bites of venomous spiders. This group includes tarantulas, black widow, red spider, etc. These spiders prefer warm climates. They usually live in dark and dry places and make webs in hidden places, where animals and people are rarely moving, for example dry wells, around pipes, sheds, etc. How to identify a spider bite? Unlike other insect bites, the ones, the spider ones may affect skin tissues. Usually, the skin is swelling, you may notice a red welt, possible skin damage, itching or rash, pain around the area, etc. Some people may feel nausea and vomiting, headache, fever, even muscle pain. Often, on the bite spot a red or purple blister appears.

Also read: Plants That Repel Spiders: 7 Natural Ways to Keep the Annoying Insects Away

How to treat mosquito and spider bite at home?

As we said, mosquito bites are rarely dangerous. They are unpleasant and itchy but there are many ways to treat them at home.

When you are bitten by a spider, no matter poisonous or not, there are several steps that you need to follow.

The bite should be washed carefully with lukewarm water and soap.

If a poisonous spider bite is suspected, it is advisable to limit the movement of the limb (if limb). This will reduce the speed of poison spread in the body.

If the bite is on hand or foot, it is advisable to make a tight bandage over the site to further reduce the spread of poison in the body. Make sure that the bandage does not stop blood circulation!

Apply an ice pack or a bottle of cold water on the skin.

Seek medical attention if the symptoms do not go away over time and in cases of bites from venomous species, you need to see a doctor as soon as possible.